As a Maine town academy, we independently serve our wonderful communities on this peninsula in Downeast, Maine. The people here are kind, welcoming, and have been truly committed to the support of their school since foundation year.
George Stevens Academy is driven to provide the best possible experience for all our students, both as individuals and as a collective student body. I encourage you to view some of our student testimonials so that you can hear directly from them what they liked best about GSA. Our students are truly remarkable, and they articulate their perspectives so well.
Choosing a boarding school can be an overwhelming process. There is so much information available about so many different schools. Here at George Stevens Academy, we do all we can to streamline the paperwork, eliminate the guesswork, and meet each family with a smile and a kind word so that you can focus more intently on the attributes of our school that best suit the academic, social, athletic, and extracurricular desires and goals set for your child.
Our admissions staff certainly will be pleased to visit with you on campus, during our travels, by phone, or by Skype, as you will have many questions and concerns as you work to find the best possible school for your child’s educational journey.
So, take your time, peruse the pages of our website, send us an email or give us a call, and know that we are here to help you and your child make one of the most important decisions of their young lives. We believe we are a great school! Thank you for giving us the opportunity to make you a believer, too.
Our Coastal Campus
George Stevens Academy is in the heart of Blue Hill, a small, picturesque town that reaches from Blue Hill Bay to Blue Hill Mountain and beyond.
Our Students
Students from local families who wish to participate in GSA’s academic, athletics, and arts programs make up the largest part of our student body of about 320. As many as 40 boarding students come from cities around the world both for those first-class programs and for an authentic American experience in a clean, safe community.
Our students’ family members work in small and large businesses, education, the fisheries, residential and commercial construction, the law, architecture, agriculture, engineering, entertainment, and other fields. As our students build friendships with peers from these diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and walks of life, they join a friendly, close-knit student body where differences are strengths and everyone can know everyone else. Learning to work with people from other walks of life prepares our students well for college, the work world, and membership in other communities.
Our Comprehensive Coursework
Our core curriculum ensures that students graduate with a well-rounded education in the language arts, social studies, mathematics, sciences, and the fine and industrial arts. Students also pursue their own interests by taking elective classes, like Forensics, Philosophy, Maine Writers, Outdoor Leadership, Culinary Arts, Earthworks, and Ocean Studies, and by creating unique learning experiences through our Independent Study Internship Program, Alternative Course Contracts, and other opportunities.
Our Extracurricular Programs
GSA students discover their voices and talents by competing on our athletics teams, by performing in our award-winning music groups, by taking part in our other excellent fine and performing arts programs, by participating in clubs and activities like The Outing Club, the Math Team, and Spanish Club, and by developing their leadership skills as student councilors, student proctors, and student ambassadors.
Our Admissions Policy
George Stevens Academy encourages applications from students who are open to new challenges and experiences and would like to be part of a vibrant learning community.
GSA admits students of any race, religion, gender, national origin, or sexual orientation in the rights, privileges, programs and activities available to students at the school. GSA does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, financial aid, or any other programs administered by the school.
Boarding Students
We accept applications on a rolling basis for admission for the fall and winter semesters. To apply, click on the application link on the right. A campus visit and interview are highly recommended for all applicants. Skype interviews will be arranged for those who cannot visit. Contact the admissions office to arrange an interview.
Your application will be complete when GSA has received
If you have questions about applying, contact Michael Foster, Director of Admissions.
Day Students from Sending Towns**
GSA admits all qualified students from Blue Hill, Brooklin, Brooksville, Castine, Penobscot, Orland, Sedgwick, and Surry who can benefit from our programs and would like to be part of a vibrant learning community. We encourage every high school-aged student from these towns to explore George Stevens Academy's traditional and nontraditional academic programs; athletics, arts, and other extracurricular activities; and our small and inclusive school community, and to consider enrolling.
Students from other sending towns also may apply to attend George Stevens Academy. To find out if your town offers school choice, ask your school district or contact Christie Snow, Admissions Officer.
For more about admission to George Stevens Academy, or to visit the school and spend a day shadowing a student, inquire online by clicking on the GSA logo to the right or by contacting Christie Snow, Admissions Officer.
Day Students from Other Towns
Residents of towns with their own high schools or that have contracted with another high school still may apply to attend George Stevens Academy. The tuition for those students is the responsibility of their parents/guardians. Financial aid may be available. See the Tuition, Fees, and Financial Aid page for more information.
**Towns without their own high schools are required by Maine law to pay tuition to accredited schools for their residents. Some towns enter contracts with specific high schools; others allow their residents to attend the high school of their choice. The state sets the maximum tuition these towns pay, and George Stevens Academy accepts that as payment-in-full from "sending" or "tuitioning" towns.
A campus visit and interview are highly recommended for all applicants. If you'd like to visit, contact Admissions Director Michael S. Foster to set up a tour and interview.
Transportation
There are two airports nearby.
There are car rental agencies and taxi services at both airports. At Bangor International Airport, there are many to choose from, listed under "Ground Transportation" on the website. The school typically uses A Kings Way Cab Company for taxi service to and from BIA. The Bar Harbor Airport lists two taxi services on it's website (also under "Ground Transportation").
Though they are more common in major cities, according to their websites, Uber and Lyft do operate in Maine. Concord Coach Lines operates bus service from Boston to Bangor, which is about an hour's drive from GSA..
Lodging
For lodging options in the Bangor area, about an hour from GSA, visit the Area Information section of the Bangor International Airport website. There are links there for the aiport hotel and for the Bangor Area Chamber of Commerce, which has extensive lists of places to stay.
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