Statute (Title 20-A MRS, Chapter 219) requires that the tuition rates for the current school year are computed using the per-pupil cost of the previous year for each school administrative unit (SAU).
How are the Public School Tuition Rates calculated? Maine Public School Tuition Calculation
When will the tuition rates be available for the current school year?
The calculation cannot be completed until all of the final Quarter 4 financial data for the previous school year has been submitted to the State for every School Administrative Unit; once that data is received, the tuition rates for the upcoming/current school year will be calculated and posted after December 1st.
What can I do about the tuition payment until the tuition rates for the current school year are available?
The tuition rate calculated for the previous year can be used as an estimate for the current year until the new calculation is available.
History of State Average Public Tuition Rates
Frequently Asked Questions about Private School Approval for Receipt of Public Funds
School Year 2020-21 through 2024-25 Secondary Tuition Rates for Public Schools
School Year 2020-21 through 2024-25 Elementary Tuition Rates for Public Schools
2025-2026 Tuition Rates for Public Schools
- Public School - Elementary Tuition - Available in Mid-December 2025
- Public School - Secondary Tuition - Available in Mid-December 2025
2025-2026 Tuition Rates for Private Schools Approved for Public Tuition Funds
Approved Elementary (K-8) Private Schools in Maine per Title 20-A, §5804
| Municipality | Elementary School | Average Public State Elementary Tuition | Date of Approval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bath | Brightfield School | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/15/2025 |
| Carrabassett Valley | Carrabassett Valley Academy | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Hebron | Hebron Academy | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Freeport | Maine Coast Waldorf School | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Chelsea | Stepping Stones Montessori | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/15/2025 |
| Stow | Summit Achievement | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Mt Desert | The Community School of Mt Desert Island | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Newry | The Eddy Middle School | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
2025-2026 Private Secondary (9-12) Schools Approved for Public Tuition Funds
Note: In accordance with 20-A MRSA Section 5806
- Maine DOE will calculate and provide the State Average Elementary and Secondary Public School Tuition amounts per Title 20-A, §5804 and §5805, respectively.
- Insured Value Factor (IVF) amounts are to be calculated by the Private Schools and is currently capped at 10% of the State Average Secondary Public School Tuition amount.
- While it is the responsibility of the private school seeking to charge tuition to calculate the MAT – the maximum amount the private school may charge- the actual amount to be paid by the school administrative unit (SAU) is subject to negotiation between the private school and the SAU.
Approved Secondary (9-12) Private Schools in Maine per Title 20-A, §5806
| Municipality | Secondary School | Average Public State Secondary Tuition | Date of Approval |
|---|---|---|---|
| Houlton | Carleton Project - Houlton | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Carrabassett Valley | Carrabassett Valley Academy | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Portland | Cheverus High School | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| South China | Erskine Academy | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Hebron | Hebron Academy | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Wiscasset | Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Freeport | Maine Coast Waldorf Academy | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Stow | Summit Achievement | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| Kennebunk | The New School | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
| East Machias | Washington Academy | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |
Approved Secondary (9-12) Private Schools outside of Maine per Title 20-A, §5806
| Municipality | State | School | Average Public State Secondary Tuition | Date of Approval |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Wellesley | MA | Dana Hall School | Available in Mid-December 2025 | 09/09/2025 |