Boarding School Review - Established 2003

Gould Academy

5.00 (2 reviews)
39 Church Street Bethel ME 04217
Tel: (207) 824-7777
www.gouldacademy.org
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 210 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $77,584
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $55,396
  • Acceptance rate: 97%
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
Gould Academy Photo #4 - Competitive Alpine Skiing teams have expert leaders who have coached at the U.S. Ski Team level. You will get faster and become a better ski racer at Gould, but you'll also learn what it's like to be a part of a supportive team.
Gould Academy Photo #5 - As a freestyle skier at Gould you can compete in rail jams in the park, and all over the country, or you can join the All Mountain team, a non-competitive group that enjoys every acre of terrain Sunday River has from groomers to glades.
Gould Academy Photo #6 - Our 40-kilometer Pine Hill trail system begins just steps from campus and serves as our daily training ground and race venue. Students also benefit from access to an additional 500 kilometers of groomed Nordic terrain across western Maine-making Gould a true epicenter of competitive cross-country skiing in the East.
Gould Academy Photo #7 - Gould is located in the historic town of Bethel, Maine, which is considered one of Maine's most beautiful mountain villages. Just minutes from our partners at Sunday River Ski Resort.
Gould Academy Photo #8 - Our experiential Ninth Grade Four Point international trip takes students to developing countries such as Senegal, Peru, and Ecuador. Students go on homestays and immerse themselves in a new culture, tied to their World Languages and Humanities classes.
Gould Academy Photo #9 - Experiential, hands-on learning isn't limited to science. Students in Ski & Snowboard Building, create their own boards and skis from scratch.
Gould Academy Photo #10 - Gould Academy offers the only Ski Patrol Program recognized by the National Ski Patrol. Once our students earn their 'jackets,' they are certified to work for the National Ski Patrol at any mountain in the U.S.
Gould Academy Photo #11 - There are a wide array of STEM opportunities at Gould from being part of the NASA Champion Engineering Team, to environmental science research in the vast wilderness that surrounds campus. You'll have the chance to work in a professional geology lab at the world-famous Maine Mineral & Gem Museum just steps from campus.
Gould Academy Photo #12 - With 11 Steinway pianos on campus, Gould holds the All Steinway School distinction, shared with other schools such as the Yale School of Music and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Through state-of-the-art technology, Gould also offers a distance learning program in partnership with the Manhattan School of Music.
Gould Academy Photo #13 - From mountain biking and lacrosse, to soccer and skateboarding, to equestrian and basketball. We offer a very diverse selection of competitive sports so that each student may discover or continue to develop their passion.
Gould Academy Photo #14 - The town of Bethel, Maine is full of restaurants and shops, like Gemini Cafe, where students grab coffee and pastries between classes.
Gould Academy Photo #15 - Mountain Day happens every fall at Gould. We pack up the entire school and hike a mountain together, taking a break from classes and devices.
Gould Academy Photo #16 - Our beautiful 456 acre campus in the heart of the western Maine mountains is a gateway to outdoor experiential learning, research, and play. The Bethel, Maine downtown is a gem offering coffee shops, restaurants, and retailers all within walking distance of campus.
Gould Academy Photo #17 - Many of Gould's science classes take advantage of the natural world surrounding campus, doing field research in the lakes, rivers, and mountains that are nearby.
Gould Academy Photo #18 - There's more to Gould Athletics than just snow! Gould competes in the Maine Association of Independent School Athletic Directors (MAISAD) athletic conference in Soccer, Field Hockey, Lacrosse, Tennis, Baseball, Cross Country, Golf, and more.
Gould Academy Photo #19 - During Junior Four Point, eleventh-graders go on a winter camping expedition in the White Mountain Nationial Forest and Western Mountains of Maine. The experience teaches them how to interact as a team, and that they are capable of doing difficult things.
Gould Academy Photo #20 - The Visual Arts at Gould are all housed within the Art Cottage, a dedicated space that features private studios for serious students building a portfolio for art school, a blacksmithing forge, silversmithing studio, and a ceramics studio.
Gould Academy Photo #21 - Rock climbing, hiking, ice climbing canoeing and variety of other outdoor experiences abound in the White Mountains.
Gould Academy Photo #22 - You'll make friends for life and learn lifeskills like time management in the dorms, preparing you for college, and life beyond Gould.
Gould Academy Photo #23 - The Gould Golf Team competes and practices just a short walk from campus at the Bethel Inn & Resort, a championship golf course with stunning mountain views.
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About the School

  • Gould Academy is not just a school.
  • It's a journey of self-discovery.
  • Nestled in the beautiful mountains of Maine, Gould fosters intellectual exploration and personal growth through a unique blend of rigorous academics and experiential learning.
  • Here, students challenge their assumptions in a safe, nurturing environment, whether it's through our renowned individual sports programs, cutting-edge Maker Space, or our one-of-a-kind experiential program.
  • At Gould, we don't just prepare students to earn a diploma-we prepare them for life.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 210 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $77,584
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $55,396
  • Acceptance rate: 97%
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Upcoming Events and News

  • The Symbiotic Relationship between Gould Academy and Hurricane Island - 05/10/2026
    Gould has been visiting Hurricane Island in early May since 2015 and is one of the first school groups to visit under the stewardship of the Hurricane Island Center for ...moreScience and Leadership. Even though we took a couple of years off during COVID, it was obvious this week that Gould has made an impact on Hurricane in the most positive ways. The staff commented on how much they love having Gould on the island and how great it is that we are always the first school group of the season. hide
  • Gould Academy Students Win NASA Rover Challenge with Perfect Run - 04/14/2026
    After months of planning, designing, building, and testing, the Gould Academy Engineering Team earned first place in the remote-control high school division of NASA's 2026 Human Exploration Rover Challenge at ...morethe Marshall Space Flight Center in Huntsville, Alabama. hide
  • Prepared for the Moment That Matters - 04/05/2026
    Gould is one of sixteen institutions featured in Elevate: 16 Boarding Schools and the Practice of Holistic Education, a new collaborative volume exploring the practice and structure of holistic education ...morein independent boarding schools. The book brings together institutional reflections on mission, community, and character. The following article is Gould's chapter, authored by Head of School Tao Smith '90, P'23,'28. hide
  • Defining Experiential Learning: Real Responsibility, Real Confidence - 01/12/2026
    At Gould Academy, we often talk about experiential education - but every so often, a student's story puts real meaning behind the phrase. It becomes less of an educational philosophy ...moreand more of a lived truth.
    There's a familiar message that young adults often hear as they grow into themselves, especially the ones with visible talent: Pick one thing. Specialize. Narrow your focus. Choose your lane.     hide
  • What We Carry: Lessons from 40 Years of Junior Four Point - 07/10/2025
    The packs and snowshoes have improved a little over the years, and we now have protocols for emergency communication that weren't in place in the 80s and 90s, but otherwise, ...morethe trips have mostly remained the same. It's nine days away from technology in the students' pockets. Nine days away from academic pressure and fully-packed daily schedules. Nine days that will change their lives. hide

Top Rankings

Gould Academy ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 94 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Community Size
Small student body (number of students)
School History
Oldest founding date

School Overview

2026 School Data
Gould Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12, PG
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Yes
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Neurodiversity
n/a
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1836
1906
Campus Size
456 acres
130 acres
Last Day of School
Thu. May 27, 2027
School Motto
Gould Academy guides students to be creative, courageous and resilient and to lead lives of fulfillment and purpose.

Student Body

Enrollment
210 students
319 students
% Students of Color
4%
27%
% International Students
30%
21%
% Students Boarding
70%
65%
Average SAT Score
1200
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Average ACT score
25
(Out of 36)
*National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Less than once a month
Weekly
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Mountain casual
Casual
Average Class Size
11 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
73%
73%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Yes
Summer Program Details
View Summer Program Details
Accreditations
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
# of AP Courses Offered
11
18
Courses
AB CalculusBC Calculus
BiologyChemistry
English LanguageEnglish Literature
Government ComparativeHonors Senior Math(topics include Calculus BC)
PhysicsStastistics
US History

Tuition & Financial Aid

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$77,584
$71,500
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$55,396
$40,400
% Students on Financial Aid
40%
40%
Merit Scholarships Offered
Yes
Weekly

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Admissions

Application Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)
Yes
No
Acceptance Rate
97%
64%
Director of Admissions
Kathleen Willis
Application URL
Online Application

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered
22
17
Sports
Alpine SkiingBaseball
Cross CountryCross Country Running
CyclingEquestrian
Field HockeyFreestyle Skiing
GolfKayaking
LacrosseMountain Biking
MountaineeringNordic Skiing
OrienteeringRiding
Rock ClimbingSkiing
SnowboardingSoccer
TennisUltimate Frisbee
Colors
White, Blue
School Mascot
Husky

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
17
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Blue KeyCertified Ski Patrol Program
Community Service ClubEngineering Club
Global Student OrganizationGould Goes Green
Math TeamModel UN
World QuestYearbook


Arts and Music Programs:
BandChorus
Drama Club


Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramural Ultimate Frisbee ClubMaine Adaptive Ski Coaching
On-Snow Instructing ProgramRecreational Skiing

College Matriculation

College Acceptance Rate
99%
10 Most Popular College Choices  (# Enrolled)
St. Lawrence University
13
University of Vermont
10
Boston University
9
Saint Michael's College
9
University of Colorado, Boulder
9
Drexel University
8
Suffolk University
8
University of Main
8
Bates
7
Hobart William Smith
7
View Matriculation Data

School Notes

  • Private High School for Boys and Girls
  • Grades 9-12, Postgraduate and Winter Term for Grades 7-8
  • Boarding School in the Mountains of Maine
  • Founded in 1836 and located in the historic mountain village of Bethel, Maine, Gould celebrates winter through an unparalleled partnership with Sunday River Resort. Students experience the mountain by becoming ski patrollers and instructors, sliding on rails and racing through gates, or discovering a lifelong passion by simply learning to ski and ride. We flip our daily schedule in the winter and begin our days on snow to take advantage of the best conditions, returning to campus for academics in the afternoon. Sunday River is one of the largest ski and snowboard resorts in the Eastern United States, and we explore every acre of terrain.
  • Academics at Gould are both challenging and inspiring. Our innovative faculty offers unique and intentional experiential opportunities you won't find at other schools. Hand-build your own skis or snowboard. Pilot underwater robots in the Marlon Family IDEAS Center, Gould's maker space. Investigate the natural world surrounding campus in Environmental Science. Develop your artistic passions, hammering iron in the blacksmithing forge. Become a world traveler with your ninth-grade classmates, and go on a winter camping expedition in the White Mountains in our signature Four Point Program.
  • Gould Academy delivers an exceptional residential boarding school experience. The dorms are an extension of the classroom where students learn to live independently and engage with a vibrant community. At the heart of every Gould journey is a network of caring adults to mentor students and help shape their future. Advisors, coaches, teachers, and dorm parents become trusted adults that students can depend on.
  • We prepare students for the biggest test there is. Life. 
  • LD types supported: Neurodiversity
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Lauren Jacobs ’03, PhD - Outdoor educator. Read more at https://www.gouldacademy.org/alumni/connect/an-outside-chance
    • Phil Coupe ’86 - Business owner. Read more at https://www.gouldacademy.org/alumni/connect/a-revolution-around-the-sun
    • Troy Murphy '10 - Olympian. Watch his commencement address with Donnie Pelletier at https://www.facebook.com/GouldAcademy/videos/2019-gould-academy-commencement-speeches/270561227086095/
    • Bri Schnorrbusch '24 - US Snowboard Team, 2x World Cup Top 10 finishes, silver medal at Junior World Championship. Read More: https://www.usskiandsnowboard.org/athletes/bri-schnorrbusch
    • Desiree Plata ’99, PhD - Environmental Engineer and MIT Professor. Read more: https://cee.mit.edu/people_individual/desiree-plata/
Source: Verified school update
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Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Gould Academy cost?
Gould Academy's tuition is approximately $77,584 for boarding students and $55,396 for day students.
What is the acceptance rate of Gould Academy?
The acceptance rate of Gould Academy is 97%, which is higher than the boarding school average of 64%.
Who are famous alumni from Gould Academy?
Gould Academy famous alumni include: Lauren Jacobs ’03, PhD, Phil Coupe ’86, Troy Murphy '10, Bri Schnorrbusch '24 and Desiree Plata ’99, PhD.
What sports does Gould Academy offer?
Gould Academy offers 22 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Cycling, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, Orienteering, Riding, Rock Climbing, Skiing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis and Ultimate Frisbee.
Does Gould Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Gould Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What is Gould Academy's ranking?
Gould Academy ranks among the top 20 boarding schools for Small student body (number of students) and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Gould Academy?
The application deadline for Gould Academy is Feb. 1 / rolling (applications are due on Feb. 1 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

Alumni Reviews Review School

Review
Description

Class of 2003
5.00
University of Rhode Island
Gould Academy has an incredible history of experiential learning that continues on to the present. Learning happens in the classroom, but it also happens outside of it. From the 4 Point programs, most notably, to. . .

Class of 2011
5.00
Stetson University
Gould Academy's four-point program is what sets it apart from other schools. This program is defined by what each grade does during the weeks between 2nd trimester and Spring break. Grade 9 embarks on an. . .
Submit Review for Gould Academy
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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 210 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $77,584
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $55,396
  • Acceptance rate: 97%
  • Average class size: 11 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update
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