Gould Academy (2026 Profile)

5.00 (2 reviews)

Tel: (207) 824-7777

39 Church Street
Bethel, ME 04217

www.gouldacademy.org

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Gould Academy Photo #1 - Rock climbing, hiking, ice climbing canoeing and variety of other outdoor experiences abound in the White Mountains.

Gould Academy Photo #3 - 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 #5 - 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 #6 - A rigorous academic curriculum is at the core of the Gould Academy experience. Our students are innovators, creators, risk-takers, and complex problem solvers.

Gould Academy Photo #7 - 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 #8 - 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 #11 - 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 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 (2026)

Grades: 9-12, PG
Enrollment: 230 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 - 05/11/2026
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 - 04/15/2026
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 - 04/06/2026
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 - 01/13/2026
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 97 schools) for:

School Overview

| 2025 School Data

Gould Academy

Boarding School Avg.

School Focus

College Preparatory

Grades Offered

9-12, PG

9-12

School Type

Co-ed

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Supports Learning Differences (LD)

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Neurodiversity

n/a

Religious Affiliation

Non-denominational

Year Founded

1836

1907

Campus Size

456 acres

130 acres

First Day of School

Mon. Aug 31, 2026

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

230 students

320 students

% Students of Color

27%

% International Students

30%

20%

% Students Boarding

70%

66%

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

Academic Profile

Saturday Classes

Yes

Frequency of Saturday Classes

Less than once a month

Weekly

Classroom Dress Code

Casual
Mountain casual

Casual

Average Class Size

11 students

* National Avg. »18

Student-Teacher Ratio

6:1

7:1

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

ESL Courses Offered

Yes

% Faculty with Advanced Degree

73%

Summer Program Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

View Summer Program Details

Accreditations

The Association of Boarding Schools (TABS)
New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered

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

$69,500

Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)

$55,396

$38,700

% Students on Financial Aid

40%

Merit Scholarships Offered

Yes

Admissions

Application Deadline

Feb. 1 / rolling

Jan. 15

Accepts Standardized Application (SAO and/or Gateway)

Yes

Average Percentile SSAT

n/a%

Acceptance Rate

97%

64%

Director of Admissions

Kristen Kaschub
Kathleen Willis

Sports

# Interscholastic Sports Offered

Colors

White, Blue

School Mascot

Husky

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations

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

University of Vermont

Boston University

Saint Michael's College

University of Colorado, Boulder

Drexel University

Suffolk University

University of Main

Bates

Hobart William Smith

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 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

Gould Academy Alumni #1
Class of 2003
5.003/12/2020
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. . .

Gould Academy Alumni #2
Class of 2011
5.0012/5/2016
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. . .