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Founded in 1970, School Around Us offers a holistic approach to education that nurtures the mind, body, heart and spirit, and encourages involvement in the natural and global worlds.
The small class size enables teachers to work flexibly with diverse learning styles and cultivate students' individual interests. Students come to SAU from communities throughout southern Maine.
School Around Us is very different from public schools in that
we are holistic in nature; we focus on the many aspects of a child
including academic, social, emotional, and physical skills.
Creative expression, theatrical skills, learning through free play
and environmental concerns are emphasized and honored in the daily
curriculum. With a teacher/student ratio of 1:8, children are able
to receive the benefits of individualization and camaraderie with
their peers and teachers.SAU`s curriculum includes
traditional academic subjects as well as "theme" classes where
students explore subjects in-depth for up to eight weeks.
Creativity and hands-on learning are central to SAU's approach.
Students spend a lot of time outdoors; the school is situated on
six acres that include pine woods, a brook, trails and access to a
pond for swimming and skating. SAU parents have significant
involvement in the school's operations.
Our family has had an amazing, wonderful journey with SAU. The school and community have worked out great for our two kids, one who graduated last year the other about to start 6th grade in 2020. We love the long time spent running around outside and education which covers not only the ABC's, but respect for others and caring for the environment. Thank you SAU!
- Posted by Parent - Seth
51/24/2020
With 6.5 years at SAU (so far), it's been amazing to be part of a school that values its teachers, students and parents - as well as our greater community and our planet. Young people here help determine how their time is spent, so they maintain their love and interest for learning. Play and free exploration goes a long way to keep the young people in touch with their wisdom.
- Posted by Parent - Delilah
51/23/2020
I am so happy we found School Around Us for our daughter. She is a curious, energetic kid who benefits from the freedom of playtime, the music/all-school play, and the incredibly caring teachers.
- Posted by Parent - Meagan
512/17/2019
SAU has been a wonderful experience for our family so far. This is our first year and we are just loving the way our daughter feels at home in this school. She is growing so much and discovering more about herself because of the holistic approach of the school.
- Posted by Parent - Cedar
55/17/2016
After almost 4 full years at SAU I couldn't be happier with my child's education. His teachers have been outstanding. He has been educated as a whole person, holistically, and having a fabulous time. He's 13, happy, and loves school and I like that.
- Posted by Parent - kimem
55/17/2016
We are new to SAU and I can honestly say my son has never been happier at school. Although it's not academically "rigorous" the pressures of public school were too much for him. The curriculum is somewhat traditional (math, reading, writing) but the kids are also given choices in areas like science and history so that they will be interested in what they are learning. There's a lot of play time outside which is great for my son who is very active. There's some access to extra-curriculum activities (eg, guitar lessons, soccer) but not as much as at a larger school. Parents work hard for the school, which can be a challenge but keeps tuition costs down. For us it is well worth it.
- Posted by Parent - 1s2bu
51/29/2015
I love that creative expression and developing social and emotional skills are valued just as much as language arts, math and science. I am so grateful for the astonishing teachers!
- Posted by Parent - sally
51/31/2013
Both of my children went through this school from grades K-8 and it was a fabulous experience for both! My children are well rounded, responsible, intelligent kids who have a strong voice and desire to learn. They are currently both in High School and are doing great in another local private school, but I am certain they will do well anywhere! The teachers are fabulous at SAU and know the children as people and treat them respectfully and lovingly. Music and art are strong focuses and academics are learned in hands on meaningful ways.
- Posted by Parent - megmu
51/31/2013
School Around Us is a wonderful school. My son graduated last year and is doing excellent in high school. I know that SAU contributed to his quest for knowledge, critical thinking skills and solid sense of self. He knows his passions as a learner. Thank you SAU.
- Posted by Parent - xande
Endorse School Around Us. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
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