In 1973 Emanuel Pariser and Dora Lievow founded The Community School, an alternative high school for Maine youth who needed a second chance at earning their high school diplomas.
Each year, sixteen students lived at school while focusing on jobs, academics and life skills.
In 1994, Passages was developed to serve teen parents through a home-based, self-paced high school diploma program.
The Community School grew to serve more than forty students each year.
In 2011, The Community School merged with Opportunity Farm, becoming Wayfinder Schools.
We now serve up to 65 students per year, through our home-based high school program.
Over the years, we`ve become a state- and nationally-recognized model of alternative education that has helped hundreds of Maine teens realize their goal of earning their high school diplomas. Using social justice, strength-based and relational strategies, we reengage youth who are over-age and under-credited and at risk of not earning their high school diploma. We work hard to create a learning environment that`s warm, safe, accepting, and challenging.
Our curriculum is tailored to individual student needs and is immediately relevant and practical to everyday life.
Quick Stats (2025)
- School Type: Alternative School
- Grades: Inquire with school
- Enrollment: 65 students
- Average class size: 11 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Wayfinder Schools ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maine for:
Category
Attribute
School Overview
School Type
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Inquire with school
Year Founded
2011
Student Body
Total Students
65 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 16%
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
7 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
11 students
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Tuition Notes
Tuition for the Passages Program for teen parents is free.
Admissions Director
Cynthia Stevenson, Passages Program Director
Admissions Associate
Becki Anderson, School Admin
School Notes
- Wayfinder Schools' Passages Program serves students in eight Maine counties (Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, Sagadahoc, Androscoggin, York, Cumberland and Washington) who are facing challenges that keep them from attending traditional high school. We serve young parents and other Maine youth ages 14-20 who are seeking an alternative path to high school completion.
- In the Passages Program, teachers work one on one with their students at the student's residence. Those who complete our programs graduate with a regular high school diploma.
- Interested students can apply anytime by visiting our website at www.wayfinderschools.org/admissions
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Wayfinder Schools often compared to?
Wayfinder Schools is often viewed alongside schools like Blue Hill Harbor School by visitors of our site.
When is the application deadline for Wayfinder Schools?
The application deadline for Wayfinder Schools is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
Nearby Private Schools
Popular comparisons: Wayfinder Schools vs. Blue Hill Harbor School
The nearest high school to Wayfinder Schools is South Hope Christian School (3.1 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Ashwood Waldorf School (2.1 miles away)
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: PK-7 | 78 students 2.1 miles 180 Park St
Rockport, ME 04856
(207) 236-8021
Rockport, ME 04856
(207) 236-8021
2.1
PK-7
78
Grades: PK-3 | 78 students 3.1 miles 58 Elm St
Camden, ME 04843
(207) 236-2911
Camden, ME 04843
(207) 236-2911
3.1
PK-3
78
South Hope Christian School
(Christian)
Grades: NS-12 | 24 students 3.1 miles 142 Main Sreet
Hope, ME 04847
(207) 785-4426
Hope, ME 04847
(207) 785-4426
3.1
NS-12
24
Grades: PK-8 | 51 students 3.6 miles 73 Warrenton St
Rockport, ME 04856
(207) 596-6405
Rockport, ME 04856
(207) 596-6405
3.6
PK-8
51
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