Business Details
Your Child's Future Starts Here
Waynflete School has been dedicated to providing an exceptional educational experience since its founding in 1898. Our unique approach combines rigorous academics with a warm, inclusive community where every student is known and valued. With small class sizes and a student-teacher ratio among the smallest in the region, we foster meaningful one-on-one connections between students and educators who are passionate about teaching. Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application, preparing students to become confident, independent learners. We believe in balancing academic challenge with the joy of discovery, encouraging students to explore their strengths in arts, athletics, and extracurricular activities.Our culture of trust and self-governance empowers students to take ownership of their learning and behavior. Located in Portland, Maine, we serve a diverse community with over 50% of students receiving tuition assistance. Our graduates emerge with the skills and confidence to thrive in college and beyond, equipped to make meaningful contributions to an ever-changing world. With a faculty of 75 full-time educators, including experts in their fields, we provide a supportive environment where curiosity and individuality are celebrated. Our commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion ensures that students learn from a wide range of perspectives, preparing them to be compassionate global citizens.
Services
Early Childhood Education
Lower School Programs
Middle School Curriculum
Upper School Academics
College Counseling
Visual Arts
Performing Arts
Athletics
Summer Programs
Enrichment Workshops
Highlights and features
- We offer small class sizes with personalized attention from experienced educators.
- Our curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, creativity, and real-world application.
- We provide a supportive community where every student is known and valued.
- Our graduates consistently gain admission to top colleges and universities.
- We foster a culture of trust, self-governance, and personal responsibility.
Associations and certifications
- National Association of Independent Schools
What people say
Lifelong friendships
Passionate teachers
Small class sizes
College preparation
Supportive community
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our early childhood program nurtures curiosity and foundational skills through play-based learning. Children aged 3-5 develop social-emotional awareness, creativity, and early literacy/math skills in a supportive environment. Teachers use developmentally appropriate practices to foster a lifelong love of learning while preparing students for future academic success.
College Counseling
Our comprehensive college counseling program supports students and families through the transition to higher education. Personalized guidance includes course selection, application strategy, essay coaching, and financial aid navigation. With 100% college placement and graduates attending top institutions nationwide, our counselors build relationships starting in grade 9 to ensure optimal matches for each student's goals.
Performing Arts
The performing arts program offers extensive opportunities in drama, dance, and music across all divisions. Students participate in productions ranging from Shakespeare to modern musicals while developing technical skills and creative expression. Our facilities include a professional theater and music studios, with instruction available from beginner to advanced levels in vocal, instrumental, and theatrical performance.
Athletics
Our athletics program fields 44 teams across 21 sports, emphasizing skill development, teamwork, and sportsmanship. From grade 6 intramurals to varsity competition, students build physical fitness and leadership through soccer, basketball, cross-country, and more. Our facilities include multiple playing fields, a fitness center, and courts, with coaching staff focused on holistic athlete development.
Summer Programs
Waynflete's summer programs provide engaging enrichment for children ages 4-16. Offerings include arts exploration, sports clinics, academic preparation, and STEM activities led by experienced educators. The programs emphasize fun, creativity, and skill-building in a safe environment that maintains our school's values of inclusion and experiential learning throughout the summer months.
People
Geoff Wagg
Head of School
Geoff Wagg leads Waynflete with a vision for educational excellence and community stewardship. With decades of independent school experience, he champions progressive pedagogy while maintaining academic rigor. His leadership focuses on innovation, inclusivity, and preparing students for meaningful lives in a changing world.
Ross Burdick
Athletic Director
Ross Burdick oversees Waynflete's comprehensive athletics program, emphasizing character development through sports. With extensive coaching experience, he manages 44 teams while promoting values of teamwork, discipline, and fair play. His approach balances competitive excellence with opportunities for all student-athletes.
Mary Jane Pagenstecher
Director of Performing Arts
Mary Jane Pagenstecher leads performing arts initiatives that empower student creativity. She oversees theater productions, music ensembles, and dance programs that emphasize artistic growth and self-expression. Her vision cultivates confidence and collaboration through diverse performance opportunities across all school divisions.
Jona Rice
Visual Arts Department Chair
Jona Rice directs the visual arts program with a focus on creative exploration and technical skill development. She fosters an environment where students experiment with diverse media while building artistic confidence. Her teaching philosophy celebrates individual expression and the learning value of creative risk-taking.
Kelsey H. Robinov
Director of Development
Kelsey H. Robinov leads Waynflete's fundraising initiatives, connecting community generosity with educational priorities. She manages annual giving, capital campaigns, and alumni engagement while emphasizing the transformative impact of philanthropy on student experiences and institutional sustainability.
Questions
What makes Waynflete's educational approach unique?
Our combination of small classes, experienced teachers, and personalized learning creates an environment where students thrive academically and personally while maintaining high academic standards.
What grade levels does Waynflete serve?
We offer programs from early childhood (age 3) through grade 12, providing a continuous educational journey with age-appropriate curricula at each division.
How does Waynflete support student diversity?
With 23% students of color and 39% receiving tuition assistance, we actively cultivate an inclusive community through curriculum, programming, and outreach initiatives.
What college preparation resources are available?
Our dedicated college counseling team provides personalized guidance from grade 9 through application, with 100% college placement and graduates attending top institutions nationwide.
What extracurricular opportunities exist?
We offer extensive arts, athletics, and clubs with 44 sports teams, performing arts productions, visual arts programs, and student-led organizations across all divisions.
How can families visit the campus?
Customized visits are available year-round, including open houses, shadow days, and private tours tailored to family interests in academics, arts, or athletics.
