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)
Top Rankings
Gould Academy ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 107 schools) for:
Category
Attribute
Community Size
Student Attention
School History
School Overview
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
Learning Difference Programs
Neurodiversity
n/a
Year Founded
1836
1909
Campus Size
456 acres
125 acres
Colors
White, Blue
School Calendar
Student Body
Enrollment
230 students
300 students
% Students of Color
4%
25%
% International Students
20%
20%
% Students Boarding
60%
70%
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No
Academics and Faculty
Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Less than once a month
Weekly
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
11
17
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
73%
70%
Summer Program Details
Tuition Cost
Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
(Boarding Students)
$71,000
$59,900
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
(Day Students)
$53,250
$33,500
Admissions
Application Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
97%
58%
Director of Admissions
Kristen Kaschub
Application URL
AP / Advanced Courses
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
11
17
Courses
AB CalculusBC Calculus
BiologyChemistry
English LanguageEnglish Literature
Government ComparativeHonors Senior Math(topics include Calculus BC)
PhysicsStastistics
US History
Sports
# Interscholastic Sports Offered
16
16
Extracurriculars
Total Extracurricular Organizations
14
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Blue KeyCommunity Service Club
Global Student OrganizationGould Goes Green
Arts and Music Programs:
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Farm and ForestMaine Adaptive Ski Coaching
On-Snow Instructing ProgramRecreational Skiing
College Matriculation
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
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
- Gould Academy accreditations: TABS, NEASC, NAIS
- 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/
- School Motto: Gould Academy guides students to be creative, courageous and resilient and to lead lives of fulfillment and purpose.
- School Mascot: Husky
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Gould Academy cost?
Gould Academy's tuition is approximately $71,000 for boarding students and $53,250 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 58%.
Who are famous alumni from Gould Academy?
Gould Academy famous alumni include: Lauren Jacobs ’03, PhD, Phil Coupe ’86 and Troy Murphy '10.
What sports does Gould Academy offer?
Gould Academy offers 16 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cycling, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Nordic Skiing, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer and Tennis.
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), Small average class sizes 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
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'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. . .
Recent Articles
Famous Boarding School Alumni & Parent Lessons
Discover what famous boarding school alumni teach parents about leadership, resilience, and opportunity in 2026.
Boarding Life for Student Athletes in 2026
Explore how boarding schools help student athletes balance academics and competitive sports in 2026 with structure, support, and recruiting guidance.
Supporting First-Generation Students in Boarding Schools
A 2026 guide to supporting first-generation students in boarding schools, with strategies for access, retention, and family engagement.




