Lee Academy

Lee Academy in Lee, Maine, is a private boarding school for high school students. The school has a 15:1 student-to-teacher ratio, making for small classes and individualized attention. The student population hovers around 200 students with nearly half being international students. Lee’s curriculum follows the “Understanding By Design” theory, which emphasizes critical thinking skills. The curriculum also integrates the mainstream Common Core practices as well as Maine Learning Results and Next Generation Learning Standards. Students have a core curriculum and numerous electives and AP classes to choose from.

Lee Academy isn’t just for Maine residents. Students come to Lee from over 20 countries and dozens of states. Students are immersed in the beauty and nature of Maine’s wilderness and also get to participate in fun trips to nearby cities and villages. There are academic clubs and athletics to participate in as well. Athletics options include baseball, basketball, softball, volleyball, tennis, wrestling, golf, and cross-country. The school has a boy’s preparatory basketball program for high school students and post-graduate students. The program is a competitive team with professional coaches, strength and conditioning, individual skills lessons, and recruiting opportunities.

Boarding students are placed in one of two residential halls. Each dormitory accommodates up to 60 students. Dormitories have common areas, Wi-Fi, and a dining hall.

Many students come from overseas, so the school has a strong English as a Second Language curriculum. International students participate in mainstream English-speaking classrooms. Lee Academy has satellite and sister campuses in China.

History of School: Lee Academy dates back to 1845, when it was first established. Lee Academy became a boarding school in the early 1900s. International students were welcomed to the academy in the 1950s. Established in 1845 as the Lee Normal Academy, the school has been central to the town since it was created. It was originally founded as a school for teachers. Buildings in the town of Lee were used by the school over the years including the Abial Cushman Store which is the oldest building in town and was used by Lee Academy as a boarding house. The Academy has been accepting boarding students since the early 1900s and international students since the 1950s. Classes are geared to the individual student and include exposure to the Maine wilderness and a lot of outdoor opportunities for sports and adventures.

Visiting the Campus: To visit the campus, prospective students and families must contact the Admissions office. The campus of Lee Academy includes two gyms and two dormitories as well as classrooms and the Dingley Auditorium. If you have a child who might be interested in attending, contact the administration and request a tour.