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.
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
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/
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 ).
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. . .
Learn what happens during school breaks for boarding students who remain on campus, including housing, meals, activities, supervision, and support services.
A day in the life of a dorm parent: how residential faculty support, mentor, supervise, and guide students while building community and shaping the boarding school experience.