Gould Academy Photo #7 - With 11 Steinway pianos on campus, Gould holds the All Steinway School distinction, shared with other schools such as the Yale School of Music and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Through state-of-the-art technology, Gould also offers a distance learning program in partnership with the Manhattan School of Music.

Gould Academy

39 Church Street
Bethel, ME 04217
previous
Gould Academy Photo #1 - A rigorous academic curriculum is at the core of the Gould Academy experience. Our students are innovators, creators, risk-takers, and complex problem solvers.
next
Gould Academy Photo #1 - A rigorous academic curriculum is at the core of the Gould Academy experience. Our students are innovators, creators, risk-takers, and complex problem solvers.
Gould Academy Photo #2 - Gould Academy offers the only Ski Patrol Program recognized by the National Ski Patrol. Once our students earn their 'jackets,' they are certified to work for the National Ski Patrol at any mountain in the U.S.
Gould Academy Photo #3 - Collaboration is a required and sought after skill in the 21st century work place. Our students graduate with a keen understanding of how to be independent thinkers within the context of teamwork. The result is powerful.
Gould Academy Photo #4 - The Gould Academy Competition Program (GACP) trains high level winter student-athletes in alpine, freestyle, Nordic, and snowboarding. Our student-athletes enjoy dedicated training facilities at Sunday River Ski Resort, six miles from campus. You'll find our GACP athletes competing all over the world.
Gould Academy Photo #5 - From mountain biking and lacrosse, to soccer and skateboarding, to equestrian and basketball. We offer a very diverse selection of competitive sports so that each student may discover or continue to develop their passion.
Gould Academy Photo #6 - Our beautiful 456 acre campus in the heart of the western Maine mountains is a gateway to outdoor experiential learning, research, and play. The Bethel, Maine downtown is a gem offering coffee shops, restaurants, and retailers all within walking distance of campus.
Gould Academy Photo #7 - Rock climbing, hiking, ice climbing canoeing and variety of other outdoor experiences abound in the White Mountains.
Gould Academy Photo #8 - With 11 Steinway pianos on campus, Gould holds the All Steinway School distinction, shared with other schools such as the Yale School of Music and the Oberlin Conservatory of Music. Through state-of-the-art technology, Gould also offers a distance learning program in partnership with the Manhattan School of Music.
Gould Academy Photo #9 - From painting to blacksmithing, Gould offers an incredible array of visual art courses. Continue your artistic passions or discover the artist within you that you never knew was there. Art students go on to study at the Savannah College of Art, Rhode Island School of Design and School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Elevate your education at Gould Academy, nestled in the picturesque mountain village of Bethel, Maine, since 1836.
Our remarkable On-Snow program, in partnership with Sunday River Resort, is unparalleled.
Students embrace the slopes as ski patrollers, instructors, enthusiasts, and competitive athletes taking advantage of Sunday River's expansive terrain.
Academics are equally extraordinary, with innovative faculty providing experiential learning like hand-building skis and snowboards and investigating the natural world surrounding campus in environmental science.
The Four Point Program delivers a holistic education, featuring world travel and cultural immersion as ninth-graders and a transformative winter camping expedition in eleventh grade.
Gould fosters independence in our exceptional residential environment.  Dorm life extends the classroom, shaping students into self-reliant individuals within a vibrant community.
With a network of caring mentors guiding every Gould journey, students reach their peak potential.

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 210 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $71,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $53,250
  • Acceptance rate: 97%
  • Average class size: 9 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

School News

  • Gould Alum Peyton Meader ’22 on MIT All-Indigenous Rocket Launch Team - 11/17/2023
    Peyton Meader '22 is a member of Massachusetts Institute of Technology's (MIT) first all-Indigenous Rocket Team in Cambridge, MA, where she is a second-year chemical engineering student. The team, Doya, ...morerecently placed second in the First Nations Launch international student competition with a blast that reached a height of 1,290 meters. Peyton was featured prominently in an article for the MIT News and on the MIT website, and the story was reported locally by The Bethel Citizen. We're following Peyton's career closely and are among her biggest fans. Congrats, Peyton! hide
  • Gould Mountain Biking Takes Second Place at New England Championships, First in Eastern Division - 11/02/2023
    The Gould Mountain Bike team had an exceptional season this fall, finishing in second place overall last week at the Northern New England Mountain Bike (NNEMTB) Championships and first place ...morein the Eastern Division. Thirty-two teams from three divisions and almost 500 racers competed on the challenging, singletrack-heavy course at Holderness School. Lucie Jezkova '25 was the top Junior Girl racer in the league, a fantastic feat considering she is in her first season. Parker Nellis '25 took the second spot for Junior Boys. hide

Top Rankings

Gould Academy ranks among the top 10 schools with 200-400 students (out of 98 schools) for:

Category
Attribute
Student Attention
Offering Breadth
School History

School Overview

Definition of Terms | 2024 School Data
Gould Academy
Boarding School Avg.
School Focus
College Preparatory
College Preparatory
Grades Offered
9-12, PG
8-12
School Type
Co-ed
Co-ed
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Supports Learning Differences (LD)
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
ADHD / Dyslexia / Language-based or Mild Learning Differences
n/a
Religious Affiliation
Non-denominational
Year Founded
1836
1906
Campus Size
456 acres
125 acres

Student Body

Enrollment
210 students
315 students
% Students of Color
4%
26%
% International Students
23%
20%
% Students Boarding
70%
70%
Average SAT Score
1220
(Out of 1600)
* National Avg. »View
Offers Post-Grad Year
Yes
No

Academics and Faculty

Saturday Classes
Yes
No
Frequency of Saturday Classes
Less than once a month
Weekly
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Mountain casual
Casual
Average Class Size
9 students
12
* National Avg. »18
Student : Teacher Ratio
6:1
7:1
# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
11
18
ESL Courses Offered
Yes
% Faculty with Advanced Degree
73%
71%
Summer Program Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Tuition Cost

Yearly Tuition
(Boarding Students)
$71,000
$66,250
Yearly Tuition
(Day Students)
$53,250
$35,600
Merit Scholarships Offered
No

Acceptance Rate

Application Deadline
Feb. 1 / rolling
Jan. 15
SSAT Required
Yes
Yes
Acceptance Rate
97%
60%
Director of Admissions
Kristen Kaschub

AP / Advanced Courses

# of AP / Advanced Courses Offered
11
18
Courses
AB Calculus, BC Calculus, Biology, Chemistry, English Language, English Literature, Government Comparative, Honors Senior Math(topics include Calculus BC), Physics, Stastistics, US History

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total Extracurricular Organizations
14
23
Extracurriculars
Club or Organization:
Blue Key, Community Service Club, Global Student Organization, Gould Goes Green, Math Team, Model UN, Yearbook

Arts and Music Programs:
Band, Chorus, Drama Club

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Farm and Forest, Maine Adaptive Ski Coaching, On-Snow Instructing Program, Recreational Skiing

College Matriculation

Year: 2013 - 2018
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.
  • Elevate your expectations - reach your peak potential.
  • LD types supported: ADHD / Dyslexia / Language-based or Mild Learning Differences
  • 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
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 60%.
Who are famous alumni from Gould Academy?
Gould Academy famous alumni include: Lauren Jacobs ’03, PhD and Phil Coupe ’86.
What sports does Gould Academy offer?
Gould Academy offers 23 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Cross Country Running, Cycling, Equestrian, Field Hockey, Freestyle Skiing, Golf, Kayaking, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Nordic Skiing, Orienteering, Riding, Rock Climbing, Snowboarding, Soccer, Tennis, Track and Track and Field. Gould Academy is ranked as one of the top boarding schools for most sports offered.
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?
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

Class of 2003
5.00
University of Rhode Island
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. . .

Class of 2011
5.00
Stetson University
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. . .
Submit Review for Gould Academy
Earn $20 by submitting your alumni review!

Recent Articles

Boarding School Myths
Boarding School Myths
This article debunks common myths about boarding schools, addressing misconceptions about wealth requirements, diversity, student life, school types, and family communication. It provides valuable insights for families considering boarding school education and highlights the modern realities of these institutions.
A Partnership of Three
A Partnership of Three
This article explores the three-way partnership between the school, parents, and students in boarding school education. It outlines the obligations and responsibilities of each party, emphasizing the importance of mutual support and commitment to ensure a successful boarding school experience.
Admissions Checklist For Boarding School Applicants
Admissions Checklist For Boarding School Applicants
This comprehensive guide provides a detailed checklist for boarding school applicants, covering key aspects of the admissions process such as testing, recommendations, interviews, and financial aid. It also includes additional information for international students applying to U.S. boarding schools.

Featured Schools

Quick Stats (2024-25)

  • Grades: 9-12, PG
  • Enrollment: 210 students
  • Yearly Tuition (Boarding Students): $71,000
  • Yearly Tuition (Day Students): $53,250
  • Acceptance rate: 97%
  • Average class size: 9 students
  • Application Deadline: Feb. 1 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Quick Links