North Yarmouth Academy

This is great. The classes are small so the students can learn a lot. The class sometimes have physical activities that really stick the information into the student's brains. Everyone is like a family there. There are no populars or geeks, everyone is equal. The teachers are great and try to work with each and every student as well as much as they can. The programs are challenging but are helpful are the students really learn a lot.

Great school community, inclusionary practices valuable for middle and upper school students.Good arts, athletics, music and performing arts, esp for a school of this size.
—Submitted by a parent

Now that I have one in college and one in HS, I realize that what really matters is how the preparation for the next chapter in his/her life. My first child is a good student and person but at NYA he was constantly challenged, no hiding behind other students. All of the teachers knew him whether or not they had him in class and the administrators took a real interest in him. Academically his feet were held to the fire and as a result, the college transition has been very smooth. He took sophomore level courses as a freshman. NYA taught him to advocate for himself with adults. He also was taught how to think and analyze and write! Having a sports requirement also makes for a well rounded student. Dress code is also a plus!
—Submitted by a parent

North Yarmouth Academy stands above the rest. My children are recent graduates who are thriving at top-ranked colleges. NYA's dedicated faculty works closely with every student, no one falls through the cracks, and the faculty helps each student develop his or her own learning style. The school provides the structure within which each child can excel and doesn't just focus on the school room, but the whole character of each child. Teachers are in the classroom, on the fields as coaches and leading by example through social service and other community-wide activities. NYA is a safe place for kids to learn and grow and it prepares them for a seamless transition to college and beyond.
—Submitted by a parent

School struggles with defining it's true identity. I think this is what has led to significant turnover in the faculty. Additionally, recent positions have been filled by secondary candidates, suggesting that when new faculty candidates "go behind the curtain" they don't like what they see. I predict a challenging next 5 years for this school...
—Submitted by a parent

My son's classmate said it best when he said, "Some people think North Yarmouth Academy is a school for kids who are really smart, but it's really just for kids who are rich". While some of the teachers are outstanding, the academics, overall, are no better than other private/parochial schools that operate on a much smaller budget. Furthermore, there is a gross double standard for handling issues outside the classroom and parents should be aware that the focus of this schools' leaders is on the kids who DO NOT fit in with their peers. If you have a successful student with lots of friends and you are looking for a challenging academic environment with a good mix of athletics, this school is NOT for you. If your child struggles to fit in with his/her peers, then you will likely be very happy with this school.
—Submitted by a parent

My 2 children had a great experience at NYA. The academics are tops in the State and with the arts and athletics programs it is well rounded. Everyone is on the same track to college so the entire school experience is shared by everyone.
—Submitted by a parent

Demanding academic program, great opportunity to try sports.
—Submitted by a parent

North Yarmouth Academy has given my two sons the confidence they lacked. They made great strides academically, musically and athletically. Music and sports are required for every student and it has been very rewarding to see not only my kids but others become proficient in areas they never dreamed they could. The academic program is of a high caliber and there is very strong parent involvment. It is a close knit community where every child is accepted and encouraged to do their best.
—Submitted by a parent