About
Waynflete
Welcome to Waynflete.
Our unique approach to learning combines all the rigor, breadth, and depth of the finest schools in the country with a school culture unmatched in its warmth and sense of community. Your child will emerge from Waynflete with confidence, independence, and a love of learning that will last a lifetime.
At Waynflete, your child will be known. Our student/teacher ratio is among the smallest in the region. This means that your child will have meaningful one-on-one contact with caring educators each and every day. Your child’s teachers, advisors, and coaches have the time and passion to get to know each child’s strengths and interests.
There is no typical Waynflete student. We are an inclusive school where children of all walks of life learn in an enriched academic environment. There are two common threads we are known for: it’s cool to be oneself and work hard at whatever you do. At Waynflete, all students have the opportunity to explore the arts, athletics, and a wide range of extra-curricular activities simply due to our size.
Our program is not dictated by tests. Our teachers are experts at designing classes that both challenge our students and build on their inherent curiosity. Your child will learn to write with clarity and think in complex ways. Your child will be asked to work hard and will discover the confidence that comes from accomplishing difficult assignments. Your child will make mistakes and struggle, and we will be there to lift them up. This is how students learn to be a confident, courageous, and independent adults.
We have all the rigor without the bad stress. Our program balances hard work with the joy and thrill that comes from learning something new. Sure, our students memorize facts, dates, spelling words, and multiplication tables – part of learning requires memorization and factual recall. We are not, however, interested in cramming just facts into your child’s head. Rather, we challenge our students to think more deeply, write more often, and learn how to present to others and persuade them about what they believe. Our approach focuses on engaging children in the learning process rather than emphasizing rote learning. The outcome is Waynflete graduates who are excited to continue their studies.
Waynflete is not just another school. We deliberately create an environment where children feel safe and supported no matter who they are. We base our culture on an assumption of trust and we believe that each student has the capacity to govern his or her behavior in productive ways. We teach self-governance and independence, two critical life skills, by instilling a sense of belonging and strong sense of community responsibility both on our school grounds and in our community at large.
Since 1898, Waynflete School has been home to families seeking an extraordinary education for their children. Whether you are a prospective parent or student, this website will give you a glimpse into our Waynflete community. It is filled with information, news, photos, and the spirit of our school. I hope you find it useful and that it inspires you to come visit us on Spring Street, in Portland’s historic West End.
Geoff Wagg
Head of School
ABOUT US
Non-Discrimination Policy
Waynflete admits students of any race, color, religious affiliation, national and ethnic origin, and without regard to disability, to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally accorded or made available to students at the school. It does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religious affiliation, national and ethnic origin, or disability in administration of its educational policies, admissions policies, scholarship and loan programs, and athletic and other school-administered programs.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Diversity is a condition of excellence.
A Waynflete education works as well as it does because our small and challenging classes contain so many different perspectives and life experiences. And as one of the most diverse schools in southern Maine, our entire community is committed to the urgent, essential, and ongoing work toward equity and inclusion. Learn how diversity can drive caring participation in the world.
THE WAYNFLETE WIRE
We know every student needs more this year.
More one-on-one attention from teachers. More hands-on, in-depth, challenging learning. More time to connect with friends. See how Waynflete will make the most of this school year Read More
The Drake Award
Since 1976, when the Waynflete Board of Trustees recognized the exemplary service of Waynflete parents Emerson and Ping Drake, Waynflete has honored their example and memory by awarding the Drake Award to a member of our community each year. Learn more about the Drake Award and its distinguished recipients
ADMISSION AND TUITION ASSISTANCE
Waynflete can change everything.
Small class sizes filled with diverse perspectives. Challenging courses. Close relationships with trusted teachers. Incredible opportunities. Lifelong friendships. Waynflete is waiting for you