Upper
School
Upper School
An extraordinary education prepares you for anything.
Students begin Upper School eager for more challenges, greater independence, and closer connections with faculty and friends. Waynflete helps students get ready for what comes next—college, career, community service—without losing sight of the wonder and joy of where they are right now.
Within small classes led by dedicated faculty, students get the one-on-one support they need to meet and exceed rigorous academic expectations. Our close-knit, caring community encourages students to become truly active learners: stretching skills, taking real risks, and tackling real-world problems. To pursue their interests and discover new passions. To understand diverse perspectives and to find their own unique voice. And to be fully present for all the special moments and milestones the high school years can offer.
Every Waynflete graduate goes forward knowing they were seen, known, and held close during one of the most formative times in their lives, and this is why they go so far.
EXPLORE
Inside Upper School
Coffee and bagels from the Café before homeroom. Astrophysics, Mandarin Chinese, Marine Coastal Ecology, Poetry and Revolution, and Philosophy. Firing pots in ceramics, Chamber Music Festival, lacrosse games, writing for LitMag. No bells, a historic campus, that college-is-so-close feeling… Let our students show you what life at Waynflete Upper School is really like and why they love it.
ACADEMICS
A different kind of classroom
CAMPUS VISITS
What kind of school feels closer to a college?
For students who are already doing well in school, it can be harder to see how transformative a Waynflete education can be. A customized campus visit will show you.
We can’t wait to show you why Waynflete graduates thrive at the most competitive colleges. See what happens when all your classes are seminars filled with diverse voices and perspectives. When you have a dedicated academic advisor, a close-knit homeroom, and call teachers by their first names. When you can choose from intense, inspiring electives like Astrophysics or Women in Islam and pursue your own independent projects. When you study Mandarin in Taiwan, climate change in New Orleans, or travel to compete in Model UN or the FIRST Robotics World Championship. When you show your art in the campus gallery or perform on Portland’s most advanced theater stage. When you play or cheer your heart out during Friday Night Lights on the Fore River Fields right before the Homecoming dance. And most importantly, how it feels to have friends from over 50 communities in southern Maine.
No bells between classes. No limits on learning. Free periods, teacher office hours, and a historic campus in the heart of Portland’s West End. See for yourself how our unique approach to education better prepares Waynflete graduates for the world. If you have ever wondered if Waynflete is right for you, let us customize a simple, low-stress campus visit around your favorite academics and activities! Schedule a visit today! 
ADMISSION EVENTS
See Waynflete for yourself.
Just as hands-on, experiential learning is core to our curriculum, exploring our campus and classrooms is an essential part of the application process. Our admission events are fun, interactive, no-pressure opportunities to observe classes, hear from students and teachers, talk with current parents, and more. See upcoming Admission events 
Upper School Arts
Everyone shines
Waynflete is well-known for the depth and discipline of its arts curriculum. We know all students possess the ability to express themselves artistically and respond to the work of others. Our performing and visual arts curriculum helps students hone their craft and share their vision.
Upper School Athletics
Everyone plays
Waynflete Athletics encourages collective and individual achievement and instills the qualities that create wins: hard work, leadership, teamwork, sportsmanship, and simply never giving up. Whether students compete on a varsity team or strive for a personal best, they find their strengths at Waynflete.
COLLEGE COUNSELING
College admissions should focus on the journey, not the destination.
Applying to college is an internal journey as much as an external one and the Waynflete college counseling process ensures every student finds a school that supports them as well as we do. We hold seminars for students and parents on a wide range of helpful topics. We meet with parents one-on-one and in small groups, just as we do weekly with juniors and seniors. See how Waynflete sends students to top colleges and universities not by pressuring and pushing—but by listening, supporting, and empowering
UPPER SCHOOL NEWS AND EVENTS
You may have heard—it's Election Day! Liv Therrien ’25, Mia Haley ’26, and Gianna Barbieri ’25—who are all members of Youthwork Makes the Boothwork, an organization that aims to get young people involved by serving as poll workers—recently organized an...
Forty-two talented cast and crew members took Franklin Theater by storm this weekend, performing their incredible production of Mean Girls for three packed houses. The show was filled with passionate performances, creativity, joy, and laughter. Thank you to all those...
Our Upper School students recently participated in their special advising day, a valuable opportunity to pause classes and engage in meaningful work as a community. They divided into advisory groups and completed a variety of community service projects. When asked...
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
COMMUNITY
You belong at Waynflete
THE WAYNFLETE WIRE
7 Ways to Get Students Excited About Science
Teachers who have worked in scientific fields. College-level courses. Real-world research opportunities. Concepts, processes, a core focus on writing. See why Waynflete students excel at STEM
CONTACT
“Every component of Waynflete’s Upper School program is carefully thought-out to prepare students for success after graduation. We offer a challenging, college-preparatory curriculum that is rooted in a holistic, supportive, student-centered educational experience.”
Asra Ahmed
Waynflete Upper School Director
