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
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
Tenth-grade students recently participated in a community service morning at Fort Williams in Cape Elizabeth and Payson Park in Portland. Students continued the volunteer work started recently by their ninth-grade peers and contributed approximately 130 hours of invasive species removal...
On May 20, eleven Upper School students competed in the National Science Olympiad tournament at Wichita State University in Kansas. The team earned their spot at the tournament by winning the Maine State Science Olympiad tournament in April. Sixty teams...
School Calendar
June 2023
June . 8 , 2023
- 4:00 pm – 5:00 pm
-
Baccalaureate
Baccalaureate is an intimate ceremony held in the Franklin Theater to honor the graduating class
and reflect on their experiences before Commencement the following day. Attendance is limited to immediate family only, up to five guests per student. Students should dress nicely (no jeans or shorts).
A short reception in the Sanctuary will follow the event. Seniors should meet in Sills at
3:15 p.m.
June . 9 , 2023
- 2:00 pm – 3:30 pm
-
Commencement
Graduates, families, students, faculty, and staff are invited to join (While there will be no limits for seating, attendees will be asked to RSVP). A cake reception will follow at 3:30 pm.
Senior families will receive two parking passes (A limited number of additional passes will be available; you will have the opportunity to indicate requested number of passes on the forthcoming RSVP form).
Graduates should dress nicely (no jeans or shorts) under their gowns. There are no fabric color requirements.
June . 17 , 2023
- 1:00 pm – 2:00 pm
-
Waynflete in Portland Pride Parade
More details to come! We hope many students, parents and guardians, faculty, staff, trustees and alumni will join us in the parade.
June . 19 , 2023
- All Day
-
Juneteenth
Juneteenth
June . 20 , 2023
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am
-
VIRTUAL All Grade HOS Coffee
VIRTUAL All Grade HOS Coffee
July 2023
July . 4 , 2023
- All Day
-
Independence Day
Offices Closed
July . 13 , 2023
- 9:00 am – 10:00 am
-
VIRTUAL All Grade HOS Coffee
Virtual Admission Coffee with Head of School for prospective parents of students entering all grades
July . 18 , 2023
- All Day
-
Islamic New Year
Islamic New Year
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
