PORTLAND (NEWS CENTER Maine) — The state's only all-girls private school, The Maine Girls’ Academy, is closing its doors after educating young women for more than 140 years.
In an announcement posted to its website on Thursday, July 5, the school cited low enrollment and insufficient revenue for the closure.
The private school was established in 1877 under a different name, Saint Elizabeth's Academy. The school has undergone several name changes including Catherine McAuley High School from 1969 to 2016, before changing to The Maine Girls' Academy in 2016.
The school will officially close its doors on Sunday, July 15. School officials say they are working to transition students to North Yarmouth Academy if they so choose.
“The girls and their future have always been our top priority. We deeply thank our families and donors for the faith they have had in our mission and for their commitment to the girls and their school,” stated Heidi Osborn, chair of the Board of Trustees. “We continue to believe that an all-girls school and learning environment is important and beneficial for girls and our communities.”
Board of Trustees said over the past few years, faculty and staff have worked to preserve the all-girls school.