Breakwater School is a private school in the Nasons Corner neighborhood that serves prekindergarten through eighth grade in addition to a toddler program. Founded in 1956 by a local couple who wanted to give back after their son survived meningitis, the school originated as a small in-home daycare. As the need for childcare grew, the daycare gradually transformed into a nonprofit school.
Breakwater School prides itself on being a progressive, child-centric place for learning that encourages its students to think independently while also being good global citizens. The school places a heavy emphasis on the value of outdoor learning and maintains a low student-to-teacher ratio. In lieu of traditional grades, the school uses a more holistic form of assessing student progress.
Outdoor learning areas include Sari’s Garden where fruits, vegetables and herbs are grown, a large outdoor natural playground, a 22-acre nature preserve in Cumberland and an outdoor stage and fire pit. The Breakwater Youth Corps offers alumni ages 14-16 an opportunity to remain connected to the school in the summer by helping to maintain and improve school property. In addition to its school, Breakwater reaches other local students in Portland through summer camps, afterschool enrichment programs and vacation camp programs.
Breakwater School
Private Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School
|
Grade Pre-K-8
856 Brighton Ave,
Portland, ME
School Details
Students
180
Head of School
David Sullivan
Student Teacher Ratio
4:1
Annual Tuition
$23,230
Niche Grade Details
Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
4:1
Teachers
48
Full Time Teachers
43
Part Time Teachers
5
GreatSchools Rating Details
Student Diversity
White
91.7%
Black
5.6%
Hispanic
1.8%
Asian or Pacific Islander
<1%
This School’s Reviews
Niche Reviews
1/14/2016
Teachers are dedicated, kind, compassionate and caring.
GreatSchools Reviews
12/12/2016
My 2 grandchildren have been at Breakwater since they each started school in Pre K. They are now 10 & 12 years old. Both of them get a wonderful education at Breakwater. Teachers are fantastic. The oldest loves the Arts and the youngest loves sports. Breakwater satisfies both children. What I love t...
11/23/2015
It's a respectful, stimulating, whole person environment that teaches students to imagine and synthesize, to explore and evaluate, to take responsibility while relying on others.
11/23/2015
I considered homeschooling and now am totally convinced that my daughter is getting everything I could have given her at home AND MORE at Breakwater. She has individualized attention, a supportive group of peers, 100% equal emphasis on creativity, art, music, math, science, tinkering, etc. and I ben...
11/22/2015
I come from out of town to visit my grandkids several times a year. I am always welcomed in the Breakwater Community and feel like a real part of their educational experience. The teachers are so compassionate and kind to the kids, and the kids are so well balanced in their lives. They learn about l...
Agents Specializing Near This School
-
Susan Duplessis
Susan Duplessis
Mountain Real Estate Company
(207) 518-7213
224 Total Sales
3 Near This School
$375K - $910K Price Range
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Mike Quinn
Mike Quinn
EXP Realty
(207) 705-5092
67 Total Sales
1 Near This School
$490,000 Price
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Sarem Al-Shawk
Sarem Al-Shawk
Maine Real Estate Co
(207) 560-0449
29 Total Sales
8 Near This School
$163K - $485K Price Range
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Yulia Glasgow
Yulia Glasgow
Maine Real Estate Co
(855) 697-7513
52 Total Sales
2 Near This School
$375K - $560K Price Range
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Diane Monaco
Diane Monaco
Sunset Lakes Real Estate
(207) 618-6247
51 Total Sales
2 Near This School
$355K - $585K Price Range
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Monica Dambach
Monica Dambach
Responds QuicklyWaypoint Brokers Collective
(207) 518-7498
92 Total Sales
17 Near This School
$233K - $2M Price Range
Map
List Price Range
$317K - $1.1M
Homes For Sale
6
Average Home Value
$518,317
Median Lot Size
8,712 Sq Ft
% Renters
29%
Household Income
$92,532
% of College Grads
48.3%
Median Age
45
Average House Size
1,467 Sq Ft
% Commercial Property
41.5%
Homes for Sale
-
$649,000
- 4 Beds
- 2 Baths
- 2,421 Sq Ft
- 73 Maple Ave
- New 13 days ago
Searching for a spacious home on a charming, sidewalk-lined street?This Scarborough gem is a must-see for anyone looking for more space or a place to truly call their own. Featuring three large bedrooms plus a fourth, two full bathrooms, and a primary suite with an ensuite, it offers versati...
Monica DambachWaypoint Brokers Collective(207) 600-5371 -
$1,995,000
- 3 Beds
- 4 Baths
- 2,280 Sq Ft
- 33 Turner St
- New 21 days ago
At the edge of Portland's iconic Eastern Promenade, 33 Turner Street is a rare offering—an 1850 home completely reimagined in 2018 and now nearly new from the foundation up. Classic exterior lines honor its history while the interior delivers modern luxury, efficiency, and livability with too many u...
Tom LandryBenchmark Real Estate(207) 775-0248 -
$599,000
- 4 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 2,032 Sq Ft
- 48 Ashmont St
- New 21 days ago
At the base of Deering Highlands, blocks from Back Cove, and firmly in Portland's Oakdale neighborhood, this updated Victorian offers convenience, charm, and value. Many updates and upgrades—including extensive siding work, fresh exterior paint, and a newer roof—make it move-in ready. The remarkably...
Tom LandryBenchmark Real Estate(207) 606-7979
Homes for Rent
-
$2,178 - $2,633 per month
- Nonesuch River Apartments
- 1 - 2 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 764+ Sq Ft
- 35 Mussey Rd
- Scarborough, ME
-
$2,195 - $2,595 per month
- Waterside Apartments
- 1 - 2 Beds
- 1 Bath
- 738+ Sq Ft
- 6-12 Jacqueline Way
- Westbrook, ME
-
$1,995 - $4,995 per month
- The Armature
- Studio - 2 Beds
- 1-2 Baths
- 408+ Sq Ft
- 52 Hanover St
- Portland, ME
Additional Schools in the Area
Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
Choice Schools
Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.
- 9th to 12th
- Private
- Pre-K to 12th
- Private
- Pre-K to 12th
- Private
Parks in this Area
Capisic Pond Park
- Bike Trails
- Fishing
- Picnic Area
Fore River Sanctuary
- Bike Trails
- Fishing
- Picnic Area
Nasons Corner Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Bike Trails
- Picnic Area
Presumpscot Park
- Baseball/Softball
- Football
- Picnic Area
Forest City Trail
- Trails
- Hiking
Additional Neighborhoods in this Area
Breakwater School is a private school for students in grades Pre-K-8 located at 856 Brighton Ave in Portland, ME. Annual tuition is $23,230. The school has a total enrollment of 180 and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 4:1. The average home value in this area is $518,317. Discover additional schools in the area, like Cheverus High School, Waynflete School, Greater Portland Christian School, and more. Learn more about what Portland has to offer, and browse homes for sale and for rent near Breakwater School.