Breakwater School

Breakwater School

Private Pre-K, Elementary, Middle School | Grade Pre-K-8
856 Brighton Ave,  Portland, ME
Nasons Corner Neighborhood
5.0
4.6
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.

School Details

Students
180
Head of School
David Sullivan
Student Teacher Ratio
3:1
Annual Tuition
$23,230

Niche Grade Details

Teachers
Student Teacher Ratio
3:1
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%
Interested in learning more about homes nearby? Reach out to Katie McAllister, an agent with experience near this school.

This School’s Reviews

Niche Reviews
5.0 4 Reviews
5.0 Alum
2/13/2018
Breakwater gave me the best hands on learning experience I could have imagined. No textbooks and we did current relevant research on different topics. I was part of their community as part of their family. Every teacher and staff made the school feel like home.
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GreatSchools Reviews
4.6 10 Reviews
5.0 other
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...
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5.0 other
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.
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5.0 parent
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...
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5.0 other
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...
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Agents Specializing Near This School

  • Katie McAllister

    Katie McAllister

    McAllister Real Estate

    (207) 495-7926

    95 Total Sales

    1 Near This School

    $390,000 Price

    Katie McAllister
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  • Frank Barry

    Frank Barry

    RE/MAX Oceanside

    (207) 496-1806

    53 Total Sales

    15 Near This School

    $350K - $1.5M Price Range

    Frank Barry
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  • Davian Akers

    Davian Akers

    Keller Williams Realty

    (207) 544-4158

    111 Total Sales

    21 Near This School

    $145K - $871K Price Range

    Davian Akers
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  • Patricia Berry

    Patricia Berry

    Better Homes & Gardens Real Estate/The Masiello Group

    (207) 579-8764

    45 Total Sales

    2 Near This School

    $290K - $728K Price Range

    Patricia Berry
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  • Paula Igoe

    Paula Igoe

    Arthur Thomas Properties

    (207) 501-2629

    96 Total Sales

    2 Near This School

    $228K - $475K Price Range

    Paula Igoe
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  • Harrison Wolfington

    Harrison Wolfington

    Your Home Sold Guaranteed Realty

    (207) 495-8003

    282 Total Sales

    1 Near This School

    $1,119,000 Price

    Harrison Wolfington
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Additional Schools in the Area

Public Schools shown may be Choice Schools
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Choice schools may not serve this home. Please check the school district website to see all schools serving this home.

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Westbrook
Westbrook

Former mill town becomes bustling city next to Portland, ME

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Maine Cumberland County Portland 04102 Nasons Corner
Breakwater School
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Katie McAllister
Katie McAllister
McAllister Real Estate
Agent experienced in this area
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