F-1 Public · Maine
Stearns High School
A high school of 279 pupils in the wilds of Maine, with one of the best arts programmes in the north-east — for those who want to get on stage and go rafting at the weekend.
- F-1 visa
- High school diploma possible
- From age 14
- Year or semester
Stearns fact sheet
Key facts
- Location
- Millinocket, Maine
- Arrival airport
- Bangor International (BGR)
- Size (pupils)
- 279 in the high school
- Climate
- Temperatures from -2 °C to 26 °C
- High school diploma possible
- yes
- Semester possible
- yes
- Minimum ELTiS
- 215 (old scale)
- Age
- 14 to 19 years old
- School year 2027-2028
- $28,750
- Semester 2027-2028
- $17,850
- Checked on
- 18 October 2026
A week in Stearns
In the morning, a sound engineering and video production class, or AP calculus, in a science department that carries out cutting-edge experiments. In the afternoon, basketball, field hockey or American football, in a high school where everyone knows each other. On Tuesday, rehearsal for the school play or the recital — there are several a year. On Thursday, the outdoor education club, karate or skiing. At the weekend, 80,000 hectares of untouched nature around Millinocket: white-water rafting and boating in summer, snowshoeing and skiing in winter. From -2 to 26 °C.
Three things you won't find anywhere else
- One of the best visual and performing arts programmes in Maine.
- A sound engineering and video production class.
- 80,000 hectares of wild nature, rafting in summer and skiing in winter.
Courses, sports and clubs in Stearns
- 46 courses
- 7 sports
- 13 clubs
- Best-stocked subject: Options (13 courses)
Courses, by subject
Mathematics
- Pre-algebra
- Algebra I-II
- Geometry
- Pre-calculus
- Trigonometry
- Statistics
- Calculus (AP)
- Business mathematics
- Mathematics (Honors)
- Introduction to engineering design
Science
- Grade 9 science
- Biology
- Anatomy and physiology
- Animal science
- Chemistry
- Physics
- Forensic science
Humanities
- Modern world history
- American history
- American government
- Current affairs
- International relations and world politics
English
- English I-IV (Honors)
- Writing fundamentals / writing workshop
Languages
- French
- Spanish
Arts
- Concert band
- Concert choir
- Sound engineering and video production
- Music theory and history
- Musical theatre
- Introduction to guitar
- Art I-II
Options
- Computer applications
- Creative applications
- Business and personal finance
- Digital design
- Accounting
- Game design
- Health
- Law enforcement
- First aid (EMT)
- Culinary arts
- Health science careers
- Web design
- Computer science
Sports, season by season
Autumn
- American football
- Soccer
- Field hockey
Winter
- Basketball
Spring
- Baseball
- Tennis
- Softball
Clubs
- French Club
- Outdoor education
- Student council
- Homecoming
- Foreign languages
- Yearbook
- Christmas ball
- Prom
- Mathematics
- Civil rights
- Class representatives
- Karate
- Skiing
Stearns compared with other districts
Calculations based on the published prices of the districts on this page that show a package; same prices, same results.
| Package | Price | Rank | Difference from the median |
|---|---|---|---|
| School year 2027-2028 | $28,750 | no. 7 of 59 | 21% below the median ($36,550) |
| Semester 2027-2028 | $17,850 | no. 1 of 47 (the cheapest) | 22% below the median ($22,750) |
- Within the same state (Maine): ranked 1 of 3 districts for the school year.
- Within the same state (Maine): ranked 1 of 3 districts for the semester.
- Compared with Camden Hills: $24,750 less per year.
- The cheapest district on the list is Newcomb ($23,900): this high school costs $4,850 more (20%).
Rank: from cheapest (no. 1) to most expensive, among the districts showing a price in the same currency. The median is the price in the middle of the list.
Frequently asked questions about Stearns
How much does the school year cost in Stearns?
$28,750 for the 2027-2028 year. This price includes tuition, the host family and local supervision.
How much does a semester cost in Stearns?
$17,850 for one semester in 2027-2028, with the same services.
Is Stearns expensive compared with other districts?
No, rather affordable: ranked 7 from cheapest of our 59 districts, 21% below the median price ($36,550). Within the same state (Maine), it ranks 1 of 3.
Can I go to Stearns for just one semester?
Yes, Stearns also accepts pupils for a single semester.
Can I earn the American diploma in Stearns?
Yes, the American diploma is possible in Stearns.
How old do I need to be to go to Stearns?
Between 14 and 19 years old.
What level of English do I need for Stearns?
An ELTiS score of 215. The ELTiS is the English test that American high schools ask international students to take.
Which airport do I fly into for Stearns?
Via Bangor International airport (BGR).
Sophie knows Millinocket as if she lived there.
The high school, sports by season, the town, the climate, things to do at the weekend — and the same for the 58 other districts. Ask her, she compares for you.
A four-season region. As well as the high school's sports, many outdoor activities are within reach. The town even offers karate classes!
Daily life there
More districts to explore
- Camden Hills Regional High SchoolRockport, Maine
- Mount Blue High SchoolFarmington, Maine
- Red Creek High SchoolRed Creek, New York
Stearns, Millinocket: does it appeal to you?
Ask for a quote, or put your questions to Sophie: she knows the 59 districts and their conditions.