Upper School
Our Community
Waynflete gives students the freedom to find their personal style, celebrate their identity and culture, voice their opinions, discover their passions and interests, and direct their learning.
With no pressure to fit in, Waynflete students are empowered to stand out—and stand together. Almost one-third of Grade 9 are students new to Waynflete and everyone receives a warm welcome.
Just as the bond between faculty advisors and students is at the heart of our curriculum, a shared commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion connects our community. Within Waynflete’s small classes, students encounter a wide variety of life experiences, cultures, and perspectives. They learn how to listen respectfully, navigate differences, and find their own voice. They find their people and they forge friendships that last a lifetime.
Of all the meaningful moments, milestones, and memories Waynflete graduates carry forward with them, this is the one that matters most: they are seen and celebrated for who they really are and they have a community for life.
Outdoor Experience
Upper School students begin each school year with our signature four-day experiential learning program, Outdoor Experience. Students spend the week in small groups on either a Maine wilderness expedition or an urban service project. Whether they summit a pristine mountain peak or pitch in at a local community garden or soup kitchen, they learn so much about each other and themselves.
Waynflete Coffeehouses
A supportive and stress-free way to share original creative work (and work-in-progress), Waynflete Coffeehouses are fun student forums for poetry and fiction readings, musical performance, dance and choreography, and more. Students enjoy the chance to share their passion projects outside the classroom with a friendly and appreciative audience.
Dances, Socials, and Prom
The traditional milestones of the high school years are just as magical at Waynflete. Dances, socials, movie nights, activity nights, and Waynflete Prom are attended and enjoyed by couples and friend groups alike throughout the school year.
Upper School Assembly
Weekly assemblies bring the entire Upper School together for announcements, skits and games, community-building activities, and the celebration of student accomplishments. Whether they are applauding the lacrosse team or the Science Olympiad team before a championship, the cheering (and the community spirit) is loud, energetic, and completely sincere.
Spirit Week
A schoolwide celebration of Waynflete school spirit, Spirit Week sparks friendly interclass competition, crazy dress days, games and contests, and more to show the fun and energy of being a Waynflete Flyer.
Friends of Founders
Waynflete Upper School students are frequent classroom visitors to lower grades, sharing their own learning and expertise to support Early Childhood and Lower School studies. Stories of world travels, cello solos, printmaking demonstrations, and showing off soccer skills are some of the ways Upper School students captivate and connect with our youngest learners.
Senior Projects
Waynflete seniors spend the last month of their studies on their Senior Project: a self-directed endeavor expressing passion, creativity, and skill. Seniors present completed projects prior to commencement and the depth and diversity of the work showcases the incredible talent in each graduating class. A cookbook that combines culinary expertise and cultural influences with photography and design. The engineering and construction of a full-size working trebouchet. Whatever form it takes, the senior project is always a formative experience.
Senior Dinner
Waynflete Senior Dinner, a gathering of graduating seniors and Waynflete faculty, gives teachers and coaches one last chance to share their treasured memories and deep affection for every single graduating student. Just before each graduate steps out into the world, their academic advisor stands up to share their Senior Minute: a deeply felt and well-observed celebration of that student’s unique gifts that shows just how well that student has been seen and treasured during their time at Waynflete.
Waynflete Commencement
Commencement is our community’s opportunity to celebrate the many accomplishments and limitless potential of the graduating class. Traditionally held at Merrill Auditorium, Commencement includes a keynote speaker chosen by the senior class; a reading from the student Poet Laureate; moving musical performances; and a walk across the stage that will start the next great chapter in students’ lives.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY AND INCLUSION
Diversity is a condition of excellence.
A Waynflete education works as well as it does because our small and challenging classes contain so many different perspectives and life experiences. And as one of the most diverse schools in southern Maine, our entire community is committed to the urgent, essential, and ongoing work toward equity and inclusion. Learn how diversity can drive caring participation in the world. 
EXPLORE
What is Waynflete like for families?
Choosing an independent school means joining a new community not only for students, but for their families. Everyone you meet on the bus line, in the bleachers, during play dates, and around the bonfire at Beats and Bites comes from many different communities and diverse life experiences. You will have many chances to get to know them—and love them.
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 
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
