Why We're Different
As an equivalent instruction private school our approach centers on personalized learning that honors each child’s unique strengths, challenges, interests, and pace. For students with learning differences or neurodivergencies, we provide support without the bureaucracy of 504s, IEPs, or labels.
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We believe in the importance of children having access to a private secular(non religious) educational opportunity.
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Nuturing the Whole Child
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Engaging Learning Experiences
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Flexible, Strength-Based Approach
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Continous Support
With our small size (typically 4–8 students), we foster an intimate, supportive atmosphere where we can focus on your child’s emotional well-being, alongside their academic growth. Our approach includes support for social skills, executive function, and self-confidence.
We design learning experiences that align with each child’s passions — from animals to art to technology. We believe that when children are excited about what they’re learning, they are more engaged and motivated to succeed. We use multisensory and project based learning as our core strategies.
Every child progresses at a pace that suits them, allowing them to build a solid foundation at their own speed. We focus on what your child excels at, using their strengths to overcome challenges and boost their confidence. Learning isn’t a race — success comes from building on what they do best!
We work closely with each child, observing, adjusting, and refining their learning plan as they grow. This ensures learning remains engaging, relevant, and aligned with their evolving needs. This process is strengthened through close communication with parents, who are valued partners in their child’s educational journey. By sharing insights and collaborating regularly, we ensure that each child’s learning experience is well-supported both at school and at home.
What is an Equivalent Instruction Private School?
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History
"In the early 1980s, the Maine DOE began to take note of the many small, private church schools meeting throughout the state. The Department decided that these schools needed to be regulated and approved by the State. They wanted each school to have an approved curriculum and certified teachers.
Since the private schools did not agree with the State, the Bangor Baptist Church v. Maine court case ensued. In the end, the court decided that the State did not have the authority to penalize private schools that did not seek state approval. The court also told the State to develop a set of voluntary guidelines that these private schools could operate under that would satisfy the compulsory attendance law."
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Legal
"The Maine Department of Education has a legislative mandate to regulate public schools as well as certain private schools that educate students at public expense. Some private schools that do not accept public funds choose to seek school approval from the Department, but Maine law does not require any private school which does not receive public funds to do so. The law refers to private schools which choose not to seek Department approval as private schools “recognized by the Department as providing equivalent instruction.” 20-A M.R.S.A. § 5001-A(3)(A)(1)(b)."
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"Private schools which choose not to seek Department approval may choose to notify the Department of their intention to operate as a private school recognized by the Department as providing equivalent instruction, but there is no legal requirement that they do so."
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Students who attend private schools which choose not to seek Department approval are considered to be in compliance with Maine’s compulsory attendance law so long as the person in charge of the private school files a certificate showing the name, residence and attendance of the student at the school with the school officials of the Maine administrative unit (municipal school unit, S.A.D. or C.S.D.) in which the student resides. 20-A M.R.S.A. § 5001-A(3)(A)(2)." Information from Maine DOE​
How Does this apply to Curious Minds?
At Curious Minds currently we have chosen not to seek Department approval however we will
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file the necessary paperwork with the school officials of the Maine administrative unit for each student in order to satisfy the compulsory attendance law
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will operate for at least 875 hours
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will provides instruction, appropriate to its grade levels, in the English language, consisting of reading, writing, spelling, grammar, mathematics, science, American history, Maine history and geography and civil government (including the privilege and responsibility of citizenship) health education and fine arts.
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no annual assessment is required, but we will work with families to decide the best way to measure each student's academic growth
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