MOXIE Public Schools is a tuition-free public charter school. We offer an innovative middle and high school option for Maine students and families who want and deserve a school experience that goes beyond “good enough” and prepares them to reach their full potential.

MOXIE blends rigorous academics, personalized support, and real-world experiences. Our students graduate with the skills, credentials, and confidence to thrive in college, career, and community. Here’s what students can count on:

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Their own personalized learning plan, with an advisor who knows them well in a community where they feel personally known and cared for.

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Rigorous academics along with targeted, flexible support where they need it to master skills and move on when they’re ready.

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Undertaking real-world projects, daily, that connect their schoolwork to their passions and the world around them.

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Earning college credit, credentials, and meaningful work experience before graduating.

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Being part of a community that values who they are—uniqueness is an asset, not a barrier.

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Graduating high school ready for the future– with skills and confidence that matter in college, career, and life.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • MOXIE was founded in response response to declining academic outcomes, growing workforce needs, and the resolute belief that every student in Maine can thrive when learning is personal, connected, and purposeful. We’re here to show what’s possible for kids and families in Maine.

  • MOXIE’s first campus is located at 123 Darling Ave, Suite 2 in South Portland. Our school is in a modernized building, close to public transportation, and has parking on site.

  • A charter school is a tuition-free, public school. Charter schools operate independently from their local districts; in exchange for greater flexibility, they are held accountable to their state, authorizer, and the public for academic, financial, and operational performance.

    In Maine, charter schools are approved for operation and monitored for quality by the State Charter School Commission, with the goal of offering ALL Maine students “with an equitable opportunity for an excellent education where students are valued, supported and challenged.” You can learn more about charter schools here.

  • We are open to any Maine student. There are no application screens or prior academic requirements. Students in Cumberland and Androscoggin Counties are eligible for transportation services to and from school.

    We are currently enrolling limited spots in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grades for the fall of 2026. Simply fill out our non-binding application form.

    Applications for the fall of 2027 will be available in October.

  • Interested families should apply via our enrollment form.

    • For the current school year, we are accepting new students in 6th, 7th, 8th, and 9th grades as space allows.

    • For fall of 2027, we will begin accepting applications for grades 6 through 10 in October.

    • Applicants are selected for enrollment offers based on a randomized lottery. (Siblings receive preference.) Any student who applies before their grade level lottery date is eligible.

    • Our 2027-2028 9th grade lottery will take place on December 1, 2026.

    • Our 2027-2028 lottery for all other grades (6th, 7th, 8th, 10th) will take place on March 1, 2027.

    • We will place any student we cannot immediately offer a spot to on our waitlist, and will offer additional spots as they become open.

    • We will continue to accept new applications and enroll students on a rolling basis throughout the spring and summer.

  • Our school day is from 8:45 am to 4:00 pm. We also offer before and after school care and enrichment from 7:30 am to 5:30 pm.

  • Our instructional year is 180 days. Our school year begins on Tuesday, September 1, 2026. For the most part, our calendar will align to those of other surrounding districts (including winter, February, and April breaks). We will observe all federal holidays. View our 2026-2027 calendar.

  • Yes. As a public school, we offer free transportation to and from school for students in Cumberland and Androscoggin Counties. We will make arrangements with enrolled families to ensure students get to and from school for the day.

    We also offer free breakfast and lunch. This food is made on-site.

  • Yes. MOXIE has a variety of team sports, physical education offerings, daily clubs, and arts. These occur throughout and at the end of our school day. We have partnerships with the STEM Coliseum, Maine Academy of Modern Music, and Portland Community Squash.

  • Yes! As a public school we offer special education supports in our general education setting. We have dedicated special education and multilingual educators on staff.