ORONO HIGH SCHOOL
Location: Orono, Maine
Type: Public high school
About:
Orono High School is located in central Maine in the town of Orono, 4 hours north of Boston. It is the perfect environment for studying! Maine is known for its glorious coastline and its vast wilderness. Orono is one hour from Acadia National Park and Baxter State Park. A university town, it is home to many eateries, theaters, athletic venues and shopping centers. Orono’s safety, welcoming community, and academic focus make it the ideal place to study.
Our community is diverse and made up of proud and thrifty Mainers who are passionate about education and providing the very best for their young people. In our schools we take the work of preparing young people to be successful in a rapidly changing world very seriously. Thus, our faculty and staff work diligently to provide personalized and rewarding learning experiences for our young people. We believe students’ success requires far more than mere academic readiness, and in response we work hard to infuse the learning of important reasoning skills and our Orono Schools’ core principles: respect, caring, service, responsibility, honesty, courage, and fairness into all of our student programs and activities.
Fast Facts:
- Orono High School ranks in the top 5% of schools in the US
- Maine schools are ranked top 10 in the US
- Earn your Orono High School Diploma after one year of study in grade 12
- Orono High School students can take a course at The University of Maine
- The University of Maine is a Top 100 public university
- Orono is safe; Maine is the #1 safest state in America
- Orono High School offers 26 Advanced Placement classes
- Orono High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC)
- International students are offered the same opportunities as local students: course selection, 1:1 college counseling, participation in sports, clubs, the arts, and more
- 87% of students play a sport at Orono High School
- 100% acceptance rate to US universities for Orono International students. See our college acceptances.
- Orono High School students receive a free MacBook Air for their studies
- The state of Maine was ranked top 10 happiest places to live
Athletics:
Orono High School has long been known for its competitive sports teams. All international students are strongly encouraged to participate–it’s the perfect way to make friends and get involved. Practices are generally everyday after school; competitions are after school or on Saturdays. These include:
(Fall sports): American football, field hockey, golf, soccer, and cross country.
- Orono’s football program is one of the most prestigious in the state, winning 14 state championships throughout their history.
- Since 2011, the girl’s Cross Country team has won the state championship two times: in 2011 and 2013. They were runner-up in 2012, 2014 and 2016.
- Since 2011, the boy’s Cross Country team has been runner-up in the state championship three times. They’ve had two all-state runners.
(Winter sports): Basketball, swimming and diving, skiing (downhill racing or Nordic skiing), indoor track and field, ice hockey, and cheerleading.
- Orono’s basketball teams have had success throughout their history, winning seven state championships in boys basketball and two in girls basketball.
- Since 2011, the indoor track team has had four individual champions.
- The cheering team won the state championship in 2015.
(Spring sports): Baseball, softball, track and field, and tennis.
- Since 2011, the girl’s track team has won five state championships and has had 29 individual champions.
- Since 2011, the boy’s track team has been runner-up in the state championship three times and has had 18 individual champions.
- Since 2011, the softball team has had one player of the year, and the baseball team has had two.
School Information:
Orono High School International Facebook Page.
Entry requirements:
Students must fill out the Orono High School application and submit high school transcripts, a bank statement, a copy of their passport, and two letters of recommendation. See “Apply” for more information.
Orono High School does not require the TOEFL or other test; however, it does require proof of English proficiency. This can be shown by a video Skype interview with the Director of the International Program, or by submitting TOEFL, SAT, SSAT, IELTS, iTEP, or SLEP test results. It is your choice. The average TOEFL score for grade 12 international students is 87.
Who can apply?
Students who want to study in America for one year in grade 9, 10, 11 or 12 can apply to Orono High School. If you apply for grade 12, you are eligible to graduate and receive an Orono High School Diploma. If you apply for grade 9, 10 or 11, we will help you transfer to a private high school after 1 year (if you want to continue your studies).
Housing:
Orono High School offers housing with host families. We work with students and families to find the best fit. In addition to housing, Orono High School also offers an extensive residence life program which exposes students to local events, volunteering, the Maine outdoors, sporting events, and other cultural experiences.
Local and international students are offered breakfast and lunch at school. This is included in your tuition. Dinner will be eaten with your host family or at one of the many local restaurants. Orono is known for its diverse restaurants, too. From Thai to Mexican to American, you can have it all! As an added bonus, the restaurants and coffee shops are within walking distance of the school.
Tuition:
For information about tuition, room and board, and fees for the 2017-18 school year, please email Mrs. Hanson: mhanson@rsu26.org. Pricing is competitive with most J-1 programs, so consider apply to Orono High School’s International Program as an F-1 student. The biggest differences between a J-1 visa and F-1 visa are duration and purpose. An F-1 visa is valid for several years (which is good if you plan to continue your studies in the US). An F-1 visa is a “degree-seeking” visa, meaning students are able to earn their diploma and use it for university applications.
Scholarships / Financial Aid:
Scholarships are available and are awarded based on need, cultural diversity, academic record, and creativity. UStudy can help clients determine whether they qualify for scholarships and if so, how to apply.
The priority deadline for applications is February 1. After that, applications are accepted as space allows. International students applying with UStudy have a more flexible timeline.
