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Residential Life

Student Leader Prefects welcome new students to Gould Academy, the best boarding school in New England

Living and Learning at Gould

Not just home to an elite education. Home.

There’s always something happening in the dorms—study sessions, cooking meals together, and spontaneous movie nights. Gould’s residential life builds independence and a strong sense of community where students form lifelong friendships and can thrive.

Dorm parents and student leaders help shape a close-knit, vibrant community where everyone feels welcome and supported. Weekly dorm meetings and daily check-ins offer the structure and connection needed to create a home away from home.

two Gould boys hang out in the lounge in Holden Hall during some down time in the dorm at the best boarding school in Maine, Gould Academy

 

Take a Holden Hall Tour with Griffin & Judd!

“I love living in on campus. It’s like a sleepover with your friends every night, and you create really close bonds with the people that you are with every day.”

Three teenage girls sit on a bed, talking, with posters of jellyfish and photos on the wall behind them.

 

A Day in the Life at Gould


 

Residential Life Highlights

Three young women are chatting in a dorm room with bunk beds, bags, and decorative lights.

 

Residential Buildings 

Three residential dorms (Davidson, Gehring, and Holden) have housed generations of Gould students who live in college-style rooms. Shared kitchens, comfy lounges, and laundry facilities promote independence, while each room is outfitted with dressers, desks, chairs, twin beds, and everything to make students feel at home.

 

A crowd of young people with their hands raised in the air dances in a room decorated with pink and silver balloons, illuminated by red and purple lights.

 

Campus Traditions 

Regular family-style formal dinners, spirited “Notch” competitions, and cherished dances like Snowball and Spring Fling help create a vibrant community that students want to be a part of.

Two people are fly fishing in a shallow river with a fallen log and lush green foliage in the background.

 

Weekend Activities

Weekends at Gould are packed with possibilities—stay on campus for a game night, movie, or an open mic, or if you’re feeling more adventurous, head out on a weekend trip. Portland’s Old Port for shopping, wading into the Androscoggin River for epic fly fishing, or catching a wave on a surfing trip are just a few of the many options available. Boredom is not an option.

 

Six smiling young people in matching t-shirts stand in front of a large brick building with columns.

 

Student Leaders

Student Prefects improve dorm life by creating a friendly community, keeping rules in place, and planning fun activities, making the campus a welcoming place to live.


 

More to Explore

Maine’s Most Beautiful Mountain Village

A mountain town with outdoor adventures, good eats, and plenty to explore—just steps from campus.

Advisory Program

Advisors at Gould are more than mentors—they’re trusted guides who support students every step of the way and keep families connected to school life.

Gould Athletics

Where mountain athletes thrive and teams become family.