NEWRY — The Eddy School recently announced it has been approved for public tuition money. 

The private, independent school serves a dozen students in grades six to eight.

“Now people who live in the towns that tuition in to other places, I get their state money, as opposed to it all needing to be privately funded,” Deb Webster, director and lead teacher of the school, said. 

The Eddy School tuition is $10,000 per year.

The state’s maximum tuition for elementary private schools is $9,272.19 per student for 2018-19, according to the Maine Department of Education.

The school at 8 Bear River Road can accommodate 16 students, Webster said, adding that the small number is a difference maker for many.

“They need more one-on-one, they need more individualized time,” Webster said.

Webster started the school in 2011.

Along with the classroom curriculum, students take field trips to learn about the environment, local history, agriculture, science and foreign language. They travel to a local farm each month and do documentaries on the farmer. 

“We also do so much experiential stuff,” she said. “We are out of this building usually once a week, which is really awesome.”

She said students are studying French this year and will go to Quebec City in June.

Teaching students to work independently is another focus for Webster. She recently gave them a box of materials and instructions for a science experiment to complete on their own.

The school offers after-school and summer programs also.

Webster said one of her biggest strengths is seeing potential in every student, the main reason she looks forward to coming to work.

“I love my job, I look forward to school every day,” she said.

swheeler@bethelcitizen.com

Deb Webster sits at her desk at the Eddy School in Newry. The school is lcoated at 8 Bear River Road.