Joyful Learning.
Rooted in Community.
At Cedarbrook, kids learn by doing — driven by curiosity, supported by community. A hands-on K–8 school in Portland, Maine where joyful learning and real-world skills go hand in hand.
Why families choose Cedarbrook.
Cedarbrook stays intentionally small — so every teacher knows every child by name, strength, and quirk.
Hands-On, Device-Free Learning
No screens until 4th grade. Kids learn through real materials, real questions, and real projects — building curiosity that lasts.
Explore our approach →Families Welcome, Not Required
Parent partnership at Cedarbrook means showing up the way that fits your life. No volunteer minimums. Just a school where families know each other and the teachers by name.
How community works →Kids Who Know Themselves
High schools notice it. Cedarbrook graduates show up confident, self-aware, and ready. It's not an accident — social-emotional learning runs through everything we do, K through 8.
Hear from alumni →"Cedarbrook is full of joy and love and friendliness. You see kids truly enjoying their time at school — and this is how the world should be."— Maya, parent of a graduate and a current 8th grader
A glimpse of the Cedarbrook day.
Cedarbrook has been around for 65 years, growing a community of curious kids who become capable, kind adults. Watch this short video to see what a typical day actually looks like.
Then come see it in person. Tours run November through February, and we'd love to show you around.
Where do you fit?
Cedarbrook serves a few different groups. Here's where to start depending on who you are.
Interested in Kindergarten?
Our mission, our history, and what makes Cedarbrook unlike any other school in Portland.
Start exploring →Joining mid-journey?
We welcome families at every grade. Spots may be limited — reach out early.
View admissions →Already part of Cedarbrook?
Find out how to support the school through giving, or access the staff portal.
Support Cedarbrook →
Your child is not a number here.
Cedarbrook stays small on purpose. Teachers know every student as an individual — their strengths, their struggles, and the best way to reach them on any given day.
Curriculum is evidence-based (Bridges math, Science of Reading literacy), and devices stay off until 4th grade — because at these ages, learning happens best through the world around you.
See how we teach →
A school families stay in for nine years.
K through 8 means continuity. Your child grows up with the same group of families, the same teachers who know their story, and a school culture that compounds year over year.
Most Cedarbrook families say what surprised them most wasn't the academics — it was how well the parents and teachers knew each other by Thanksgiving of their first year.
Meet the community →Come see it in person.
Tours run November through February. No pressure — just a chance to walk the school, meet the teachers, and see if Cedarbrook feels right for your family.