EDUCATION

Institutions that are primarily educational (since most nonprofit groups do some form of education), including a list of independent/alternative schools.

Antioch New England Graduate School
195 Commerce Way
Portsmouth, NH 03801
603-433-2669 
www.antiochne.edu
Our weekend program in Organization and Management offers graduate leadership education for those seeking alternatives to traditional MBA programs.  Central to all programs is the belief that successful organizations are measured by a multiple bottom line that includes fiscal responsibility, sustainable growth, quality of work life, and social responsibility.

Atlantic Challenge Foundation, The
643 Main St.
Rockland, ME 04841
594-1800  Fax: 594-5056
info@atlanticchallenge.com
www.atlanticchallenge.com
Cate Cronin
We provide instruction in wooden boat building, sailing, and sea skills in a community setting.  Through Apprenticeshop we offer 2-year apprenticeships, 6-week internships, and 1-week winter and summer classes.  Additional leadership programs include summer sailing programs for children and adults, experiential learning modules, and water-related service projects. Apprentice-built boats for sale or for commission. 

Bagaduce Peace and Justice
4 Dodge Point Road
Brooksville, ME 04617
326-8081  Fax 326-8091
jlippke@downeast.net
Jim Lippke
Education on social and economic issues, local and global, for the east Penobscot Bay area.

Bangor Theological Seminary
300 Union St.
Bangor, ME 04401
942-6781, 800-287-6781  Fax 990-1267
env@bangor.bts.edu
www.bts.edu
We are an ecumenical seminary in the Congregational tradition of the United Church of Christ.  With campuses in Bangor and Portland, the Seminary's primary mission is preparing students for Christian ministry.  The Seminary offers accredited masters and doctoral degree programs and welcomes special students and auditors.

159 State St.
Portland, ME 04101
774-5212

Center for Intercultural Education
PO Box 8506
Portland, ME 04104
775-0547 
friends@gwi.net
www.friendsinternational.org
We are the domestic arm of Friends International, maintaining a collaborative resource center with Andover College (Washington Ave., Portland).  Books and literature available on various cultural issues from general to country-specific, including how-to books on developing intercultural programs.  Open to the public.

Coalition for Self-Learning
5 Lake St., PO Box 567
Rangeley, ME 04970
864-3784 
tranet@rangeley.org
www.CreatingLearningCommunities.org
Bill Ellis
"Envisioning a world without schools; creating a world of learning communities."  A worldwide collective of collaborative individuals and groups each working independently and in mutual support to create cooperative life-long learning communities and to promote their impact on the emerging global Cooperative Commonwealth.  Book on website.  E-group at LearningCommunities-subscribe@yahoogroups.com.

Cobscook Community Learning Center
10 Comissary Point Rd.
Lubec, ME 04652
733-2154, 733-2233
alan@thecclc.org
www.theclcc.org
Alan Furth
Our mission is to enhance the lives of local community members through grassroots collaboration using the arts, the rich social fabric, and the natural surroundings as the medium.  The Summer Institute is our cornerstone event. New - seeking people and funding!

College Guild--see Justice/Legal

College of the Atlantic--see Environmental Education

Community ERA (Education, Research, and Action)
PO Box 3343
Lewiston, ME 04243
375-8425 
Bill Corlett
We sponsor regular gatherings and programs about peace, justice, and environmental work going on in the Lewiston/Auburn area.  We also support the L/A Alternative Library.

Elderhostel--see Elders

EXCEL
USM Law School, 246 Deering Ave.
Portland, ME 04102
780-4159  Fax: 780-4239
pamelaa@usm.maine.edu
www.law.usm.maine.edu
We are a citizenship educational program conducting teacher training in conflict management and law-related education; we train students as peer mediators; sponsor high school mock trial competition, and conduct other programs and activities in dispute resolution and violence prevention. See also Peer Mediation Association (Conflict Resolution and Nonviolence Education category).

Falls Brook Centre
125 South Knowlesville Rd.
Knowlesville, NB Canada E7L 1B1
506-375-8143 fax: 506-375-4221
ja@fallsbrookcentre.ca
www.fallsbrookcentre.ca
Educational centre promoting community development and resource stewardship that creates a society that respects ecosystems, honours diverse cultures, and provides an economy in balance with communities and nature. Sponsors an annual fair each year on the weekend after Labour Day.

Fox Maple School of Traditional Building
Corn Hill Rd, PO Box 249
Brownfield, ME 04010
935-3720 Fax: 935-4575
foxmaple@nxi.com
www.foxmaple.com
Steve Chappell
We are dedicated to providing hands-on instruction emphasizing craftsmanship as well as quality books and publications devoted to traditional and natural building systems that are appropriate for the new millennium.  Course instruction includes - Introductory and Advanced Timber Framing, Straw Clay, Cob & Thatching.  Printed materials feature traditional, natural & sustainable building.

Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network--see Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning

Gay, Lesbian, and Straight Education Network of Southern Maine--see Gay, Lesbian, Bisexual, Transgender, Questioning

Good Earth School
PO Box 37
Columbia Falls, ME 04623
483-2488 
Matt Pinkham
We teach outdoor skills to anyone in Maine. Now transitioning into helping similar schools to do teaching and obtain funding.

Green Acre Baha'i School
188 Main St.
Eliot, ME 03903
439-7200  Fax 438-9940
greenacre@usnbc.org
www.greenacre.org
James Sacco
Operates a conference and retreat center for groups with overnight and meal accomodations; also offers educational programs open to visitors from all religious denominations.

Haystack Mountain School of Crafts
PO Box 518
Deer Isle, ME 04627
348-2306 Fax: 348-2307
haystack@haystack-mtn.org
www.haystack-mtn.org
We are a nonprofit research and studio program in the arts chartered in 1950.

Head Start Programs--see Children and Childbirth

Heartwood College of Art
Box 1100
Kennebunkport, ME 04046
967-8444 
hca@heartwoodcollegeofart.org
www.heartwoodcollegeofart.org
We offer classes in drawing, jewelry, photography, ceramics, printmaking, book arts, weaving, theater, and ballet for youth and adults. College courses open to all and we also offer a 2-year Associate of Arts degree.

Holocaust and Human Rights Center of Maine
PO Box 4645
Augusta, ME 04330
993-2620  Fax: 993-2620
hhrc@juno.com
www.hhrc.org
Sharon Nichols
We foster education about the Holocaust and issues of human rights. Sponsor annual Diversity Leadership Institute for teenagers, a week long summer seminar for educators, and a "Mission to Poland" as an educational trip for teachers. Produced "Maine Survivors Remember the Holocaust," an Emmy-nominated documentary, and published "The Spirit That Move Us," a 3-volume resource guide for teachers K-12.  Lending library or print and videotapes available at the Maine State Library.

Homeschoolers of Maine
337 Hatchet Mountain Road
Hope, ME 04847
763-4251  Fax: 763-4352
homeschl@midcoast.com
www.homeschool-maine.org
Promoting homeschooling in Maine. Network with numerous local homeschooling groups (estimated at about 200). Call for contact information for groups in your area.

Hurricane Island Outward Bound School
75 Mechanic St.
Rockland, ME 04841
594-5548, 800-341-1744  Fax: 594-9425
hiobs@outwardbound.org
www.outwardbound.org
Wilderness based adventure courses designed to offer experiences, both strenuous and bold, which demand an increase in initiative, self-confidence, personal responsibility, leadership, fitness, teamwork and commitment to others and the environment.  Ages from youth-seniors welcome.

Independent Schools Association of Midcoast Maine
PO Box 343
Rockport, ME 04856
354-0538 
Promotes increased awareness of educational choices and provides support for member schools.

Institute for Global Ethics
11 Main St, PO Box 563
Camden, ME 04843
236-6658 
ethics@globalethics.org
www.globalethics.org
Rushworth Kidder
An independent, non-sectarian, and non-partisan organization promoting public discourse and practical action around significant ethical issues.  Areas of concentration are public policy, education, and business.

International Institute for Humane Education
PO Box 260
Surry, ME 04684
667-1025 Fax: 667-1025
ccl@acadia.net
www.compassionateliving.org
Formerly the Center for Compassionate Living. Creating lasting social change through compassionate choices for the earth, animals, and all people.  Certification and Masters programs in Humane Education.  Experiential workshops and dynamic speakers available on communication, conflict resolution, compassionate living, consumerism, animal, environmental, and human rights issues.

Katahdin Center, The
66 Board Rd.
Brunswick, ME 04011
729-8104
tfusco2@verizon.net
Developing sustainable Maine communities through citizen engagement. We apply Green values to real world problems, conduct research, study and dialogue in an atmosphere open to varied ideas, partisan challenges, and the creative tensions of debate. Our goal is to build consensus and win-win strategies, focusing on the challenges of the Gulf of Maine bioregion. Established by the members of the Green Movement in Maine. Currently focusing on the Brunswick area.

KIDS Consortium
215 Lisbon St. #12
Lewiston, ME 04240
784-0956
mtcc@cybertours.com
www.kidsconsortium.org
Moves education beyond the classroom as students apply academic knowledge and skills to real community needs. Working with teachers, schools, and communities, we promote a learner-driven process that results in better educated, civic-minded, and responsible students.

Language Exchange
PO Box 4833
Portland, ME 04112
772-0405  Fax: 775-7795
lexchange@ime.net
www.immersionprograms.org
We sponsor concentrated classes and workshops for approximately ten different languages.

Language/Cultural Diversity Services
State House Station 23
Augusta, ME 04333
624-6788 
barney.berube@state.me.us
www.state.me.us/education/esl
Barney Berube
We promote the cultural, linguistic, and ethnic variety in Maine and affirm the importance of other languages besides English.  We help schools provide special instructional services to children K-12 whose first language is not English.

Lasansky School of Dance--see Art/Music & Culture

Leadership School at Kieve, The
PO Box 169
Nobleboro, ME 04555
563-6212, Fax: 563-5833
leadershipschool@kieve.org
www.kieve.org
Charlie Harrington
The Leadership School is a prevention program working in partnership with public schools to offer residential and outreach programs to students in grades 4-12.  The curriculum is interdisciplinary, including skills, relationships, and substance use.  Throughout the program, emphasis is placed on communication, cooperation, leadership and group process.

Literacy Volunteers of America - Maine
39 Deering St.
Portland, ME 04101
800-322-5455, 773-3191 
lvamelaura@aol.com
Laura Coombs
We provide one-on-one free confidential tutoring to adults in Basic Reading and English for speakers of other languages.  We train tutors. Referrals to education programs statewide through the Adult Learning Opportunities Hotline (800-322-5455). We maintain offices in various Maine communities. Currently 17 affiliates in Maine.

Maine Association for Charter Schools
199 Hatchet Mountain Road
Hope, ME 04847
763-3576 Fax: 763-4552
macs@mainecharterschools.org
www.mainecharterschools.org
Judith Jones
We support the introduction of public charter schools in Maine.  Charter schools are new public schools organized by community members, free, open to all, no religious affiliation.  Contracts specify goals for student learning.

Maine Citizen Leadership Fund
One Pleasant St.
Portland, ME 04101
780-8657  Fax: 780-0142
mclf@maine.rr.com
We assist, train, and educate current and future progressive leaders in Maine. Founded in 1989.

Maine Educators Against Fingerprinting--see Justice and Legal Rights

Maine Energy Education Project--see Environment - Energy

Maine Home Education Association
19 Willowdale Dr.
Gorham, ME 04038
mainehomeed@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/mainehomeed/
A non-sectarian non-profit organization which promotes homeschooling throughout Maine.

Maine Humanities Council
674 Brighton Ave.
Portland, ME 04102
773-5051  Fax: 773-2416
info@mainehumanities.org
www.mainehumanities.org
Dorothy Schwartz
We are dedicated to developing programs and supporting projects that provide cultural enrichment.  Administer the National Endowment for the Humanities grants in Maine; develop new communities of learning for youth and adults that support full literacy. 

Maine Migrant Education Program
State House Station 23
Augusta, ME 04333
800-452-1909, 624-6705 
pam.gatcomb@state.me.us
www.mmfrc.org
We serve children who move with their parents in search of employment in agriculture, fishing, or forestry.  We provide educational help within public schools (K-12).  Provides financial support for families who qualify for "cub care" - contact us for further information.

Maine Theatre Guild
PO Box 776
Rockland, ME 04841
596-0287 
dowling@midcoast.com
Kevin Dowling
Interactive theatre cast made up of people ages 13 to 70 who perform, then discuss in character, socially sensitive issues.  Performance topics are specific to request. Community theater, children's theater and steel drum band (open to the public for lessons - call for more information).  Available for bookings.

Maine Underground Railroad Association
880 N Main St.
Brewer, ME 04412
989-7468 
We research and tell the history of Maine's part in the rescuing of African-Americans from slavery through the Underground Railroad in the mid-1800's. We are seeking donations for a statue in Brewer.

Mainewatch Institute
PO Box 209
Hallowell, ME 04347
247-5689 
edeljeff@netscape.net
Jeff Edelstein
Independent research organization focusing on economic, environmental and other issues and their relationship to public policy proposals and decisions; reports of findings are available.

Morris Farm--see Food and Agriculture

Nature's Wisdom
23 Deer Run
Harpswell, ME 04079
833-5724
Concerned about the destruction of life on earth and promoting sustainable lifestyles through self-enhancement groups, parenting groups, simplicity circles, and more.

Opportunity Maine
567-3074, 233-2987
rob@opportunitymaine.org
www.opportunitymaine.org
Campaign to provide tax credits to any Maine resident who earns an associate or bachelor's degree and lives and works in Maine after graduation for a specified time.

Organization for Equal Education of the Sexes
PO Box 438
Blue Hill, ME 04614
374-2489  Fax: 374-5350
oees@acadia.net
We develop, publish, and disseminate posters and teaching manuals on women of achievement, nontraditional careers, and drop-out prevention; approximately 100 posters, many featuring women of diverse races, ages, careers, and disabilities.

Penobscot School
28 Gay St.
Rockland, ME 04841
594-1084 Fax: 594-1067
penobscot@languagelearning.org
www.languagelearning.org
We are a nonprofit center for language learning and educational exchange, founded in Rockland in 1986 with alumni in 38 countries.  Weekly courses, weekend immersion programs, and conversation groups are offered to New Englanders in 10 languages.

Peopleplace Cooperative Preschool--see Children and Childbirth

People's Theater
RR 2, Box 7162
Carmel, ME 04419
848-2433 
jonf@ptfolkschool.org
www.mint.net/folkschool
Jon Falk
We are a non-professional theater troupe using improvisation to develop scenes and skits of real-life experiences and concerns to stimulate thought and discussion.  Our focuses are on poverty and economic justice issues.  We're available for bookings and offering of workshops. A project of Pine Tree Folk School.

Pine Tree Folk School
189 Hinckley Hill Road
Carmel, ME 04419
848-2433
jonf@ptfolkschool.org
www.ptfolkschool.org
Jon Falk
We offer statewide educational programs for community groups designed to develop democratic leadership, collective action against injustice and tools for economic empowerment. Also we sponsor Help-Net, providing information on computer technology to nonprofit groups in Maine.

Portland Arts & Technology High School
196 Allen Ave.
Portland, ME 04103
874-8165 
Provides skill training in occupational programs, grades 9-12.  Attended by students from 23 sending schools in the region.

Riverview Foundation
PO Box 310
Topsham, ME 04086
729-7399 
Teaches conflict resolution through non-competitive nature-based martial arts for all ages. Goal of improved performance, heightened self-worth, healthier choices. Classes also in South Portland.

Rural Education Program
c/o HOME, PO Box 10
Orland, ME 04472
469-7961  Fax: 469-1023
homecoop@earthling.net
www.homecoop.net
We offer ITV classes and tutoring to low-income students.  We hope to sponsor classroom programs as well.

Ruth's Reusable Resources--see Environment - Waste Reduction and Disposal

Salt Institute for Documentary Studies
110 Exchange St., PO Box 7800
Portland, ME 04112
761-0660  Fax 761-2913
info@salt.edu
www.salt.edu
Semester-length programs in cultural field studies for academic credit during fall, winter/spring, and summer. Focus on writing and photography. Produces Salt Magazine and has archives of previous students' work.

Senior Adult Growth Exchange--see Elders

Siddhartha School Project--see International

Social Justice and Truth in History
PO Box 152
Pittsfield, ME 04967
487-5912
We encourage tolerance and multi-cultural learning through teaching US history/herstory as it really happened.  We work with schools and communities at large to educate about the positive contributions of groups such as people of color, women, and working class white people.

Southern Maine Homeschooled Teens
kpoulos@verizon.net
Kathy Poulos-Minott
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/SMHSTeens/
This list serve/group offers homeschooled teens (age 13 and older) some resources, field trips and fun, safe, healthy, supervised social activities. Parents should be willing to take turns chaperoning the activities.

Stone Soup Institute
298 Allen Point Rd., PO Box 383
Harpswell, ME 04079
833-5878
mail@stone-soup-institute.org
www.stone-soup-institute.org
Offers classes and workshops on the "agrarian arts and sciences."

Visible Black History--see Racial and Ethnic Groups

YouthBuild Portland
181 Brackett St.
Portland, ME 04102
775-0105  Fax: 780-1701
pwnpc@aol.com
Michael Rodriguez
We address the educational and developmental needs of economically disadvantaged young men and women who have not completed high school.  Trainees develop skills in a classroom environment and at a construction worksite doing community service while building affordable housing. A project of Portland West.

INDEPENDENT SCHOOLS 
Including Waldorf, Montessori, Sudbury, and others with or without specific educational philosophies.

Bridge School, The
PO Box 714
Blue Hill, ME 04614
374-2399
Independent school where students learn in individualized environments and multi-age groups.

Community School
79 Washington St., PO Box 555
Camden, ME 04843
236-3000  Fax: 236-2505
school@acadia.net
www.TheCommunitySchool.org
A private secondary school in Camden with two main programs: A Residential Program which focuses on high school dropouts 16-20; and the Passages Program which focuses on parents, ages 15-20, who have not yet completed their high school education.  We use one-on-one tutoring, small seminars, vocational training, guided life-experience, and experiential courses.  Individual graduation plans to meet students' needs.  Students are treated with respect, and have a voice that is both listened to and understood.

Liberty School
PO Box 857
Blue Hill, ME 04614
374-2886 
nbarrett@liberty.pvt.k12.me.us
Arnold Greenberg
A democratic community of learners where each person's unique mind and spirit is respected. School for grades 9-12, working on a 13th year program.

Maine Montessori Association
RR 3, Box 1300
Old Town, ME 04468
827-2404 
jalex@saturn.caps.maine.edu
Joseph Alex
Contact us for local schools in your area. There are about 20 Montessori schools in Maine from Kittery to Calais offering a unique educational experience to pre-school and early elementary school age students. The Association promotes Montessori education, publishes a newsletter, and sponsors workshops and conferences.

New Country School
RR 1 Box 20
West Baldwin, ME 04091
625-4962 
We offer pre-school to 6th grade.  We value children being children, because they only get to be so once.  Practicing hands-on learning and a developmental approach to education.  In operation since 1972.

New School, The
38 York St.
Kennebunk, ME 04043
985-3745 
marylynw@gwi.net
www.newschoolkennebunk.net
A new alternative secondary school for students seeking a more open learning environment.

REACH School
1st & Franklin Sts., PO Box 1366
Bucksport, ME 04416
469-7147
rcrampton@reach.pvt.k12.me.us
REACH is for students not fitting well into traditional school settings. Some self-direction, some structure in this alternative school of 20 middle and high school-age students and two staff.

Riley School
PO Box 91
Glen Cove, ME 04846
596-6405  Fax: 596-7200
rileysch@mint.net
www.riley.org
We nurture the individual, striving to develop in each child a solid enthusiasm for lifelong learning.  We are equally committed to the child's ethical, physical, and emotional growth.  We expect the highest standards of performance and responsibility from every child, and strive to foster compassion, generosity, and integrity.

School Around Us
281 Log Cabin Road
Arundel, ME 04046
967-3143 
xander@gwi.net
Alternative elementary school founded in the 1960's serving students especially in York County.

Toddy Pond School
561 Oak Hill Rd.
Swanville, ME 04915
338-3848 
Laura-Lee Perkins
Parent-run, non-sectarian elementary and middle school founded in 1979, state certified K-8.  A leader in developmental education, hands-on learning, and individual instruction.  Multi-age classes with a student/teacher ratio of 11/1.  Five miles from Belfast in rural setting.

Waldorf Schools
Based on the educational philosophy of Rudolf Steiner, these are five of hundreds of Waldorf schools worldwide. Each offers programs for students from nursery school to Grade 8.

Acadia Waldorf School
55 Kebo St.
Bar Harbor, ME 04609
288-9980 
awea@acadia.net

Ashwood Waldorf School
180 Park St., PO Box 446
Rockport, ME 04856
236-8021

Bay School
PO Box 269
Blue Hill, ME 04614
374-2187

Merriconeag Waldorf School
57 Desert Rd.
Freeport, ME 04032
865-3900
info@mws.pvt.k12.me.us

Tidewater School
96 Beech Rd., PO Box 420
Eliot, ME 03903
439-7911
tidewater@juno.com

Wassookeag School
300 Union St.
Bangor, ME 04401
945-4900
info@wassookeagschool.org
www.wassookeag.org
We are an independent, parent-run, nonprofit school offering creative education for children 5-14, started in 1985.  In a nurturing, non-competitive yet challenging environment, our goal is to instill a love of learning and a strong sense of self-worth as well as appreciation and respect for others.

Watershed Community School
PO Box 14
Thomaston, ME 04861
354-0709
wsi@midcoast.com
A new independent, community high school for the Midcoast area, located in the Lincoln Street Center, Lincoln St., Rockland.