Lincoln Academy

[EduCativ]

No matter what language you speak, we are glad that you are interested in Lincoln Academy. Lincoln has been educating students for over 200 years and is the fourth oldest secondary school in Maine. Originally established to prepare students for Bowdoin College, Lincoln's purpose is to help you achieve your highest goals—whatever those may be. Whether you are from Europe or Edgecomb, Asia or Alna, you are welcome here.
Lincoln Academy is an independent secondary school that serves students from Midcoast Maine communities, New England, the U.S., and the world. L.A. was founded in 1801 to serve local students who wanted to continue their education past elementary school because towns were not required to provide education past the primary level. At this time, Maine was still part of Massachusetts. While the Commonwealth of Massachusetts gave a grant of land to fund the school, tuition was paid by the students' families.
This early version of school choice remained until 1904 when the Maine legislature required municipalities to provide secondary education. Since Lincoln Academy had been operating successfully for 100 years, towns in the Damariscotta-Newcastle area chose not to establish a new public high school but to continue to pay tuition to L.A. The Academy has continued to be the 'secondary school of choice' for the area.
The Academy has expanded its program and its campus to serve the growing populations in the Midcoast. The curriculum provides courses in all subjects and on all levels, from introductory to Advanced Placement. Clubs and sports teams offer opportunities for service, leadership, team-building, public speaking, and creativity.
Lincoln Academy's mission is to be a comprehensive high school that serves the needs of all students. This means that L.A. maintains a wide range of courses in all disciplines at all levels. The majority of the students come from the local area. However, the school has added a boarding program and is now also welcoming students from all over the world.
An independent board of Trustees governs Lincoln Academy. As established by the charter granted in 1801, trustees are not elected officials but are selected for their knowledge, skills, and dedication to the school's mission. Lincoln Academy is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. It belongs to the Maine Association of Independent Schools, the Independent Schools Association of Northern New England, and the National Association of Independent Schools.
All students who attend Lincoln Academy choose to do so. Students in towns that do not have a public high school may choose to attend any high school they wish, and their tuition is paid from the towns to that school.
With proud ties to the local community since 1801, Lincoln Academy is more than a school; it serves as a social, educational, and community center. We believe that community is the foundation for student learning and growth, and we encourage students to seek community engagement opportunities that enrich themselves and our region.
Students at Lincoln Academy have a rich diversity of strengths, skills, and life experiences. We believe that these differences create a more stimulating learning environment for all students. We are committed to meeting the needs and supporting all students' aspirations within their wide range of cultures, learning styles, socioeconomic backgrounds, and national and individual identities.
We believe that our students' character is vital to their success and the school as a whole. We model excellence, compassion, honesty, fairness, perseverance, and service to others to inspire students to develop traits that will strengthen future relationships and the ability to lead fulfilling lives.
We believe that the ability to think through complex problems is vitally important in learning and life. We challenge students to think critically, evaluate large issues from multiple perspectives, and make decisions based on sound reasoning.
We provide ALL students with opportunities for discovery and growth. We encourage them to study subjects that challenge, engage in extra-curricular activities, consider travel opportunities, collaborate, and follow their passions both in and out of the classroom.
Communication is a foundational skill that we nurture throughout the school. We encourage students to convey their ideas effectively and listen to and respect the opinions of others.
We believe that students learn best in a safe and respectful environment that provides academic, social, and emotional support. We strive to connect those in need with the resources and assistance necessary to access their education altogether.

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