The Community School has been approved as a Private Secondary School by the Department of Educational and Cultural Services since 1974. The school is located in the small town of Camden, Maine (USA). The school has two main programs:
The Residential Program which focuses on high school dropouts between the ages of 16 and 20, and the Passages Program which focuses on parents between the ages of 15 and 20 who have not yet completed their highschool education. The Community School teaches using one-to-one tutoring, small seminars, vocational training, guided life-experience, and experiential courses. Each student follows an Individual Graduation Plan which includes course requirements as well as special courses to meet his/her own specific needs. Students are treated with respect, and have a voice which is both listened to and understood.
In the interest of providing an education which is appropriate and accessible to students with non-traditional learning styles, problematic family and social backgrounds, and a history of chronic failure in conventional educational settings, The Community School provides an intensive environment which is individually tailored for each student. Our approach is based upon the principles of "relational education" which is described in more detail in the Publications section of this website. In order to complete their diploma requirements students not only have to remedy academic deficits, they must also work on the social, personal, and interpersonal issues which have been significant contributors to their previous lack of success.
To provide and model a high school dropout prevention and return program in an environment encouraging a high level of personal commitment from students and staff. To offer a highly experiential curriculum leading to a high school diploma, where students can discover a strong sense of self worth while naming and addressing the issues which have sabotaged their success in school. To provide a long-term source of support for former students. To expand the understanding of learning and education for students, staff, and the community at large.
