Life-Changing Learning in Nature

For High School Juniors and Seniors

Why Choose Maine Coast Semester?

At Maine Coast Semester we take your education outside the traditional classroom with four months of intensive, hands-on learning. With backcountry adventures, science field labs, and daily discoveries in sustainable living, the juniors and seniors who graduate our program often call it “the place I learned how to make a difference in the world”.

During your semester, you will meet inspiring students and teachers from around the country and dive into real and relevant academic classes. Together, you will explore Maine’s vibrant landscapes: rocky shores, salt marshes, boreal forests, and sandy beaches. As a member of our close-knit community, you will make friends for life and contribute to the group every day, working on our horse-powered farm, splitting wood for your cabin, or helping in a thousand other ways, great and small.

What's so unique about a Maine Coast Semester experience?

The Coast of Maine

Over 400 unspoiled acres on the Maine Coast are yours for inspiration, education, and exploration, whether you’re modeling tidal changes, designing energy-friendly buildings, or hiking our network of trails.

The Academics

With a 3:1 student-faculty ratio, a rigorous curriculum, and the natural world as a laboratory, Maine Coast Semester challenges you to break through classroom walls and not just learn, but do.

The Backcountry

Not every classroom is in a room. You’ll learn life-long skills to hike, paddle, camp, and explore the natural world.

The Farm

Put your head, heart, and hands to work growing and harvesting food and caring for livestock on our sustainable, working organic farm. You won’t just learn about sustainability, you’ll live it.

You should go!

“I learned what a positive and inclusive community really is, and I gained a much deeper appreciation for the natural world. I pushed myself academically through the small class sizes and hands-on learning.”

10 years later...

“…I am continually discovering new things about myself that I can trace back to Chewonki. It has been a hugely transformational experience, and not just in the short term.”

I was challenged...

“…academically, socially, and my world-view grew. I made lifelong friends who I am still in touch with, and I carry the memories and lessons from my time at Maine Coast Semester with me every day.”

My semester experience...

“…was formative in my college choice, and my path as an educator. It was one of the single most impactful experiences in my life, and has inspired me to create and build community where I go.”