Why Maine? | Maine Coast Semester

Maine’s forests, freshwater rivers, mountains, and rocky coastline are the classrooms at Chewonki.

There’s just something about Maine, a state of independent people, authentic character, and extraordinary beauty. It is one of the last truly undeveloped parts of the United States. Over 80 percent of the state is forested and there are 3,478 miles of tidal coastline. Chewonki students live and learn on a 400-acre peninsula with 3.5 miles of rocky shoreline, a small horse-powered farm, and 5 miles of trails.

The Chewonki Farm
Our farm illuminates the interconnectedness of our lives. Through growing and eating our own food, we strive to have a complete relationship with the land. This small, diversified, organic farm is an essential part of the rhythm of semester days. Its primary mission is to educate and inspire students while producing food, wood products, and…
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The Coast
Living amidst one of the world’s most beautiful natural landscapes and diverse ecosystems, it’s no wonder that science is ingrained in everything at Maine Coast Semester. Students spend at least four hours a week outdoors in the signature science course, Natural History of the Maine Coast, exploring environments from tide pools to boreal forests, collecting…
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The Community
Chewonki students represent a diverse range of beliefs and backgrounds. The passion and diversity of the students each semester makes the small, intimate community that forms one of the most memorable aspects of any Chewonki student’s experience. Learning to live and work together, to communicate honestly, to be sensitive and generous in spirit, and to…
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Academics
At the heart of Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki is a challenging academic program for students who love learning. Our classes require commitment, curiosity, participation, and a great sense of adventure. We ask students to take ownership of their education and make connections between what they’re learning, what they’re doing, and the kind of life…
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Student Life
Both on campus and out in the world, through their academics and recreational activities, Maine Coast Semester students learn to function as part of something bigger than themselves, contributing their efforts toward a shared goal. Living in a small cabin with other students, planning Saturday night’s entertainment, working together to chop wood and grow and gather…
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Admissions
Chewonki seeks students who are looking for an exciting and challenging experience, thriving at their own school, and ready to seek new ways of learning for themselves and new ways to contribute to others. Maine Coast Semester at Chewonki is not for everyone. Students who enroll here-–high school juniors from a diverse array of communities…
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