Ecology Learning Center

The Ecology Learning Center inspires students to roll up their sleeves and engage with their local communities through service learning and apprenticeships. Guided by the unifying theme of "ecology" — the study of the relationships between organisms and their environment — students embody ecological principles by making meaningful connections between school and community. In the process, they develop the knowledge, skills, and commitment to work alongside peers, teachers, mentors, businesses, nonprofits, and neighbors to address challenges that matter to their region.Students take active roles in every aspect of their education, supported and guided by teachers and local experts. The standards-based curriculum meets the Maine Learning Results through rigorous courses in English language arts and mathematics and through ecology-themed, interdisciplinary projects rooted in science, technology, and social studies, balancing classroom instruction with field studies that empower students to study the natural and human resources of their region and solve real-world problems. A hallmark of this student-driven approach is the school's signature "passion projects," through which students pursue self-directed investigations into topics they care about — applying ecological thinking and real-world skills to questions of their own choosing. Success is measured against the school's four educational program terms: place-based learning; hands-on, performance-based assessment; a reflective and empowering school culture; and a dedication to wellness. Upon graduation, students are prepared to continue their education and to apply their learning to employment and lifelong learning.The Center fosters partnerships with Unity College, the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), Kennebec Valley Community College (KVCC), and the University of Maine's Hutchinson Center, broadening graduates' horizons for future education and employment. This work is supported by a committed, qualified board of directors and a staff of passionate, engaged teachers who collaborate with one another, the head of school, and community members to build a school community of connection and curiosity — one in which a student-centered, meaningful, and rigorous learning environment can flourish.