WASHINGTON
ACADEMY
The Old Academy is the oldest Washington Academy campus building, dating back to 1823.
"Everything we do is in the interest of our students and continuing the legacy and memories of providing excellence in education." Head of School Judson McBrine
The Old Academy is the centerpiece of the Washington Academy campus, providing a sense of time that is read about in local history books and a sense of stability and security associated with something that has been successfully functioning for over two hundred years. The WA campus has grown tremendously throughout the years, adding six additional campus buildings, two dormitories, a personal fitness center, a gymnasium, and three athletic fields - a hub for learning and playing for countless Washington Academy Raiders. The Academy's impressive longevity, careful care, and foundation of memories ensure a hopeful future for many more years.
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MAINE Bangor
Portland
WA is one of the oldest schools in the United States, with John Hancock signing the charter and founding the school in 1792. We are a co-ed independent secondary school located in the easternmost corner of the United States. Our location impacts educational opportunities, as teachers have an entire outdoor classroom. From the rocky coastline to the river that runs near the campus, there are so many places where learning can become hands-on, from analyzing seawater to calculating the rate of the river's current. It is a countryside location with one of the lowest crime rates in the nation; Maine is a safe haven for WA students.
"The close-knit community and natural surroundings create a wonderful atmosphere for students to grow intellectually and socially." Assistant Head of School Marissa Carroll
Learning at Washington Academy is highly individualized. The Academy offers a variety of courses at different difficulty levels so that students can reach their potential - college and university classes along with Advanced Placement (AP) courses for accelerated learners, a rigorous and challenging core curriculum, and fundamental courses for students who need a little more support. Small classes, accomplished faculty, and individualized attention are the foundation of Washington Academy's learning formula. 100 different courses and an energetic student body create a thriving academic environment where growth and discovery are part of everyday life.
"Early college classes at Washington Academy allowed me to jump-start my college experience, and helped me to discover my passion." -Ava Emery '18
ADVANCED PLACEMENT Washington Academy offers 10 Advanced Placement (AP) courses. The course curriculum is designed to prepare students to succeed at a future collegiate level and prepare for a successful AP result. Washington Academy students historically report strong AP test scores at the state and national level.
EARLY COLLEGE The Washington Academy Early College Program, offered through various public and private Maine colleges and universities, allows students to pursue college-level courses and inperson and online environments. Students are provided with a quiet space to work during the school day (the school’s Larson Library) during a period in their schedule. Students may also take early college courses and four courses during the day.
DYNAMIC LEARNING Our goal for all students is to provide the best possible environment for learning. Washington Academy teachers use multiple strategies to support individual learning across all content areas. Students who may require additional support may do so through relevant, individualized programs that provide a rigorous, systematic, and holistic approach to promoting success.
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DYNAMIC PROGRAMMING
Washington Academy offers signature program courses that allow students to customize their schedules with classes specific to their interests. Outdoor Leadership is a popular double-block class meeting 160 minutes per day. Students spend most of the class time outdoors learning survival priorities, camping techniques, navigation, and basic first aid.
Marine Biology is a Washington Academy science course engaging students outside of the traditional classroom. Students learn hands-on research, explore outside scientific research sources, and interact with marine biologists working in the field. Students travel to a University of Maine state-of-the-art research center, the Downeast Institute on Beals Island. Class projects include growing algae, brining shrimp and soft-shelled clams, and conducting research in the intertidal zone of the local Maine coastline.
"This class provides a great field experience with handson-learning about the ocean in our backyard." Noah Roos '23
"This class fulfilled my passion for digital animation and confirmed my decision to pursue it professionally."
Computer Programming is a'22 Washington Academy -Grace Maker course for students with little or no programming experience. Students will receive an understanding of the role computation can play in solving problems and feel confident in their ability to write small programs that allow them to accomplish goals.
The Washington Academy, Applied Media course, explores techniques used in modern media to enhance and manipulate viewing audiences' opinions and responses. Students work collaboratively to produce a wide range of dynamic multimedia content used to tell a marketing story.
Coastal Ecology is a Washington Academy class involving environmental research and restoration activities in several ecosystems. Students participate in fieldwork, exposing them to forest ecology and management, river and lake water quality assessment, soils and geology, wetland surveys, and wildlife management. Students enjoy the Maine landscape working on projects focusing on alternative energies, bioremediation, water quality monitoring, and community gardens.
"Learning about food chains and habitats taught me about how fragile it all is." Gaven Bixler '23
INNOVATION
Washington Academy challenges students to think outside the box by cultivating critical thinking and encouraging student-led solutions to global issues. WA engineering students annually participate in the Simmons Windstorm Challenge at the University of Maine with a floating platform and wind turbine design created in the classroom. Coastal Ecology students recently trained to use magnetic monitoring instruments to measure small changes in magnetic fields. A monitoring kit was assembled in the WA classroom, and deployed on campus, which collects measurable data sent to the University of New Hampshire for analysis. The university then shares this "ground truthing" data with NASA, NOAA, and other national organizations.
"Engineering class gives me the space to think outside the box, be creative, and build something I am proud of." Edgelynn Venuti '23
Courses such as Computer-Aided Design (CAD), Honors Physics, Marine Technology, and Robotics allow Washington Academy students to lead innovation with their creativity. Students collaborate in small groups to bring their ideas to life.
INTELLECTUAL CURIOSITY
The Arts and Music Center invites all students to showcase their talents. For those students who are musically inclined, Washington Academy offers A Capella, Lab Band, Concert Band, and orchestra as well. The Center is also home to monthly open mic social events for student-musicians to gather, perform, and share creativity.
It's easy to express yourself at Washington Academy. In the Art Studio, students will find a well-lit space equipped for painting and sculpture, supplies for print-making, and IPads for digital art creation.
Many WA clubs and activities are offered after school, including a chess club, an award-winning math team, a drama club comprised of the Washington Academy Players, and much more. A comprehensive list of clubs can be found on the student life page on the Washington Academy website.
ATHLETICS Baseball* Basketball Cheering Cross Country Football Golf Soccer Softball** Tennis Track & Field Volleyball** Wrestling
All Raider teams offer varsity and junior varsity levels of play. *Boys only **Girls only
RAIDER PRIDE
Whether you are an athlete or a fan, nothing brings a school together like a sporting event. Washington Academy is no exception. With varsity sports including soccer, volleyball, tennis, and baseball, games or meets go on almost daily at WA. In recent years, Raider volleyball, soccer, tennis, and baseball have won state championships.
"We have enough sports teams for everyone in the school to play a sport." Coleton Whitney '24.
CAMPUS LIFE
All of the dorms at WA are bright, comfortable, and kept tidy by a professional staff. Living away from home can be scary whether a student comes from Toledo or Tokyo. But soon, Washington Academy becomes home, too.
There’s no place like home. WA works hard to make students feel like they’re family. Dorm parents live in the dorms, supporting 24-hour supervision. All of our dorm parents are teachers, so students can get to know them in and out of the classroom. The girls’ dorm, Cates House, has room for 32 students. The Talbot Dormitory provides housing for 48 boys with 24 spacious rooms.
The Washington Academy Senior Prom is a great way to socialize with friends and meet new ones. This formal event is planned for six months, with students having the opportunity to work on the planning committee and participate in the creative process.
Homecoming at WA is a favorite campus event where community members, alumni, and students celebrate Raider pride. The first weekend of October, the Washington Academy campus becomes maroon in spirit. Students participate in a festive parade traveling across the East Machias River and through campus—Raider spirit peaks at the football game under Friday night lights and an after-game bonfire.
Residential students enjoy weekend day trips to area attractions, such as apple picking in the fall, snow skiing, indoor wall climbing in the winter, and visiting the prestigious Bar Harbor, Maine. A student favorite is the annual trip to Boston, Massachusetts, in November, where students can visit the historic Faneuil Hall and visit Harvard and MIT campuses.
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Community partnerships allow Raiders to learn and make a difference simultaneously: broadening the student perspective is a Washington Academy priority. For over 230 years, the Academy has played an integral role in the community it serves.
"I encourage community and classroom partnerships to demonstrate the strength of collaborative efforts in making a difference in our local community." Colleen Maker, WA science teacher & Maine County Teacher of the Year, 2023
COMMUNITY GARDEN The WA community garden yields thousands of pounds of produce annually, donated to the Machias Food Pantry and other local food pantries for distribution. Mrs. Maker's Sustainability Club students interview food pantry participants to determine what vegetables should be planted annually to maximize the garden's efficiency. Students plan, plant, cultivate and harvest the garden.
DOWNEAST SALMON FEDERATION
CROSSROADS FARM
The Downeast Salmon Federation (DSF) has a longstanding partnership with Washington Academy and its students, particularly with restocking fall parr (young Atlantic Salmon). 15,500 parr are replenished annually, in a crucial effort to maintain the population of the endangered Atlantic Salmon. The DSF facility is a short walk down Academy Hill along the East Machias River.
WA Sustainability Club students learn the importance of apple gleaning to farming and the environment. In the fall, students travel to Crossroads Farm in Jonesport, Maine, to harvest cider apples and donate them back to the Farm for pressing and cider-making. Sustainability Club member Abbey Anderson '25 describes her applegleaning experience, "Apple gleaning was very fun, and I love using things that otherwise would have gone to waste."
TIPS FOR PARENTS Get Involved And encourage your student to do the same. Involved students and parents are generally happy! Early involvement in clubs and activities give students a sense of belonging and provides them with an avenue to make lifelong friends. Getting involved is a great way for parents to connect with each other too. Talk to Teachers Teachers are willing to help parents on a personal basis. They are ready and willing to talk to any parent about their child's progress in the classroom. Keep Track of Your Student With the Academy's student management system, it's easy for parents to stay in touch. Grades, attendance, and discipline are all entered into the program on a daily basis and are immediately available over a secure network with Internet access. Parents and students can be on the same page and "in the know" regarding homework, tests, attendance, and other issues regarding student life. Make friends with the Residential Life Director The Residential Life Director is in tune with the daily lives of all of Washington Academy's boarding students. It's the director's job to see that these students are involved in activities, participating in outings, and making WA home. Never hesitate to call or email the Residential Life Director!
"Best educational experience for my children. The teachers and administration are amazing and helpful." Christine Morris, parent '21, '22, '24, '27
RECENT UNIVERSITY ACCEPTANCES OF WASHINGTON ACADEMY STUDENTS INCLUDE:
ADMISSIONS CHECKLIST APPLICATION Complete and return the application along with a photo of yourself.
RECOMMENDATIONS Ask your teacher or counselor to fill out the recommendation forms and have them mail or email the documents directly to us.
TEST SCORES Arrange to have your current school send us a copy of the following: • Current Transcript • Standardized Test Scores • English Proficiency Test Score
FINANCIAL AID US Applicants: • Provide a copy of the previous year's 1040 tax form along with a WA Financial Aid Application. • Complete and return the School & Student Service (SSS) form. Non-US Applicants: • Submit proof of income. • Submit a monthly bank statement of balances and deposits. • Complete the affidavit of annual cash support and proof of financial capability form. • Complete the WA Financial Assistance Application
CONTACT US: WA Admissions Office Washington Academy 66 Cutler Road, PO Box 190 East Machias, ME 04630 USA Phone: +1.207.255.8301 | x 207 or 210 Fax: +1.207.255.8303 Email: admissions@washingtonacademy.org
Connect Empower Encourage Include Nurture Inspire Prepare Educate 66 Cutler Road, East Machias, ME 04630 USA | 207-255-8301 www.washingtonacademy.org