Baxter Academy for Technology and Science
Baxter Academy for Technology and Science is a public charter school for grades 9–12 in Portland, Maine. It started in 2013 and is Maine's third charter school.[2] The school is in a city and focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). The first senior class graduated in June 2016.[3]
| Baxter Academy for Technology and Science | |
|---|---|
| File:Baxter Academy logo.jpg | |
| Location | |
| 185 Lancaster St, Portland, Maine United States | |
| Information | |
| Type | High school |
| Established | August 2013 |
| Director | Anna Marie Klein-Christie |
| Principals | Cicy Po & Alex Waters [1] |
| Grades | 9–12 |
| Enrollment | 416 Students |
| Website | baxter-academy |
Baxter Academy is a high school that prepares students for college. It focuses on science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM). Students at Baxter Academy work on complex real-world problems and use technology tools with help from scientists, engineers, and other professionals.
Baxter Academy's student and faculty bodies travel from nearly 60 towns across Maine to get to school each day. A local bus company runs school bus routes to help students with longer commutes. The Greater Portland Metro Bus system is another common way for students to get to school as well as Downtown Portland.
The school is special because it gives students more freedom and self-guidance to help them get ready for the real world. One way it does this is by letting students go off campus during lunch to shop and eat, becoming part of Portland's economy. The school also has a program called 'Flex Friday' where students can work on long-term projects (1–4 years) related to their interests and goals. They work on these projects every Friday when school is in session. Popular projects include game and software development, robotics, and internships.
On March 13, 2020, the school closed due to worries about COVID-19, and switched to remote learning. The school used this model for the whole 2020–2021 school year, even as other schools in the area reopened and new leaders were chosen. On August 1, 2021, an email was sent to students and staff saying the school would return to in-person classes by September 2021, with extra COVID-19 safety measures. In-person graduation ceremonies were held for the classes of 2022 and 2023.
References
- ↑ "Administrative Team". Baxter Academy for Technology and Science. Retrieved 6 November 2020.
- ↑ Gallagher, Noel K. (June 30, 2014). "First year may chart the course for Baxter Academy". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved October 28, 2016.
- ↑ Bridgers, Leslie (April 27, 2016). "Baxter Academy names new executive director". Portland Press Herald. Retrieved October 28, 2016.