Cultivating a Sense of Self, Place and Community
The Community School (TCS) is an independent, Place-Based Forest Kindergarten, Elementary and Middle School, cultivating a sense of self, place and community, located on an 80 acre campus in the heart of Mount Desert Island on the coast of Maine.
We organize students into four multi-grade cohorts. These groupings are flexible and may shift from year to year based on enrollment numbers and the needs of each age group. The cohorts are:
What is Place-Based Education?
“The process of using the local community and environment as a starting point to teach concepts in language arts, mathematics, social studies, science, and other subjects across the curriculum. Emphasizing hands on, real-world learning experiences, this approach increases academic achievement, helps students build stronger ties to their community, enhance their appreciation for the natural world, and fosters a commitment to being active, contributing citizens. Community vitality and environmental quality are improved through the active engagement of local citizens, community organizations, and environmental resources in the life of the school.”
-David Sobel, Place-Based Education: Connecting Classrooms and Communities
Upcoming Events
-
Wonder of Place (July 20-24th, 2026)
This immersive week features three distinct tracks, each running Monday through Friday from 9:00am to 3:00pm (July 20th - 24th only), designed to engage young artists, performers, and explorers in meaningful, place-based experiences.
We invite families to register for the individual track that best fits their child’s interests and age group.
-
Spring Wonder Walk Series
Join teachers from our Sweet Fern Forest Kindergarten for a four-part immersion in the season of spring!
Session dates: Tuesday, May 5th, May 12th, May 19th + May 26th.
Each week, we will explore a location on the school campus, through hands-on, nature-based activities that foster conversation and community-building among caregivers and children.
-
Kids' Craft Fair + Open House
Craft Fair attendees are invited to explore the schoolhouse and campus grounds during the event.
We are actively enrolling K-8th grade students for the 2026-2027 school year and Community School faculty, staff and parents (identified by wearing The Community School pins) will be on site all day at the event, please consider us all as resources during your visit!
What our families say about a Community School Education
“The Community School (TCS) has been a treasure for our kids' education for five years. Our current sixth grader started at TCS in second grade. Every weekend since then, they are always waiting for Monday to come again so they can return to school! They come home each day bustling with knowledge and excitement for the work they've done that day. They are supported and affirmed for who they are by the teachers and staff, and they have a great community of friends of all ages. Their older brother, a TCS alum, is now thriving in high school. TCS has been a blessing to our family!”
— Adam McLean, TCS Parent
“What we really appreciate is the connection that he is forming with the local land and natural world in general! The school sits on nearly eighty acres of forest, meadow and marshland, all of which serves as his daily classroom.
Our son has learned so much from his every day experience at the school, especially owing to the guidance of skilled and caring teachers who are always attentive to each student. They are devoted to helping each child learn and grow both personally and as a member of a better, kinder world.
We are always so pleased to see our son playing with his friends in the field, and to hear of the days adventures on the car ride home.”
— Maya Bracken, TCS Parent
With ample time outside, in all the weather, our daughter gets to stay connected with nature, build resilience, explore and learn beyond the classroom. The weekly outings off campus bring learning to life and truly connect the students to the real world in meaningful ways. They get to explore, create and learn through real experiences that are engaging and memorable. We are so grateful to be part of a school that values connection, curiosity and hands-on learning!
— Alicia Laurendeau, TCS Parent
