Maine Academy of Natural Sciences

The Maine Academy of Natural Sciences (MeANS) is a public charter school serving students and families throughout Mid-Maine. We introduce students to careers in farming, forestry, sustainability, alternative energy and other related fields. Students gain knowledge and skills through hands-on projects, internships, targeted courses, and real-world experiences such as growing food on campus for the cafeteria and residences. We are a highly relational program with small classes, a strong advisory program, and a year round calendar.

Our alternative program, Threshold, offers students who have not thrived in the traditional system and who are dealing with physical, emotional, and social challenges that keep them from attending school regularly, a home-visiting program. Teachers work with students in their homes and work to help them overcome the barriers that have kept them from engaging fully with their education.

Teachers at MeANS must be able to create positive relationships with the students they work with, along with imparting an enthusiasm for the content area they are teaching.

Mission: MeANS mission is to empower students to pursue their passions and find their true voice, challenge students to solve real-world problems, and connect students with their local ecological and cultural communities.

Vision: Our school will cultivate:

 Ecological & Economically Knowledgeable and Capable Alumni

Alumni with the skills and commitment to support the health and stability of Maine’s natural and human communities.

Capable & Compassionate Citizens

Students who grow into adulthood with integrity, confidence, and a well-rooted awareness of self, others, and the world around them;

 A Connected Network of Learners

A vibrant learning hub where people of all ages and socioeconomic backgrounds come together to explore, discover, and work interdependently;

Ecological & Economic Vitality

Alumni with the skills and commitment to support the health and stability of Maine’s natural and human resources.