About Us

The mission of the Watershed School is to establish a learning community that cultivates excellence, creativity, respect, and compassion.

We asked our students to list what they valued about their school. They were given a variety of categories -- academics, school community, non-academic opportunities, etc. – to expand their range of ideas. Students were given 1st , 2nd and 3rd value votes to select their top choices from what became a very long list.

Here are their top 6 choices in order of vote values:
• Students want to be here and students want to learn
• Teachers have respect for students.
• Strong, rigorous academics; knowledgeable faculty.
• Full support for international exchange and other learning opportunities, high proportion of international students.
• Students have a lot of say in what happens in their school.
• Teachers and administration are open minded.

Guiding Principles:

A Watershed education is built on the principle that exceptional individual growth develops out of strong teacher-student relationships within the context of a close-knit school community. Faculty concentrate on knowing each student in the school - in terms of learning style, interests, attitude toward learning, past educational experiences and aspirations so they can effectively help develop each student's full potential. The democratic nature of our community develops skills leading to effective citizenship and fosters a healthy affection and sense of responsibility for the school. This, in turn increases student openness toward learning, toward each other, and toward adults. The attitudes fostered at Watershed School prepare our students for a lifetime of learning and involvement in local communities and the larger world. A Watershed education enables graduates to step into young adulthood with confidence.

• Faculty are models for life-long learning, self-discipline, good work, leadership, and respectful relationships. They understand that teaching and learning require a relationship of mutual respect, trust, and openness. The unique contribution and needs of every learner are recognized, honored, and built upon.
• The context in which education occurs is as important as the curriculum itself. The design of a school and the actions and behavior of its staff are integral aspects of the curriculum. Highly competent staff, with high expectations, and a safe, supportive, democratic, celebratory, and environmentally thrifty school community offer an exceptional context for teaching and learning.
• Learning is not simply preparation, or a means to an end, but a lifelong activity. In every discipline how to think and learn is as important as what to think and learn.
• Educational experiences should be linked whenever possible to the natural and original motivation for learning: practical needs, personal inclination, and the desire to dwell on, think through, or otherwise work with a particular topic.
• Direct experience provides an understanding of learning and creativity as practical and essential aspects of life. Direct exposure to the richness of the natural world and to people working to better their communities establishes a spirit of hope and joy.
• Attention to beauty and craftsmanship throughout the curriculum inspires students, faculty, and parents.

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Our Goals for Graduates:

• Demonstrate an excellent grounding in academics,
• Qualify for a college of their choice,
• Be able to work effectively with others,
• Communicate clearly,
• Pursue their own goals and take responsibility for their actions,
• Care for their health and physical fitness,
• Take initiative and recognize their ability to make a positive contribution to their community,
• Recognize complexities and interrelationships in society and nature,
• Possess practical skills,
• Be optimistic, curious, and confident young adults, and
• Have a strong affection for their school.

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School Overview

Established by teachers, parents and other Midcoast Maine community members, the Watershed School opened in 2003 as an independent non-profit high school “for students who want to learn more.” Watershed students often transfer from others schools, seeking a demanding intellectual environment and enthusiastic school community.

Located in Rockland, Maine, in a leased wing of a 19th century school building, Watershed offers a full academic program, active student involvement in school governance, and an exciting learning environment.

Fall Semester begins with a 4-day canoe trip to establish respect, trust, and esprit de corps for the year ahead. Participation in nationally recognized events such as the Camden Conference and Mid-Coast Forum on International Relations is encouraged for all students. Watershed is represented at the Youth United Nations Forum in NYC. Students and faculty travel to Canada, to cities in the eastern US, and to the American Southwest.

Watershed’s mid-winter “Project Week” consists of five full days with no classes when students carry out significant projects of their choosing, from building boats to historical or scientific research. Academic and Art exhibitions occur each semester and are open to the public. A “Friday Speaker” program brings in a diversity of people from outside Watershed - professionals, artists, politicians, advocates, and new thinkers - to discuss their work and life with our students.

At Watershed, democracy isn’t simply discussed; it’s practiced. Effective participation in a democracy requires training. Students are directly engaged in community building and take responsibility for drafting, deliberating, and establishing school policy discussed at weekly Student-Faculty Meetings. All members of the school community are expected to exercise their democratic voice.

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Curriculum

WS offers a challenging academic program in Sciences, Humanities, and the Arts. Classes are small, usually less than 10 students, and have a strong focus on instilling effective intellectual habits, leadership and responsibility.

Most WS students elect to enroll in a college preparatory program and are expected to take a full schedule every year. This implies four years each of English, Science, History, Math, and a variety of subjects in the Arts. Seniors also undertake a Graduation Project that draws on all of their intellectual, creative, and organizational skills. WS offers the support and flexibility to create electives and develop independent studies or field experiences that challenge and support student interests. Watershed enrolls a number of international exchange students, and many of our local students choose to study abroad.

Course Offerings:

Trigonometry	Algebra	Geometry	Calculus
English Literature	English Composition	Western Civics	Applied Democracy
Ethics	Chinese History	Media & Journalism	US History
Chemistry	Physics	Biology	Cosmology
Meteorology	Forest Ecology	Astronomy	Spanish
French	Latin	Music Composition	Studio Art
Metalsmithing	Photography	Ceramics	Fencing
Dance	Videography

Honors and AP classes

Watershed offers a number of courses at the AP or Honors level. These courses include Modern American History, Chinese History, Cosmology, Biology, Environmental Chemistry, Literature of Shakespeare, Ethics, and Journalism. However, because of high expectations across the board - from 9th through 12th grades - we have chosen not to designate courses as "Honors" or "AP." Modern American History, Chinese History, Chemistry, and Biology are offered as 11th and 12th grade subjects, using college texts, and are taught with what would be an undergraduate level of exposure and expectations. Our Advanced Spanish and French students are also working at the AP level. Since 2006, students have been supported to take the AP Biology and the AP Spanish exams. We will expand our support for additional AP exams as our new school develops.

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Assessment at Watershed

Students receive a set of course expectations at the beginning of each course. This form details what students need to accomplish in order to receive a credit. Expectations for number, length, and final quality of papers and other projects, and minimum acceptable final numerical grades on tests and quizzes are all detailed as well as expectations for class participation and leadership. In addition, students receive detailed narrative evaluations from each teacher at the end of the semester. If students do not meet course expectations they will not get a credit for that course. This means that “coasting” or “getting by” with a low but passing grade is not a possibility.

Many of Watershed’s faculty members are current or former college teachers. Our faculty members are professionals with significant real-world practice within their disciplines. It is our experience that our method of assessment – without ranking or unnecessary focus on grades – supports a fertile environment for learning, and greater competence and intellectual capacity in our students.

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Faculty

Watershed teachers have significant real-world experience within their discipline, and lead their classes with a focus on instilling effective intellectual habits. The Watershed Faculty (2007-2008) is composed of 5 half- or full-time teachers, and 12 adjunct teachers. Thirteen of our instructors hold advanced degrees.

Further Questions?

We understand that our status as a new school, and our system for student assessment, may result in additional questions for college admissions personnel. We invite and welcome any questions you may have.

Please contact:

Watershed School 207.594.1873

Director – Philip Gerard

Dean of Students –Will Galloway

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PO Box 14 Thomaston, ME 04861 - Lincoln Street Center - Rockland, Maine (207) 594-1873 institute@watershedcommunity.org