Commission approves sciences charter school

Augusta, Maine - The Maine Charter School Commission voted Friday to approve the application from the Baxter Academy for Technology and Science to move to the contract phase that will result in becoming the first public charter school in Maine’s history focused on science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM). It will be the third charter school approved by the Commission.

Baxter Academy aims to be a rigorous, college preparatory high school promoting student ownership of learning through curriculum focused specifically on STEM. Baxter plans to serve students with a strong interest in science technology, engineering and mathematics. Baxter’s intent is to help guide students to be passionate, self-directed learners by engaging their intellect and encouraging their imaginations through technology-rich project-based learning. Students at Baxter will follow a standards-based curriculum for English language arts, mathematics, science, social studies and the arts. The program will be located on York Street in Portland.

In the first year, the school says it hopes to meet the needs of at least 150 students in grades 9 and 10. The school will add one more grade each year the next two years.