A panel of Lincoln Academy students answers questions from incoming eighth graders during prospective student visits to the LA campus. LA hosted students from local sending schools for tours during the week of December 11.

Last week over 140 local eighth graders visited Lincoln Academy as part of their high school enrollment process. Students from sending schools including Great Salt Bay, Jefferson, Bristol, Nobleboro, South Bristol, Whitefield, St. George, the Center for Teaching and Learning, Damariscotta Montessori, the Reilly School, and Brightfields, plus homeschooled students all visited campus on one of four designated visiting days. During their visit they learned about the LA curriculum, athletics, special programs, and clubs, got their questions answered by a student panel, and toured the campus with student tour guides.

“Many of our sending school students have never visited the LA campus before, or if they have, it has been for a performance or a basketball camp. These visits offer them a chance to see the entire campus from the perspective of a current student,” said LA Director of Curriculum and Instruction Kelley Duffy. “Being on campus helps eighth graders with nerves, and it makes the high school transition more real and less intimidating. Middle school students have no idea that we offer programs like robotics and ceramics, and they get so excited!”

“It was my first time being a tour guide, and I was a little nervous at first,” said senior tour guide Mya Bessey. “I think I underestimated how much I knew about LA after going here for four years–explaining stuff to the eighth graders actually came pretty easily. It was fun! I would definitely do it again.”

“It is such a pleasure to hold this week of visits for our sending schools,” said Hilary Petersen, Associate Director of Admissions. “Students are curious and excited, and we hope that when they hear from our student panel and explore campus, they are better able to imagine the possibilities that await them in the next four years. Having these in-person experiences can really help provide a framework for students as they decide what classes to choose when they enroll in March. An early visit to campus during the day makes the future seem a reality, and students can take some of their vacation time to reflect upon the experience with their families before we see them again.”

After the campus visits, LA school counselors will visit local eighth grade classrooms in the first week of February to explain the enrollment and course registration process to students. On Tuesday, February 13 (snow date February 15), Lincoln Academy will host an Enrollment Information night for families and students to answer questions before students enroll in their classes in early March.

Students who do not attend an AOS93 school can work on class registrations individually with help from the LA Admissions and Career and Academic Counseling Offices. For questions about enrolling at Lincoln Academy, please call the Career and Academic Counseling Office at 207-563-3596 ext. 1111 or 2128.