The University of Maine at Farmington
111 South Street, Farmington
Established in 1864 as the state’s first public institution of higher education, the University of Maine at Farmington (UMF) is Maine’s public liberal arts college. Rooted in a rich tradition of teacher preparation, UMF has built a reputation as one of the finest public liberal arts colleges in New England. It offers quality programs in the arts and sciences, teacher education, health and human services and pre-professional studies—at an exceptional value.
UMF has a well-earned reputation for helping students get a marketable degree at an affordable price. In 2013, UMF was named a “Best Bang for the Buck” college by Washington Monthly Magazine, coming in at number 14 nationally in its category and one of only two New England schools ranking in the top 20
Located in downtown Farmington, the friendly 2,000-student campus is an integral member of the Farmington area community. In fact, many of the University’s facilities and offerings are open to the public.
A centerpiece of the close campus-community partnership is the UMF Fitness & Recreation Center. Open year-round, seven days a week, the facility features a fully-equipped and supervised weight room, a cardio fitness area, three multi-purpose courts; a 1/ 8 mile walking-jogging track; and a 6-lane, 25-yard swimming pool. The UMF Fitness Center offers countless fitness classes, professional trainers, swim lessons, outdoor excursions, children and senior programs, and more.
The University and the community are partners in hosting a rich blend of experiences in the arts. Community members are encouraged to take part in UMF’s Community Orchestra, Concert Band, and Theatre UMF.
In addition, UMF welcomes the community to countless on-campus concerts, lectures, debates, films, readings, comedy nights, and a wide range of other cultural and educational offerings year-round.
Nestled alongside UMF’s Merrill Hall, the University’s Emery Community Arts Center forms an innovative and exciting “Arts District” right on campus. Opened in fall 2011, the Emery Community Arts Center is a state-of-the-art multi-use arts space, combining indoor performance venues, art galleries, class space, and outdoor performance areas. Made possible through a $5 million gift by a generous benefactor, the Center is named in honor of Ted and Marguerite Emery, arts enthusiasts and long-time Farmington residents.
Farmington’s youth soccer program and area sports camps are held at UMF’s Prescott Athletic Fields. The fields are available for area softball leagues and all kinds of pickup games. The public is always welcome to cheer on UMF’s baseball, basketball, cross-country, field hockey, golf, lacrosse, alpine / Nordic skiing, soccer, softball, rugby, volleyball, and Ultimate Frisbee teams.
UMF’s Gold LEAF Institute Senior College provides lifelong learning opportunities for area adults age 50 and older. This popular program offers invigorating classes, presentations, field trips, and social interaction—without the pressure of tests, term papers or other academic requirements.
The University’s Mantor Library is open to the public year-round, and offers free library cards to community residents aged 12 and older. The community is also welcome to use Mantor Library’s internet access, browse its 700+ periodicals, its 100,000 volume collection, and make use of its other holdings.
UMF’s students, staff, and faculty are actively engaged in the community. UMF students participate in numerous other volunteer activities that better their neighborhoods. In fact volunteerism is even a part of the curriculum (called “Service-Learning”) in some UMF classes. In addition, many of the University’s 350+ employees are heavily involved in the community, serving countless civic and religious organizations.
UMF is also known for its leadership and legacy in the field of Education. Simply put, the University of Maine at Farmington continues to produce the best and brightest teachers in Maine and beyond. Four of the past five Maine Teacher of the Year recipients have been UMF Education graduates. University of Maine at Farmington education graduates have been named Teacher of the Year in other states, as well.
The University of Maine at Farmington is one of only a handful of institutions in Maine to be fully-accredited by both the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and the National Council for Accreditation of Teacher Education.
Beal University
75 Allen Street, Wilton
207-401-6075
History
Established in 1891 by Miss Mary Beal and located in Bangor, Maine, Beal University is celebrating 130 years of service to Maine citizens. Beal offers the ideal environment for students who want a targeted, hands-on education that provides the skills and training necessary for the careers of today while preparing them for the employment trends of tomorrow. More >
Mission
To become partners with our students in their journey to improve their career opportunities through the contemporary academic programs offered at Beal University.
Vision
Beal University will strive to become the most prominent educational institution in the region by providing exceptional academic programs, in a student-centered environment, empowering our graduates to excel in relevant career fields.
Mt. Blue Campus
129 Seamon Road
Mt. Blue Campus
778-3561
Foster Tech Center
778-3562
Farmington is fortunate to be the home of the innovative Mt. Blue Campus. This newly renovated and expanded building houses Mt. Blue High School, Foster Career and Technical Education (CTE) Center, Adult Basic Education and the Franklin County Community College Network. These organizations offer both students and adults the opportunity to expand their knowledge and skills in various areas.
Foster CTE Center provides 18 programs to students from Mt. Abram High School, Rangeley Lakes High School, Spruce Mountain High School and Mt. Blue High School. These programs range from traditional trades programs such as Building Construction, Forestry, Metal Fabrication ,and Automotive Technology to cutting-edge technical programs in Composite manufacturing, Biotechnology and Computer Science/Robotics. Students learn real-world skills while utilizing some of the most state-of-the art equipment in the field. Foster CTE Center runs a community Early Childhood program, culinary arts café and work in an on-site branch office of Franklin Savings Bank. Students can learn the latest digital media techniques in a live broadcast studio, film and graphic design in the Commercial Arts program or participate as volunteer firefighters in the fire science program.
Most programs result in state and national certifications, such as the Certified Nurses Assistant (CNA) program. Programs are also aligned with the Community College System and offer high school students college credits before they graduate. The Technology Center is dedicated to maintaining quality programs that reflect the current needs of industry and community. Students are encouraged to utilize their technical education to gain immediate employment or to pursue post-secondary education or training. Many of the students complete their Foster Tech program with an ‘On the Job’ training opportunity working in the community they reside in.
All the programs offer service learning opportunities and rely heavily on the community for support. There are currently close to 100 members of local area business and industry that serve on the program advisory boards. The advice and support of these community members is greatly appreciated.
Seeing is believing, so we encourage anyone interested in knowing more about what this great facility has to offer to come visit. You can reach Foster Tech at (207) 778-3562, like their Facebook page, or visit their website:
Franklin County Community College Network
165 Front Street, Farmington, ME 04938
Rural western Maine is one of the state’s most unique regions. The Franklin County Community College Network recognizes this uniqueness. Through a partnership with Central Maine Community College, higher educational opportunities for students in Franklin County are now readily available, uniquely positioned to fit the particular needs of local people.
Carrabassett Valley Academy
3197 Carrabassett Drive
Carrabassett Valley, ME 04947
Carrabassett Valley Academy is more than a school. It’s a way of life. Since 1982, CVA has offered a personalized and challenging opportunity for learning. A fully accredited coeducational boarding and day school with an extremely supportive culture as a world-leading snowboard and ski academy with programs that foster the aspirations of student-athletes by providing the opportunity to excel, both academically and athletically.
Franklin County Adult Basic Education
Mt. Blue Learning Center Campus
129 Seamon Road, Suite A
Farmington, ME 04938
778-3460
Public Schools (K-12)
RSU 9
Mt. Blue Regional School District
115 Learning Lane
Farmington, ME 04938
Formed in the 1960s, Mt. Blue Regional School District is a sprawling school district that includes nine towns in parts of two counties. There are five elementary schools located in New Sharon (1), Farmington (2), and Wilton (2); a middle school in Farmington; and a high school located between the towns of Wilton and Farmington. About 2,400 students attend classes in these buildings.
Academy Hill School
Grades 3-6
Wilton
645-4488
G.D. Cushing School
Grades PreK-2
Wilton
645-2422
W.G. Mallett School
Grades PreK-3
Farmington
778-3529
Cascade Brook School
Grades 4-6
Farmington
778-4821
Cape Cod Hill School
Grades PreK-6
New Sharon
778-3031
Mt. Blue Middle School
Grades 7-8
Farmington
778-3511
Mt. Blue High School
Grades 9-12
Farmington
778-3561
MSAD 58
1401 Rangeley Road
Phillips, ME 04966
MSAD 58 is comprised of five towns: Phillips, Eustis, Avon, Kingfield, and Strong and encompasses several non-district towns and unorganized territories, spread over 500 square miles. There are four K-8 elementary schools and one high school serving students in grades 9-12. Mt. Abram High School opened in 1969 with the Roadrunner as its mascot.
Kingfield Elementary School
Grades K-8
Kingfield
265-4132
Phillips Elementary School
Grades K-8
Phillips
639-2909
Strong Elementary School
Grades K-8
Strong
684-3521
Mt. Abram High School
Grades 9-12
Salem Township
678-2701
RSU 73
31 Community Drive
Jay, ME 04239
The new consolidated Jay, Livermore and Livermore school system that includes Spruce Mountain High School, a class B school, was founded when Livermore Falls High School and Jay High School combined in 2012. The colors and mascot of Spruce Mountain High School were chosen by students of Livermore Falls and Jay High Schools. The mascot, the Phoenix, symbolizes “rising from the ashes” of the two former schools. The name Spruce Mountain comes from the ski slope that for generations, students from both high schools have skied at, making it a very appropriate name for the school.
A $1.8 million renovation of Spruce Mountain high and middle schools, and the community building, all in Jay, is taking place in the summer of 2013 to provide additional classrooms, bathrooms and offices. Other items in the plan include a larger cafeteria, a connector between the high and middle schools, and technology and handicapped-accessibility updates.
Spruce Mountain High School
Grades 9-12
Jay
897-4336
Spruce Mountain Middle School
Grades 6-8
Jay
897-4319
Livermore Elementary School
Grades PreK-5
Livermore
897-3355
Jay Elementary School
Grades K-5
Jay
897-5719
RSU 78
43 Mendolia Road
Rangeley, Maine 04970
The Rangeley Lakes Regional School is located in the picturesque mountains and lake region of western Maine. RSU #78 includes the towns of Dallas Plantation, Magalloway Plantation, Rangeley, Rangeley Plantation and Sandy River Plantation. Rangeley Lakes Regional School is home to students in grades kindergarten through grade 12, all under one roof. This unique facility provides for a close-knit, nurturing and supportive environment for students to grow, learn and develop to their fullest potential.
Rangeley Lakes Regional School
Grades K-12
Rangeley
864-3311
Franklin County Chamber of Commerce Scholarship Program
Each year, one or more David Robie Scholarships are available to Franklin County residents to encourage higher education or continuing education for students going to school for a new career or skills training.
This scholarship will be awarded to a resident planning to attend—or currently attending—an accredited, post-secondary school. This includes prospective high school graduates, current full-time college students, or other residents returning to school. A high school equivalency test (GED) is acceptable. Scholarships are open to residents of Franklin County who have resided in the County for at least the prior twelve months.
The David Robie Scholarship is named after the late David Robie, who played a key role in the establishment of the scholarship during his time on the Chamber board, as well as in presenting this scholarship each year. It is funded by the annual Franklin County Chamber of Commerce & Seth Wescott Scholarship Golf Classic held each fall at Sugarloaf Golf Club.
Applications are available at the Chamber’s website at franklincountymaine.org or at the guidance offices of the five high schools in Franklin County.
