offshore

Updates from North Haven Community School

Volume 2526: Issue 1

Go Offshore: A Unique High School Experience on the Coast of Maine

Dear Friends of NHCS:

My name is Dr. Shaun Johnson, and I’m the principal of North Haven Community School, located on the beautiful island of North Haven, just 12 miles off the coast of Rockland, Maine.

I want to personally invite you to learn more about Offshore, our one-of-a-kind magnet program for high school students in grades 9 through 12. Offshore gives students the chance to live and learn on the island for a semester, a year, or even longer. It’s more than a change of scenery—it’s a chance to rediscover who you are and what education can be.

At North Haven, we keep things small on purpose. Our class sizes are small, our programming is highly personalized, and our entire island community becomes part of your educational journey. Students who join us are often those who feel unheard or lost in larger schools—young people with so much to offer, but not always the space to shine. Offshore is a place where your voice matters.

You’ll have the opportunity to explore a range of interests, with a particular focus on marine and environmental sciences, hands-on learning, and real-world projects that connect classroom learning to the world around us.

If you’re looking for something different—something meaningful—Offshore might be the place for you.

Monthly Offshore Updates

We are excited to share the latest news and highlights from North Haven Community School. Each month, we’ll offer a window into the life of our small but vibrant island school—celebrating student learning, sharing stories from the classroom and beyond, and offering ways for you to stay connected to our mission. Whether you live here year-round or join us for the summer season, we’re grateful for your continued interest in and support of our work.

This newsletter is our way of keeping you informed about the innovative programs, community partnerships, and student achievements that make NHCS such a special place. We hope it helps you stay connected and pique your interest in our Offshore magnet program for students in grades 9-12. Information on the program and how to apply are always available on our website.

Please direct all questions about the Offshore program to offshore@nhcshawks.org, or give us a call at 207-867-4707.

Warmly,

Dr. Shaun Johnson
North Haven Community School
93 Pulpit Harbor Road
North Haven, ME 04853
Website

FFS

Fall Field Study

Planning for our annual Fall Field Study experience is already underway. This September, students will spend a week camping in Baxter State Park and summit Mount Katahdin. Students in grades 9-12 participate in a Fall Field Study experience each year of high school as a graduation requirement. In addition to the experience, students explore an inquiry question through interdiscplinary means and present findings to the broader community.

NHCS Garden and Greenhouse

Our extensive school garden and greenhouse are blossoming this summer as a result of all the work our various electives and agricultural classes put in this school year. Summers include volunteer work days with assistance from community members and sales at a local farmers market. We are also experimenting with new ways to compost and indoor hydroponic gardens. Our garden and greenhouse serve as valuable resources for teaching and learning.

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