
Established in 2016, Maine Arts Academy (MeAA) initially operated out of rented space at the Snow Pond Arts Center in Sidney, Maine. Originally conceived of by John Wiggin of the New England Music Camp, in its early years the new public charter school and the music camp were co-located at the Center. MeAA operated during the academic year and the camp utilized the same facilities in the summer.
By 2023, MeAA was thriving, but its growth potential was limited by space available and the seasonal constrictions. The school's leadership knew it was time to consider moving to a new location if they wanted to expand enrollment and programming, but how could they afford such a move?
To everyone's amazement, the Head of School, Heather King, and the Board of Directors (with the help of Anne Castonguay from Sprague and Curtis), found what seemed to be the perfect property. The former Maine Veterans’ Home in Augusta was for sale (a new facility having been constructed elsewhere) and it seemed an ideal match, with spacious interiors, ample grounds, and an accessible location.
But the price tag was daunting, since the property was listed at over $3M.
Fortunately, USDA Rural Development could help. As a free public charter school enrolling more than 250 students, the Academy was eligible for Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding. (Charter schools in Maine are publicly funded, but do not receive local tax support.) Ultimately the school used a Rural Development direct loan and a loan from Kennebec Savings Bank (with a loan guarantee from USDA) to purchase the property. MeAA had a new home!

As soon as the 2023 academic year concluded, staff and volunteers began the process of moving the school to its new location in Augusta. They also began initial renovations to the facility (which, at nearly 70,000 square feet, is six times larger than the school’s former location). Students began the fall term in Augusta, and on October 11, 2023, the school celebrated completing the move with an open house and ribbon cutting ceremony.
Although Community Facilities funds are most often used for municipal buildings and public safety, arts and education organizations are also eligible. At the celebration, a USDA staff person remarked, “We know that free and equitable access to education and the arts is critical to our rural communities. USDA Rural Development remains committed to supporting the schools, small museums, libraries, and other organizations that are the backbone of Maine’s rural culture.”
Principal Rachel Merrill underscores the importance of the school in the lives of individual students especially “A school like ours is a place where many kids can really feel at home for the first time, flourishing in a creative environment that encourages their unique skills. We have students commuting to school each day from 80 communities around the state to have the opportunity to take the academic and creative classes we offer and build a network of supportive friends and teachers.”
Just a year after moving to the new location, the school has new offerings planned for the coming school year. Contractors have made major progress in converting a former cafeteria into a spacious performing arts hall. The Community Facilities loan is helping to pay for renovations to include a new dance studio. MeAA has also purchased buses to save money on transportation costs and hopes to accept middle school students in the fall of 2025. (Academy leaders are waiting on approval for the middle school.) MeAA offers "pathways" in film, dance, theater, visual arts, and music while also teaching the academic areas required of public schools.
Rural Development’s Chief Operating Officer Roger Glendenning toured the facility in July 2024. “I truly appreciated the chance to visit Maine Arts Academy and seeing firsthand how Rural Development’s Community Facilities funding will improve educational opportunities for grades 9-12 students in the region and in rural Maine,” said Glendenning. “How exciting to know this school will now have the capacity to expand and grow into the future. It was an honor for us to be able to spend time with such committed educators.”
Maine Arts Academy, a free public charter school, provides a rigorous college preparatory curriculum and well-rounded arts education to students from across Maine. For more information, visit MeAA’s website at www.maineartsacademy.org or email pmaes@maineartsacademy.org.