Lincoln Academy private school

The General Court of Massachusetts granted Lincoln Academy its charter in 1801 "for the purpose of promoting Piety, Religion, and Morality." The original petition was signed by 178 residents of Boothbay, Bristol, Edgecomb, Georgetown, Newcastle, New Milford (Alna), Thomaston, Wiscasset, and Nobleboro. These residents also paid over $3,000 to establish the school. The fourth-oldest secondary school still operating in Maine is Lincoln Academy.

In a timber structure on River Road, the Academy first opened its doors in October of 1805. That year, 74 students were present. The families of students paid the $257.60 annual tuition.

Differentiated diplomas were abandoned in the 1970s, and graduation course requirements and the minimum course load were raised. The Academy became a member of Bath's Regional Vocational Program and then of Rockland Vocational Center. Still a private institution, Lincoln Academy is the go-to secondary education option for youth in the nearby towns. The school's non-profit status allows it to accept private donations to support major projects, increase the operating budget, and establish an endowment.

Lincoln Academy has benefited much from the public's support from the start and has continued to flourish in many areas, offering a high-quality education at a fair price.