CAMDEN—The Watershed School, an independent high school, held an open house on Thursday, October 3, at its newly renovated building at One Free Street in Camden.

People expecting to see a typical high school found that the space, just like the school, is anything but typical.

“The space is designed to support innovative and collaborative learning experiences that connect classroom with community,” said Will Galloway, Head of School. Classes are project-based, and students have the freedom to sign in and out of school as fits their schedules. They know this is a privilege, and because of that, there is mutual respect and trust between faculty and students.

It has taken two years to renovate since Watershed School bought the property, which previously housed The Seton School. Spanning three floors, the building hosts an open common room on the main floor, an updated art studio on the first floor, a new Marine Science lab and a Climate Studies Center on the third floor. There are also several other classrooms on the third floor.

Watershed School bought the building in November of 2017, and after initiating a successful fundraising campaign to renovate the building, involved the faculty, students, and the Board of Trustees in the design process.

“The new building allows us to grow our program and student population, said Ronni Arno Blaisdell, Admissions & Outreach Director.  “The layout now reflects our culture. It’s welcoming, focuses on community, and offers the flexibility for an innovative academic program.”

The school allows its communal spaces to be used by other groups in the community such as the Town of Camden Energy Committee, after-school workshops and tutoring, and the middle school group, ChangeMakers. 

Approximately 50 people showed up to see the space and hear Galloway speak about how Watershed School connects classroom with community, along with current and former students, who spoke about how Watershed supported their individual interests and success in college. Camden’s Energy Committee Chair Anita Scott highlighted the positive impact Watershed School has had on the community, especially the Energy Committee and preparing for climate change.

For more information about the school visit: watershed-school.org or call 207-230-7341.

Kay Stephens can be reached at news@penbaypilot.com