On a crisp morning in Limestone, Maine, a group of high school students gathers around a whiteboard, debating a complex math problem. Their voices carry a blend of curiosity and excitement that is hard to miss. This is a snapshot of life at the Maine School of Science and Mathematics (MSSM), a place where academic ambition meets a supportive community to create something extraordinary.
MSSM is no ordinary high school. Nestled in a small town, it serves as Maine’s public residential STEM magnet school, drawing bright and motivated students from across the state—and across the country. These students come for more than just challenging classes; they come for camaraderie, self-discovery, and an experience that will shape them for life.
“We’re not just teaching science and math here,” says Santiago Durango, Dean of Enrollment Management at MSSM. “Our mission is about improving the human condition. It’s about equipping students with the skills and mindset they’ll need to make a meaningful impact.”
That mission feels especially urgent in today’s unpredictable world. Society is facing rapid changes, and MSSM sees its role as preparing students not just to adapt, but to lead. The school offers a challenging STEM curriculum, including advanced courses that often count for college credit. “Our student body is nearly 50/50 male to female, and this is something we are proud of. We are preparing and encouraging girls to pursue STEM, as it is a major need in academics and the workforce,” states Durango.
Yet, academics are only part of the story. At MSSM, students also learn to collaborate, advocate for themselves, and build resilience—qualities that will serve them well no matter what challenges come their way.
But what truly sets MSSM apart is its community. Every student lives on campus, creating a unique environment where learning extends beyond the classroom. “We want students who are curious, motivated, and open to being part of something bigger than themselves,” says Durango. “Living here teaches them how to be independent, how to share space and ideas, and how to thrive as part of a diverse group.”
MSSM also connects students to Maine’s broader ecosystem of colleges, industries, and innovators. Through programs like J-Term and internships, students gain firsthand experience in fields that are shaping the future of the state. These opportunities, combined with the school’s focus on academic and personal growth, ensure that MSSM graduates are well-equipped to tackle the unknown.
For those who crave challenge and community, MSSM is more than a school—it’s a launchpad for dreams and a training ground for tomorrow’s leaders.
Charting New Academic Horizons
At MSSM, education isn’t just about covering the basics—it’s about inspiring students to explore the boundaries of what’s possible. “Our curriculum goes far beyond what most high schools offer,” says Durango. Picture a classroom that feels more like a college seminar, where students not only dive deep into advanced subjects but can also earn college credit through concurrent enrollment at the University of Maine at Presque Isle.
Take mathematics, for instance. While most high schools stop at calculus, MSSM pushes further, offering advanced math classes that challenge students to expand their problem-solving skills. Humanities courses thrive on discussion-based learning and include electives tailored to unique interests. Even world language classes blend creativity and academia—students might discuss the process of photosynthesis, but in French.
The opportunities don’t stop there. As students progress, they dive into specialized classes that blend theory with real-world application. A standout example is the engineering capstone class. Over the course of a year, teams of students take on real-world projects, collaborating with clients to design and deliver tangible solutions. “Students don’t just learn the theory—they master project management, budgeting, and vendor coordination while putting advanced concepts into practice,” shares Dr. Deb Eustis-Grandy, STEM Division Head, MSSM. Past projects range from a school door security device to innovative equipment for local farmers.
MSSM also fosters innovation through the Fabio Exploration Grant program. These grants encourage students to pursue their passions with the financial support they need. “We’ve had students do everything from developing apps to applying MIT research to build drones,” Durango recalls. Whether it’s building a working computer or exploring nuclear engineering at Purdue University, these projects are a testament to what students can achieve when they’re given the resources and trust to dream big.
Another unique offering is the J-Term, a two-week deep dive into fieldwork, research, and internships every January. This period sparks creativity, with students exploring topics like GIS mapping with the Maine Department of Transportation, blacksmithing, and even analyzing solar production at local fields. MSSM’s approach to partnerships is refreshingly straightforward: partners present their pressing questions, and students tackle them head-on, integrating real-world problem-solving into their studies.
Building a Community of Belonging
For MSSM, education isn’t just about academics—it’s about creating a sense of belonging. “Relationships are the foundation of everything we do,” says Cyndi Trapnell, Dean of Residential Life, MSSM. That’s why MSSM is a fully residential school. Every student, regardless of how close they live, calls campus home. Teachers and administrators also live on-site, fostering an environment where mentorship extends beyond the classroom.
Faculty members take an active role in student life, sharing their interests through activities and weekend programming. Whether it’s hiking, chess, or baking, these shared passions create strong connections. Trapnell highlights the advisory program as another layer of support: “Advisors aren’t just there for academic guidance—they’re a point of contact for everything from class selection to personal growth.” Weekly meetings, shared lunches, and friendly competitions like the Penguin Cup trivia contests build a vibrant sense of community.
Leadership is another cornerstone of life at MSSM. Student government plays a hands-on role in shaping campus initiatives, and the resident assistant program ensures peer support is always close at hand. With training and regular meetings, student leaders learn how to build community while contributing to campus life in meaningful ways.
Beyond formal programs, MSSM’s culture is one of inclusivity and celebration. Students arrive with diverse interests—from role-playing games to robotics—and find a community that welcomes them with open arms. “MSSM is where so many students tell us they found their people,” Durango says proudly. This ethos of openness carries forward, as current students work to ensure future generations feel just as supported.
Grades matter, of course, but they’re not the only focus. MSSM’s approach emphasizes learning for its own sake. Without class rankings, competition gives way to collaboration. During Penguin Study, students frequently work together, with many volunteering as tutors. Teachers, too, prioritize feedback and challenge students to go beyond surface-level understanding. “It’s about instilling a love of learning that lasts a lifetime,” STEM division leader Eustis-Grandy explains.
Sparking a Love for STEM
At the heart of MSSM’s mission lies a steadfast commitment to making STEM education accessible and inspiring for students across Maine and beyond. One of the most vibrant embodiments of this mission is their summer STEM camp geared towards middle school students aged 10-14. Each summer, 200 to 300 young, curious minds converge to dive into the exhilarating world of STEM. It’s not just about lectures or experiments; it’s about creating a dynamic playground where science, technology, engineering, and mathematics come alive.
For many students, the camp serves as their first real taste of what’s possible in STEM. According to Durango, some participants decide to join MSSM, while even those who don’t often carry that spark forward, pursuing passions ignited during the program. It is not uncommon for alumni to recount how their interest in programming or robotics first took root during those summer weeks in Limestone.
MSSM’s impact doesn’t stop with the summer program. The institution actively collaborates with local schools and the community year-round. One highlight of their efforts is the annual lecture series, which brings accomplished alumni back to share groundbreaking research and stories from their professional journeys. Imagine a local elementary school classroom buzzing with excitement as MSSM students lead a science experiment or introduce a foreign language to eager young learners. These moments represent snapshots of how MSSM strives to create a ripple effect of curiosity and inspiration.
Additionally, there are the partnerships that MSSM has formed. As Durango points out, “STEM education is evolving rapidly.” Collaborations with businesses enable MSSM to stay ahead of the curve, allowing the institution to continually refine its curriculum. This ensures that students are equipped with the skills and knowledge needed to lead in tomorrow’s STEM fields, preparing them not just for college, but for a future defined by innovation and change.
Mapping the Road to College
Navigating the journey to college is no small feat, but at MSSM, it’s a path guided with care, strategy, and individualized support. From the moment students step through our doors, the conversation about college begins—gently at first but building in focus and intensity as they progress through high school.
“We start early,” emphasizes Erica Jortberg, College Counselor of MSSM. “By 9th grade, our students are already exploring careers and personal interests. It’s about helping them understand who they are and what they might want to pursue.” This exploration gains momentum as sophomores dive into activities designed to identify potential colleges. By the time they reach junior year, it’s all systems go.
Junior Seminar is a pivotal moment in this process. Guided by our dedicated college counselor, students create a shortlist of potential schools, meet with STEM professionals, and start envisioning their future in tangible terms. These professionals hail from Maine-based companies, national leaders, and even international organizations, offering invaluable insights into the myriad of career paths STEM can offer.
Senior year is where the rubber meets the road. MSSM’s college counselor becomes an integral part of each student’s life, working closely with families to identify the best-fit colleges and navigate the application process. Essay and interview prep sessions bring a practical edge to the journey, with teachers and administrators offering constructive feedback in a supportive setting.
The results speak for themselves. MSSM graduates often secure spots at their top-choice schools, ranging from world-renowned research universities to intimate liberal arts colleges. Many earn significant scholarships, setting them up for success both financially and academically.
“When they return to visit, it’s incredibly rewarding,” Jortberg reflects. “Hearing how they’ve adjusted to college life, how they’re thriving, and how they’re still pursuing their passions—it’s a testament to the individualized support we provide.”
Nurturing Life Skills Beyond the Classroom
At MSSM, education is designed to go beyond the traditional boundaries of the classroom. The school is deeply committed to helping students grow holistically by cultivating essential life skills. This commitment is reflected in its robust combination of challenging academics, extracurricular activities, and an enriching residential life program.
“Our students are busy—not because they have to be, but because they are engaged,” says Resident Life Director Trapnell. For many, the academic rigor at MSSM represents a new experience, and the school recognizes that this adjustment can be challenging. “They have not faced classes at the level of our expectations,” she explains, “and they have not developed some of the important skills that are essential for success in a challenging academic environment.”
To address this, MSSM has developed a comprehensive support system. A dedicated team, including the executive director, the director of residential life, division leaders in STEM and humanities, an academic support coordinator, a social worker, and a school nurse, meets weekly to assess student needs and ensure personalized support. This proactive approach allows the school to balance academic rigor with student well-being.
The residential program is a unique aspect of life at MSSM, offering opportunities for students to grow in a structured yet dynamic environment. “Our physical education and health curriculum is taught by residential instructors, which allows them to create engaging experiences that are directly relevant to students’ living situations,” Trapnell shares. These tailored experiences are part of an intentional effort to align student life programming with personal growth outcomes.
Leadership development is another hallmark of MSSM’s approach. Clubs and activities, each guided by a faculty advisor, provide platforms for students to hone their leadership skills. Students can take on leadership roles in clubs, serve as residential assistants, or be elected to the Student Senate. According to Durango, this structure ensures that “students learn to lead both in small groups and on a larger, campus-wide scale.”
Charting the Future of STEM Excellence
As MSSM celebrates its 30th anniversary, the school is charting a forward-thinking course to sustain and enhance its leadership in STEM education. The strategic planning process focuses on five key areas: leadership excellence, STEM academic innovation, an intentional learning community, access and enrollment, and financial sustainability.
“Our vision for leadership excellence is to foster a culture where collaboration and generative conversations drive innovation, from the work of our Board of Trustees to the work we do every day on campus,” explains Rob Constantine, Executive Director, MSSM. This emphasis on empowering leadership at every level positions MSSM to remain at the forefront of STEM education in Maine and beyond.
Building on its rich academic history, MSSM is reimagining its STEM curriculum for the 21st century. Constantine highlights the importance of this transformation: “We want to cultivate students into adept problem solvers who are equipped to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing world.”
The school’s residential campus plays a pivotal role in fostering an intentional learning community. Through thoughtfully designed programs, MSSM promotes inquiry, engagement, and a strong sense of connection among students. At the same time, efforts to broaden access and optimize enrollment aim to welcome more students into both its 9–12 STEM high school and its summer STEM programs.
Financial sustainability is another critical aspect of the plan. By diversifying revenue streams and enhancing operational efficiency, MSSM seeks to ensure its mission endures for generations to come.
A significant part of this vision is the integration of experiential learning. MSSM has been actively forming partnerships throughout Maine to provide students with hands-on opportunities. “These partnerships allow us to expose students to the exciting possibilities in STEM fields across the state,” Constantine explains. By embedding real-world experiences into the curriculum, the school aims to ignite students’ passions and prepare them for future careers.
As MSSM looks to the future, it remains steadfast in its commitment to empowering students, fostering innovation, and inspiring a love of learning. “We’re excited to involve our entire community—teachers, students, board members, parents, and alumni—in shaping this vision,” says Constantine. With three decades of excellence behind it, MSSM is poised to continue its legacy as a leader in STEM education. Don’t miss your chance to be part of a transformative educational experience! The application deadline is 1 February, 2025.
For More Info: https://www.mssm.org/