The area’s earliest settlers knew the value of good education, and established the first area schools in private homes. Even before 1800, money was appropriated by the townsfolk to support public schools, and, by the early 1800s, there were 10 school districts in the Skowhegan area. By 1868, the areas north and south of the river united into a larger and more efficient school district.

Secondary education was encouraged with the building of the area’s first high school in 1814. Later, a brick building was constructed on Skowhegan Island, and students attended class here until 1930 when a new school was built. The old facility served as a junior high until 1969.

Skowhegan is now part of the Maine School Administrative District # 54, which serves Skowhegan and nearby Norridgewock, Canaan, Cornville, Mercer and Smithfield. The district is made up of eight elementary schools, a middle school and the high school. Students in MSAD #54 receive an excellent education, as evidenced by an Award of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education and the Maine Department of Education. The school system offers a strong core curriculum in math, language arts, science and social studies, and links to an excellent vocational training. Students strive for excellence in both academics and athletics, and have earned numerous prestigious awards, including recent State Championships in Speech and Field Hockey.

The MSAD # 54 and the Skowhegan Regional Vocational Center both have an ambitious focus on technology. The vocational center serves students from five area high schools, and offers extensive training in such skills as office technology, auto tech, carpentry, digital graphic arts, drafting, electrical, construction, food service, health occupations and outdoor resources.

The school also provides adults and community education — with career counseling, basic literacy in reading, writing and math, along with enrichment programs. MSAD #54 also administers the University of Maine Interactive Television Site, providing students with college level courses.

Children in the area are also well served by excellent private schools.

Skowhegan Montessori School accepts students from three to six years old, and Faith Baptist Christian School teaches students in grades one through 12 in a religious environment.

Students going on to attain higher-level education have a number of local colleges and universities to choose from, as well as access to some of the finest institutions of learning in the Northeast. Colby College, Thomas College, The University of Maine at Augusta, the University of Maine at Farmington and Kennebec Valley Community College are all well within driving distance.

Historic Library

The Skowhegan Free Public Library, which is included in the National Register of Historic Places, was built in 1889 to serve the educational needs of the community. With ornate architecture, stained glass windows and massive fireplaces, this handsome brick building houses the town’s well-stocked library. In addition to their fine collection of books and other materials, the library offers language and computer classes and special programs for children.

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