Hebron Academy
Encyclopedia
Hebron Academy, founded in 1804, is a small, independent, college preparatory boarding and day school for boys and girls in grades six through postgraduate.
who received land in the District of Maine
as compensation for their military service. They settled the community in the late 18th century, established a church, and then chartered the school in 1804. The early settlers faced many challenges, including making a living in the wilderness, building a community, governing themselves, and educating young people in such a thinly populated settlement.
Among the settlers was Deacon William Barrows, who led the effort to establish Hebron Academy and was a member of its Board of Trustees for 33 years, until his death in 1837. Interest in the school stretched well beyond the small settlement of Hebron. Five of the nine original trustees came from surrounding towns including New Gloucester, Paris, Turner, and Minot.
The school opened its doors in 1805 to 25 young scholars, boys and girls. Many students rented rooms from Deacon Barrows and area farmers. By 1807, there were 50 students. The first dorm would not be built until 1829. From the beginning, Hebron was an inclusive, welcoming community. Girls learned alongside boys. In the 19th century and early 20th century students arrived from Mongolia
, Burma, India
, and Bulgaria
.
The school year in the 19th century was much different than what is typical today, as was the organization of classes. The schedule was often affected by the weather and farming needs. Courses started fresh during the terms to accommodate short-term students who arrived from farms or workshops. There was a college-prep track, and a non-college-prep track (girls were not going on to college). Some students were as young as 10, while others were 30 year old war veterans. Enrollment varied widely depending on the term.
Early subjects included Latin, Greek, French, German, Spanish, and Italian, English, mathematics, geography, history, natural sciences (anatomy, physiology, mineralogy, astronomy, botany, natural philosophy or physics, and chemistry), civil polity, logic, rhetoric, mental philosophy, English grammar, parsing, Webster’s dictionary, and English composition. Debating was an important activity for many years.
The school was not organized into classes and students did not officially “graduate.” Those planning to attend college studied until they felt they had prepared enough to pass a college entrance exam. Many Hebron students went on to Dartmouth
, Harvard, Bowdoin
, and Colby
. The school began official commencement exercises in 1878. Commencement exercises would last all day, with dozens of speeches and music recitals.
When World War I
arrived, at least three faculty men resigned to enter the war and several students enlisted. Many alumni also fought in the war. Harold T. Andrews (1914) died in the battle of Cambrai in 1917, and was the first Maine boy to die in the war. A Portland post of the America Legion carries his name. Philip Frothingham (1915) was killed in an airplane accident in France and the Portland post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars bears his name. World War II
had a far greater impact on the school. Twenty-eight students left school in 1943 to join the armed forces. In May of that year, the school closed and would remain closed until 1945.
In 1969, applications began to decline. It was part of a trend common among independent boarding schools. In the early 1970s, Hebron returned to its roots by reopening its doors to girls and welcoming young people from the area to attend as day students.
Hebron held its first annual winter carnival in 1927. An Outing Club started in the 1930s and maintained camps on nearby Streaked Mountain and Marshall Pond. Music was a popular activity, and the school had several groups, including a dance band, orchestra, and vocal quartet.
The school established a Cum Laude chapter in 1927 to honor students for scholastic achievement. Cum Laude is a national honor society for independent schools. Green Key, which hosts guests and provides campus tours, started in 1949. Hebron held its first reunion in 1883 and alumni associations began meeting in New York City, Boston, and Portland around 1913.
Areas of study include English, Mathematics and Computer Studies, Social Studies, Languages, Science, Fine and Performing Arts, and Religion and Ethics.
AP options include English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Art, Latin, French, and Spanish.
Each athlete participating in a sport is assigned to a team based on his or her demonstrated ability or potential.
, Wilderness First Responder
, NATO certified telemark ski instructor and NWS
certified weather spotter, and the program's faculty includes two Registered Maine Guides, two Wilderness First Responders, an EMT
and many outdoor enthusiasts.
The Outdoor Education Program is a co-curricular program which meets every afternoon after classes. This program satisfies Hebron Academy’s physical activity requirement.
The standards of the program are set in part by the Junior Maine Guide Certification program. Students learn orienteering, low-impact camping, wet day fires, trip planning and many other skills. It also teaches wilderness first aid and emergency procedures, flat and whitewater paddling, snowshoeing, rock climbing, backpacking, mountaineering and leadership skills. Students learn how to sensibly acquire and use appropriate gear and clothing. Each season there is an overnight trip planned by the students. Overnights have included camping on Mount Washington
and on the Maine coast.
, Italy
, and France
. There is often a trip to nearby Quebec City
as well.
The trips are intended to immerse students in the life, food, language, and customs of a different country. They gain practice using the local language.
As part of the Travel Abroad program, Hebron students have visited the orphanage Little Field Home
in Ntaja, Malawi
.
In the fall, visiting alumni and friends return to campus for keynote presentations by entrepreneurs.
The Entrepreneurial Challenge competition provides students with the opportunity to develop successful business ventures from January to the end of April. The competition is limited to 18-24 students with preference given to Juniors and Seniors. Teams of 3-4 students receive start-up money to develop an idea, determine a strategy, create a business and generate revenue. Teams have the opportunity to consult with business mentors via email or phone.
Members of the internal and external Hebron community play roles through connections established by the Entrepreneurship Program. Adult participation generally involves being a mentor, speaker or judge.
History
Hebron Academy is one of the nation's oldest endowed boarding schools: the school was chartered in 1804 and opened its doors in 1805. In 2004, the school observed its 200th anniversary.Early history
Hebron Academy was founded by Revolutionary War veterans from MassachusettsMassachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
who received land in the District of Maine
District of Maine
The District of Maine was a legal designation for what is now the U.S. state of Maine from American independence until the Missouri Compromise on March 4, 1820, after which it gained its independence from Massachusetts and became the 23rd state in the Union...
as compensation for their military service. They settled the community in the late 18th century, established a church, and then chartered the school in 1804. The early settlers faced many challenges, including making a living in the wilderness, building a community, governing themselves, and educating young people in such a thinly populated settlement.
Among the settlers was Deacon William Barrows, who led the effort to establish Hebron Academy and was a member of its Board of Trustees for 33 years, until his death in 1837. Interest in the school stretched well beyond the small settlement of Hebron. Five of the nine original trustees came from surrounding towns including New Gloucester, Paris, Turner, and Minot.
The school opened its doors in 1805 to 25 young scholars, boys and girls. Many students rented rooms from Deacon Barrows and area farmers. By 1807, there were 50 students. The first dorm would not be built until 1829. From the beginning, Hebron was an inclusive, welcoming community. Girls learned alongside boys. In the 19th century and early 20th century students arrived from Mongolia
Mongolia
Mongolia is a landlocked country in East and Central Asia. It is bordered by Russia to the north and China to the south, east and west. Although Mongolia does not share a border with Kazakhstan, its western-most point is only from Kazakhstan's eastern tip. Ulan Bator, the capital and largest...
, Burma, India
India
India , officially the Republic of India , is a country in South Asia. It is the seventh-largest country by geographical area, the second-most populous country with over 1.2 billion people, and the most populous democracy in the world...
, and Bulgaria
Bulgaria
Bulgaria , officially the Republic of Bulgaria , is a parliamentary democracy within a unitary constitutional republic in Southeast Europe. The country borders Romania to the north, Serbia and Macedonia to the west, Greece and Turkey to the south, as well as the Black Sea to the east...
.
The school year in the 19th century was much different than what is typical today, as was the organization of classes. The schedule was often affected by the weather and farming needs. Courses started fresh during the terms to accommodate short-term students who arrived from farms or workshops. There was a college-prep track, and a non-college-prep track (girls were not going on to college). Some students were as young as 10, while others were 30 year old war veterans. Enrollment varied widely depending on the term.
Early subjects included Latin, Greek, French, German, Spanish, and Italian, English, mathematics, geography, history, natural sciences (anatomy, physiology, mineralogy, astronomy, botany, natural philosophy or physics, and chemistry), civil polity, logic, rhetoric, mental philosophy, English grammar, parsing, Webster’s dictionary, and English composition. Debating was an important activity for many years.
The school was not organized into classes and students did not officially “graduate.” Those planning to attend college studied until they felt they had prepared enough to pass a college entrance exam. Many Hebron students went on to Dartmouth
Dartmouth College
Dartmouth College is a private, Ivy League university in Hanover, New Hampshire, United States. The institution comprises a liberal arts college, Dartmouth Medical School, Thayer School of Engineering, and the Tuck School of Business, as well as 19 graduate programs in the arts and sciences...
, Harvard, Bowdoin
Bowdoin College
Bowdoin College , founded in 1794, is an elite private liberal arts college located in the coastal Maine town of Brunswick, Maine. As of 2011, U.S. News and World Report ranks Bowdoin 6th among liberal arts colleges in the United States. At times, it was ranked as high as 4th in the country. It is...
, and Colby
Colby College
Colby College is a private liberal arts college located on Mayflower Hill in Waterville, Maine. Founded in 1813, it is the 12th-oldest independent liberal arts college in the United States...
. The school began official commencement exercises in 1878. Commencement exercises would last all day, with dozens of speeches and music recitals.
The 1900s
Around 1913, girls’ registration at the school began declining. By this time, several hundred Maine girls were attending “normal schools” for teacher training, and they did not need a high school diploma to enter these schools. At the same time, free public schools were improving. In the spring of 1922, only 36 girls registered. After graduation that year Hebron Academy became a boys’ school.When World War I
World War I
World War I , which was predominantly called the World War or the Great War from its occurrence until 1939, and the First World War or World War I thereafter, was a major war centred in Europe that began on 28 July 1914 and lasted until 11 November 1918...
arrived, at least three faculty men resigned to enter the war and several students enlisted. Many alumni also fought in the war. Harold T. Andrews (1914) died in the battle of Cambrai in 1917, and was the first Maine boy to die in the war. A Portland post of the America Legion carries his name. Philip Frothingham (1915) was killed in an airplane accident in France and the Portland post of the Veterans of Foreign Wars bears his name. World War II
World War II
World War II, or the Second World War , was a global conflict lasting from 1939 to 1945, involving most of the world's nations—including all of the great powers—eventually forming two opposing military alliances: the Allies and the Axis...
had a far greater impact on the school. Twenty-eight students left school in 1943 to join the armed forces. In May of that year, the school closed and would remain closed until 1945.
In 1969, applications began to decline. It was part of a trend common among independent boarding schools. In the early 1970s, Hebron returned to its roots by reopening its doors to girls and welcoming young people from the area to attend as day students.
Sports and Activities
Hebron organized its first baseball game in 1862. Gould Academy, Bridgton Academy, Norway High School and Hebron Academy formed a county athletic league in 1890. Hebron held its first annual “Athletic Exhibition,” with the horizontal bar, parallel bars, Swedish horse, flying rings, and tumbling, in 1896. Hockey began in 1921 and Hebron was home to America’s first covered school ice arena in 1925. Winter sports (ski, snowshoe rac, skating) in 1925, and swimming in 1930. In 1931, Hebron teams won state championships in football, cross-country, basketball, hockey, outdoor track, and baseball.Hebron held its first annual winter carnival in 1927. An Outing Club started in the 1930s and maintained camps on nearby Streaked Mountain and Marshall Pond. Music was a popular activity, and the school had several groups, including a dance band, orchestra, and vocal quartet.
The school established a Cum Laude chapter in 1927 to honor students for scholastic achievement. Cum Laude is a national honor society for independent schools. Green Key, which hosts guests and provides campus tours, started in 1949. Hebron held its first reunion in 1883 and alumni associations began meeting in New York City, Boston, and Portland around 1913.
Recent Heads of School
- William E. Sargent, 1885–1921
- Ernest C. Marriner, Acting Principal Jan. – June 1921
- James W. Howlett, 1921-1922
- Ralph L. Hunt, 1922–1943
- Claude L. Allen, Jr., 1946–1972
- David Rice, 1972–1977
- John Leyden, 1977–1985
- David Buran, 1986–1994
- Richard B. Davidson, 1994–1999
- Paul C. Domingue, 1999–2001, Interim Head
- John J. King, 2001–Present
Academics
Hebron offers a traditional college-preparatory curriculum with several Advanced Placement and Honors options and with offerings in subjects such as religion and philosophy, fine and performing arts, and environmental studies. The school is a member of the Cum Laude Society.Areas of study include English, Mathematics and Computer Studies, Social Studies, Languages, Science, Fine and Performing Arts, and Religion and Ethics.
AP options include English, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, Calculus, Art, Latin, French, and Spanish.
Athletics
Students participate in a wide variety of seasonal interscholastic sports at both the varsity and sub varsity levels. Hebron Academy competes with public and independent schools from Maine and New England. The Academy requires all students, with the exception of those students with physical disabilities, to participate in the school's athletic program at least two of the three seasons of the school year. The third season may also be devoted to athletics or to another afternoon activity.Each athlete participating in a sport is assigned to a team based on his or her demonstrated ability or potential.
The Outdoor Education Program
Hebron Academy's setting, including 1500 acres (6.1 km²) with three mountains, two lakes, two stands of second growth forest, several miles of trails, two waterfront campsites, a number of pitches for rock climbing and a fully stocked outdoor center and boathouse, offers students opportunities for outdoor recreation and learning. The Academy's Director of Outdoor Education is a Registered Maine GuideMaine Guide
This article is about wilderness guides. For the former minor-league baseball team, see Maine Guides.Maine Guides are individuals certified to accompany travelers on a number of outdoor activities in the wilderness of the State of Maine, in the United States.-History:On March 19, 1897, The Maine...
, Wilderness First Responder
Wilderness First Responder
Wilderness First Responders are individuals who are trained to respond to emergency situations in remote settings. They are part of a wide variety of wilderness medical professionals who deal with medical emergencies that occur in wilderness settings....
, NATO certified telemark ski instructor and NWS
National Weather Service
The National Weather Service , once known as the Weather Bureau, is one of the six scientific agencies that make up the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration of the United States government...
certified weather spotter, and the program's faculty includes two Registered Maine Guides, two Wilderness First Responders, an EMT
Emergency medical technician
Emergency Medical Technician or Ambulance Technician are terms used in some countries to denote a healthcare provider of emergency medical services...
and many outdoor enthusiasts.
The Outdoor Education Program is a co-curricular program which meets every afternoon after classes. This program satisfies Hebron Academy’s physical activity requirement.
The standards of the program are set in part by the Junior Maine Guide Certification program. Students learn orienteering, low-impact camping, wet day fires, trip planning and many other skills. It also teaches wilderness first aid and emergency procedures, flat and whitewater paddling, snowshoeing, rock climbing, backpacking, mountaineering and leadership skills. Students learn how to sensibly acquire and use appropriate gear and clothing. Each season there is an overnight trip planned by the students. Overnights have included camping on Mount Washington
Mount Washington (New Hampshire)
Mount Washington is the highest peak in the Northeastern United States at , famous for dangerously erratic weather. For 76 years, a weather observatory on the summit held the record for the highest wind gust directly measured at the Earth's surface, , on the afternoon of April 12, 1934...
and on the Maine coast.
Post Graduate Program
Each year, 15-20 students enroll in the Hebron Academy postgraduate program to improve study and organizational skills, enhance athletic or artistic talents, and continue their personal growth. They are fully active members of the school community, participating academically, artistically, athletically, and socially.Travel Abroad
Each year, Hebron Academy typically offers one or more trips abroad, arranged by its Language teachers. Trips are planned based on student interests. In 2006, students traveled to PeruPeru
Peru , officially the Republic of Peru , is a country in western South America. It is bordered on the north by Ecuador and Colombia, on the east by Brazil, on the southeast by Bolivia, on the south by Chile, and on the west by the Pacific Ocean....
, Italy
Italy
Italy , officially the Italian Republic languages]] under the European Charter for Regional or Minority Languages. In each of these, Italy's official name is as follows:;;;;;;;;), is a unitary parliamentary republic in South-Central Europe. To the north it borders France, Switzerland, Austria and...
, and France
France
The French Republic , The French Republic , The French Republic , (commonly known as France , is a unitary semi-presidential republic in Western Europe with several overseas territories and islands located on other continents and in the Indian, Pacific, and Atlantic oceans. Metropolitan France...
. There is often a trip to nearby Quebec City
Quebec City
Quebec , also Québec, Quebec City or Québec City is the capital of the Canadian province of Quebec and is located within the Capitale-Nationale region. It is the second most populous city in Quebec after Montreal, which is about to the southwest...
as well.
The trips are intended to immerse students in the life, food, language, and customs of a different country. They gain practice using the local language.
As part of the Travel Abroad program, Hebron students have visited the orphanage Little Field Home
Little Field Home
The Little Field Home is an orphanage in Chigamba Village, Malawi founded by Janet Littlefield.The orphanage began in 2003 with the construction of one small building in Chigamba village, Malawi. The small hut was used to house 20 homeless children. Today there are 60 children, four buildings, and...
in Ntaja, Malawi
Malawi
The Republic of Malawi is a landlocked country in southeast Africa that was formerly known as Nyasaland. It is bordered by Zambia to the northwest, Tanzania to the northeast, and Mozambique on the east, south and west. The country is separated from Tanzania and Mozambique by Lake Malawi. Its size...
.
The Entrepreneurship Program
Hebron Academy offers an Entrepreneurship Program, focusing on entrepreneurial learning, teaching and practice. Students learn entrepreneurial skills by interacting with successful entrepreneurs, launching for-profit and non-profit ventures, and participating in business competitions. The program is intended to teach students the basics of business leadership, management and planning.In the fall, visiting alumni and friends return to campus for keynote presentations by entrepreneurs.
The Entrepreneurial Challenge competition provides students with the opportunity to develop successful business ventures from January to the end of April. The competition is limited to 18-24 students with preference given to Juniors and Seniors. Teams of 3-4 students receive start-up money to develop an idea, determine a strategy, create a business and generate revenue. Teams have the opportunity to consult with business mentors via email or phone.
Members of the internal and external Hebron community play roles through connections established by the Entrepreneurship Program. Adult participation generally involves being a mentor, speaker or judge.
Middle school
The Hebron Academy Middle School offers a curriculum, programs in fine arts, drama, and music, unique offerings in outdoor education, athletics, special trips, and more for grades 6-8.Notable Alums
- Hannibal HamlinHannibal HamlinHannibal Hamlin was the 15th Vice President of the United States , serving under President Abraham Lincoln during the American Civil War...
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first vice-president, - William MacVaneWilliam MacVaneWilliam Leslie MacVane, Jr., M.D. was an American surgeon and politician. MacVane assisted in the first open heart surgery performed in Maine in 1959 and served as the mayor of Portland, Maine, for one term in 1971....
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and former MayorMayorIn many countries, a Mayor is the highest ranking officer in the municipal government of a town or a large urban city....
of Portland, MainePortland, MainePortland is the largest city in Maine and is the county seat of Cumberland County. The 2010 city population was 66,194, growing 3 percent since the census of 2000... - Sean Morey, NFL player
- George Lincoln RockwellGeorge Lincoln RockwellGeorge Lincoln Rockwell was the founder of the American Nazi Party. Rockwell was a major figure in the neo-Nazi movement in the United States, and his beliefs and writings have continued to be influential among white nationalists and neo-Nazis.-Early life:Rockwell was born in Bloomington,...
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, abolitionist - Tim SampleTim SampleNew England humorist Tim Sample , famous both for his presentation and his Maine accent, has sold well over a million copies of his books, albums, and videos . In the summer of 1993, Tim was recruited by Charles Kuralt as a correspondent for the Emmy Award winning TV Show CBS News Sunday Morning...
, comedian - Leon Leonwood BeanLeon Leonwood BeanLeon Leonwood Bean was an inventor, author, outdoor enthusiast, and founder of the company L.L.Bean.-History:...
, L.L. Bean, Freeport Maine