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Here on the Maine
coast, we are integrally connected to
the sea…and at Washington Academy,
students have a unique opportunity to
use the sea itself as their classroom
in our exceptional Marine Vocational
Technology Program—one of the
very few high school
boat-building programs in the United
States.
 Our
innovative program emphasizes traditional
skills blended with the same high-tech
resources that professional boat builders
use: from specialized boat design software
to computerized cutting machines in
our boat workshop. With expert guidance,
students are able to design, build and
finish their own boats for work or sport,
then take the boat home and launch it,
all for just the cost of the materials!
In the second year of the program, students
also learn navigation skills and cold-water
survival techniques in the waters of
the Atlantic—just minutes from
our campus.
Many of the students in our Marine
Vocational Technology Program use the
boats they build to work on the water—and
the program is a tremendous opportunity
for students who are fascinated by computer-aided
design and hands-on learning. The boats
designed and built by the students are
used in our outdoor recreation class,
and compete with other schools in paddling,
rowing, and sailing. Students build
traditional wooden boats and modern
composite boats from 8 to 20 feet in
length, including canoes, kayaks, rowboats,
powerboats, and sailboats.
We accept a limited number of sophomore,
junior and senior students for our Marine
Vocational Technology Program each year.
For more information, please
contact Kim Gardner in Admissions at (207) 255-8301ext 207 or email
at admissions@washingtonacademy.org.
What kinds of boats will I
learn how to make?
As a Washington Academy Boat Building
student, you'll learn to how to plan
and build a variety of watercraft, such
as canoes, rowboats, powerboats (traditional
and contemporary) rowing skiffs, fiberglass
boats, and outboard lobster boats.
How much of my day will I
spend learning boat building?
Washington Academy's Boat Building courses
take place during three consecutive
45-minute periods, 5 days per week.
Do we learn anything about
navigation or engines?
Absolutely! Navigation, engine operations
and water safety are all part of the
curriculum.
Do I get to keep the boat
I build?
Yes, if you compensate Washington Academy
for the cost of the materials.
What kinds of field trips
will we be taking?
As a Washington Academy Boat Building
student, you'll visit a variety of premiere
boat yards, including Hinckley Yachts,
and you'll make trips to Maine Maritime
Academy and several boat builders in
Canada.
Students also learn essential boating
skills during water-based field trips,
such as boat handling, water safety,
and seamanship, rowing, navigation.
Where will we use the boats?
That boats are used on local lakes and
ocean harbors.
How many students are in the
program?
Washington Academy accepts a maximum
of 16 students in each of two separate
groups.
Will I study Boat Building
all four years?
No. The program is open only to Juniors
and Seniors. Sophomores may be admitted
under certain conditions. Please consult
Washington Academy's Admissions Office
for more details.
What other school subjects
do I have to take?
Boat Building students must also take
classes in English, history, mathematics
and other basic courses that are required
for high school graduation.
What types of design and building
equipment will I be using?
Equipment includes conventional wood
and metal shop stationary machines,
an ample supply of portable power tools
and a computerized numerical cutter.
You will also use CAD (computer aided
design) software.
Are there any girls in Washington
Academy's Boat Building program?
Right now most of the students are boys,
but two girls participated last year
and excelled in the program. A few years
ago, Washington Academy's female Salutatorian
built her own sailboat!
If I study boat building,
can I still get into college?
Yes. Students wishing to attend college
after graduation are encouraged to consult
with Washington Academy's guidance counselor
to ensure they fulfill all the prerequisites
required by the colleges of their choice.
Where will I live?
Students who do not live in the local
area can board at one of Washington
Academy's two Dorms (boys and girls)
if they wish. There are also host families
in the area for students who prefer
living with a family.
What kind of jobs do Boat
Building graduates go on to?
A full 75% of the students who have
graduated from Washington Academy's
Boat Building Program are still working
in the boat-building field or in a related
field that requires parallel skills,
such as marina operation or aviation
manufacturing.
What other trades are taught
at Washington Academy?
Washington Academy offers students a
variety of hands-on trades courses in
its well-equipped traditional arts technology
wing. Courses include Mechanical Drafting,
Wood Technology, Building Construction,
Plastics and Metal Construction, Power
Technology, Machine Operations, and
Basic Electricity. We also offer courses
in Culinary Arts and Outdoor Recreation.
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