Maine Local Living School

Enrollment

We have an 8-week standard stay. The first two weeks of this time is a trial period, during which either party is allowed to terminate the apprenticeship.  We offer spring and fall apprenticeships.  Graduates of apprenticeship are welcome to apply for the year-long, stipended journeyperson position.

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Weekly Schedule

Apprentices work on Maine Local Living School projects 5 days a week, 28 hours/week.  We work hard and request the same of our apprentices. However, the apprenticeship is, at its core, an educational experience. Apprentices attend all community programs led by MLLS staff free-of-charge and have ample opportunity to pursue personal craft projects and practice skills. Wednesday afternoons are set aside for cleaning and maintenance around the apprentice home. Friday afternoons and weekends are free time.

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The Educational Homestead: An Environmental Education Practicum

Multiple educational programs for elementary, secondary school, homeschool and occasionally college students take place throughout the 8-week apprenticeship.  Apprentices are not asked to teach things they do not know.  They are asked to support programming, lead activities and lessons they are familiar with, and make meaningful connections with youth.  MLLS provides guidance, feedback, and pedagogy.  Our programming is unique in that we use subsistence activities as a base from which to teach science, land ethics, and history, as well as nature connection.  If you are interested in Environmental Education, this is a great fit for you. 

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Community Meeting

On Wednesday night we have a community potluck supper. On this night, we review the previous week, share feelings, make space to address concerns and issues, offer appreciations, and make plans for the upcoming week.

 

Character Expectations

Above all, we expect apprentices to have a desire to learn, and to be willing and positive members of the community. We expect apprentices to be self-motivated, thorough in their work, and meticulous in their clean-up and care of tools.

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Diversity and "Rurality"

Maine Local Living School welcomes apprentices from all orientations, ethnicities, cultures and religions.  We recognize that rural Maine is predominantly white.  We want apprentices to feel welcome and do everything we can to welcome difference.  Apprentices should know that the nearest ethnic food stores, or urban centers with significant diversity are at least one hour's drive south.

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Tuition & Food 

Work exchange! No money changes hands. MLLS provides a complete, healthy, and radically local diet. 

 

Drugs & Alcohol

Maine Local Living School is a substance free learning community, all the time.  If you use cannibis or another mind-altering substance medically, please contact us about exceptions to this general rule.

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Good Housekeeping/Hygiene

Apprentices are asked to keep a clean living space, clean kitchen and a clean body. Living simply does not mean living dirty.

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Car Parking

Apprentices’ cars are parked in the school parking area, approximately ¼ mile from the school center.

 

Outhouses

Apprentices use the school’s public composting toilets and are responsible for keeping them clean and neat.

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Electricity & Internet

Apprentices can usually charge cell phones, laptops, headlamp batteries, etc. from the classroom photovoltaic system. Occasionally, you will have to wait for the sun to come out again! There is no electricity in apprentice living spaces.

Phone/Internet: There is no cell reception here! Depending on your carrier, service starts between 1 and 5 miles down the road. There is a landline phone available in the classroom (it is shared with the school and Knapp family). Internet is available at the public library in Farmington, and at or outside of the Knapp house.  We are investigating having a second star-link system at the classroom and we welcome your feedback: how important is internet connectivity to you? 

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Pets

No pets, please. There is a dog, cat, and farm animals on the homestead.

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Transportation

Farmington is 9 miles away. There is some opportunity to carpool when we leave to do errands. If you are without a car, we recommend bringing a bike.

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