School pushes back opening Low enrollment, building renovations delay Nicatou Academy

MEDWAY – Citing low enrollment and a need for further renovations to the building, trustees of the private Nicatou Academy postponed the school’s opening until next September.

Originally scheduled to open this week, the school fell short of the enrollment goal set by trustees of 12 to 15 students for the opening year, according to Dale Fiske, secretary of the board of trustees. Additionally, several rooms have yet to be renovated in the former Medway Primary School, which will house the academy, he said.

School officials have been working on plans for the academy for 21/2 years, although efforts ramped up in February of this year when plans were made public.

“We were very optimistic for this year, and we had a lot to do in a short period of time,” Fiske said Tuesday. “The postponement will give us more time to plan and prepare.”

In addition to a typical high school curriculum shaped to meet Maine Learning Results, school officials are planning an international baccalaureate program with a focus on outdoor, natural and environmental sciences, Fiske said. Prominent in Europe and New England, but not Maine, Vermont or New Hampshire, the international baccalaureate program is a step above typical Advanced Placement courses and is looked upon favorably by universities, Fiske said.

“We think the international baccalaureate program will be a draw for international students,” Fiske said.

By postponing the opening, school officials also will have more time to gain full approval of the Department of Education, entitling the school to state tuition dollars, Fiske said. The Education Department recognizes the academy as a private secondary school only for attendance purposes.

Part-time faculty had been lined up for this year, but the trustees will wait for projected enrollment next year to determine faculty needs, Fiske said. Tuition for the school, set at $4,850 for this year, also is likely to be re-evaluated for next year, he said.