FAIRFIELD (AP) — Maine’s first two charter schools opened their doors to students Monday, providing new educational opportunities for about 100 students.

The Maine Academy of Natural Sciences at Good Will-Hinckley in Fairfield and the Cornville Regional Charter School are the first charter schools in the state’s history.

The Maine Academy of Natural Sciences has 46 students from 27 school districts. In Cornville, the charter school has enrolled nearly 60 students.

Gov. Paul LePage said the schools are giving students more choices, and that more choices will help to meet the needs of Maine students.

Education Commissioner Stephen Bowen, who spoke in Fairfield, said, “Public charter schools are an important part of an effort to give families and students more choices, and to foster more innovation in Maine schools.”

Charter schools are funded with state dollars but operate independently of local school boards.

School officials inked fiveyear deals with the state charter commission on July 31.

In Fairfield, 27 of the 46 students live in four cottages on campus. The other 19 are day students who commute.

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