Maine Connections Academy, the state’s first virtual public charter school and headquartered in South Portland, has named Doug Bourget as principal. Bourget, orignally hired as an English teacher, has served as interim principal for the past couple months. 

The school is for students in grades 7-12.

Bourget, who grew up in Farmingdale, earned a bachelor’s degree in literature from Marlboro College and a master’s in teaching from the University of Southern California. He has a diverse educational perspective, having taught in both Maine and South Korea. His said his passion for online learning began at USC, where he attended class via live, online systems similar to those used at the Maine Connections Academy.

“I have been extremely fortunate to educate so many incredible students from all walks of life during my time at Maine Connections Academy, and this opportunity will allow me to reach even more,” Bourget said in a press release. “We are continually improving and refining our programs to impact students in the most positive ways possible and I am humbled to be a part of the process.”

Since it opened, Maine Connections Academy has experienced significant growth, expanding from 270 students in 2014-15 to 429 students for the 2016-17 school year. It is held to the same requirements and academic standards as traditional brick and mortar schools, but at Maine Connections Academy the students learn from a customized online curriculum and a flexible schedule.

“We are absolutely thrilled that Doug was selected for this role,” Amy Linscott, chairwoman of the school’s board, said. “He has been here since the beginning, so he already has a wonderful working relationship with all of the teachers and students and he has a thorough understanding of how the school operates.”

See www.maineconnectionsacademy.com for more information, including how to enroll.

– Kate Irish Collins

Doug Bourget


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