Hampden Academy

As a current freshman at the university of Maine, I am incredibly proud to have graduated from Hampden. I disagree wholeheartedly with the first parent who posted that this school system is garbage. The school itself may be falling apart, but I acquired all of the knowledge, both academic and common-sensical, that I will ever need in my four years there. The English Department is simply amazing, I have no idea what that first parent was talking about. They offer many interesting English electives, and I was able to earn college credit through my AP Literature course, as were the vast majority of my other AP classmates. I think the best thing about this school is its closeness . I was able to connect with many of my teachers, and am lucky to still be in contact with them today. Hampden Academy changed my life.
--Submitted by a student

My wife and I moved to the area 2 years ago from a coastal Maine School system in the area. Our eldest daughter had essentially dropped out of school in 6th grade, and our youngest's test scores were lagging. The move was, in a word, wonderful. Since relocating to this school district, our now 9th grader is in all advanced classes, is studying Latin and has had nothing but good experiences with the faculty and students. I would strongly agree with a previous parent's review that the school is excellent and I would not relocate from here until my children complete school. I would highly recommend the school and district for all courses of study in all departments.
--Submitted by a parent

My husband and I have seen two of our children graduate from Hampden Academy; our third will graduate in June. We are delighted with the education that Hampden has provided all three. I don't think that anyone could dispute with a straight face the assertion that H.A.'s buildings are in dire need of help. But the school's courses and extracurricular offerings are diverse and rich; and the faculty are strong, highly qualified, and dedicated. H.A. graduates who have invested themselves in their education not only can speak intelligibly but also read and reason intelligently, work hard, and make our world better everywhere they go. H.A. grads are fixing our cars, building our homes, policing our community, litigating in our courts, treating our sick family members, teaching our children, performing music, leading troops in Iraq, and training new Marines to guard our nuclear weapons -- strong evidence that what Hampden does, works.
--Submitted by a parent

I love Hampden Academy. I'm a sophomore, and the atmosphere is just so wonderful. Students and teachers really care about each other, and everyone gets along. I feel comfortable talking about personal matters to almost any adult there. The classes aren't overly stressful, and work loads aren't bad. The extra-curriculars are great. I'm a cheerleader, a chorus member, and I'm in the highest classes a sophomore can take. The teachers make the material fun to learn, and if you need the help, it's always there.
--Submitted by a student

The Academy is a fine school with a proud history. there are many strong teachers and solid extracurricular activities. The building needs replacing and plans are underway.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is not garbage. The English department is wonderful and so are all the others. Hampden Academy continues to place highly in standarized tests. It is a very good balance between extracurricular activities, athletics, and studies. It is a great size- small enough so everyone knows everyone else yet large enough for diversity. If students have any inkling to learn, and even if they don't, teachers get the best out of them. It's one of the best schools in the Bangor area, if not THE best.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is simply garbage the English Department is in dire need of correcting. The children that have come out of this school system barely can speak intelligibly. Not to mention the growing drug problem facing the school district, frankly this upscale hierarchy of mansions and BMWs is on the downfall. Putting the name 'Academy' on this school is truly a mockery to the finer institutions of learning that boast the similar name.
--Submitted by a parent