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Schools That Work

Mount Desert Elementary

Public, Rural
Grades K-8
Northeast Harbor, ME

OUTCOMES

Mount Desert Elementary School is a small, K-8 public school in Northeast Harbor, Maine, that has successfully created a strong learning community that is the basis of the school’s academic success.

Since 2006, Mount Desert Elementary School has consistently outperformed the state of Maine in the percentage of students who ranked proficient or above on state tests.

The school was awarded National Blue Ribbon Schools Program status for academic excellence in 2008.

  • Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

    How to Get Students Ready for Learning

    Teachers at Mount Desert Elementary School in Northeast Harbor, Maine, use proven Responsive Classroom techniques—such as relationship-building morning meetings and engaging student-led activities—to get students focused and ready to learn.
  • Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

    Getting Students Ready for Learning

    Responsive Classroom techniques, such as relationship-building morning meetings and engaging student-led activities, get students focused and ready to learn.
  • Differentiated Instruction

    Instruction Tailored to Students’ Needs and Interests

    At Mount Desert Elementary School, differentiated instruction offers customized learning for each student, increasing its relevance and impact.
  • Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

    How More Social and Emotional Learning (and Less Academics) Actually Builds Academic Success

    Elementary school principal Scott McFarland explains why helping children relax and self-regulate also helps them become better students.
    Scott McFarland
  • Social & Emotional Learning (SEL)

    Resources and Downloads for SEL Classroom Management

    Educators from Mount Desert Elementary School in Northeast Harbor, Maine, have shared a some social and emotional learning tools, and we've gathered some of our favorite resources as well.
    Douglas Keely

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