The Landing School

The Landing School Earn a diploma or an Associate Degree in Composite Boat Building, Marine Systems, Wooden Boat Building, and Yacht Design. For more info: www.landingschool.edu.
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Headquartered in Arundel, Maine, The Landing School is a full-time, nonprofit accredited post-secondary school that blends education in modern yacht design, boat building and marine systems technology under one roof. Founded in 1978, The School’s inaugural program focused on a Wooden Boat Building program. Today, the school has grown to incorporate certificate and Associate’s degree curriculums in

five programs: Wooden Boat Building (Small or Cruising Boats), Composite Boat Building, Marine Systems and Yacht Design. The Landing School’s driving force is to bridge the gap between theory and practice, providing graduates with the skills and understanding necessary for current employment opportunities and future career growth. For more information about The School and their programs, please visit www.landingschool.edu.

The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design Ceases 2026-27 Academic ProgramsARUNDEL, Maine (August 3, 2026) - The Landin...
08/03/2026

The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design Ceases 2026-27 Academic Programs

ARUNDEL, Maine (August 3, 2026) - The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design informed incoming students, faculty, and staff today that it will cease academic programs for the 2026-27 academic year as the Board of Trustees continues to evaluate the institution’s future.

Previously, The Landing School had announced its intent to explore the possibility of an acquisition that could continue The Landing School’s operations and mission. After careful consideration, the Board of Trustees determined that this option was not viable.

“We understand that this has been a difficult and confusing sequence of events for our students, faculty, staff, and community,” said John Caron, President of The Landing School. “In exploring an acquisition, the Board of Trustees felt a responsibility to pursue every reasonable effort to find a path forward. Our priority now is supporting incoming students, faculty, and staff through next steps.”

The Landing School will provide a full refund of deposits and consider reimbursement requests for certain expenses on a case-by-case basis. Incoming students will be contacted by admissions for further guidance.

The Landing School will also work with incoming students to identify other education opportunities where appropriate and provide documentation that may assist with the transfer of their education plans. The student orientation that was scheduled for September 8 will not take place.

“We are so proud of the work The Landing School has accomplished in the almost fifty years since first accepting and teaching students in the art of boatbuilding and we hope those accomplishments can continue to be celebrated,” said Susan Swanton, chair of the Board of Trustees.

The most up-to-date information will be shared on The Landing School website at www.landingschool.edu as well as official email and social media channels.

For more updates: www.landingschool.edu/ongoing-updates-the-landing-school

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07/24/2026

If you’ve ever wondered what it’s like to be a student at The Landing School, this is for you.

You’ve heard the saying, a picture is worth a thousand words. This collection of photographs from the past year tells the story of life at The Landing School through the moments that matter most.

You’ll see craftsmanship taking shape, hands-on learning, faculty mentoring students one-on-one, friendships being built, and the pride that comes from creating something with your own hands.

Take a few minutes to watch. We think these photos say more about The Landing School than words ever could.

07/22/2026

📚 Did you know? The Landing School’s S/V Patience Student Resource Center is home to a unique marine library.

Inside you’ll find:
⚓ 2,620+ books
📐 1,500+ boat drawings and specifications
🌐 2,900+ digital resources
🛥️ 60 historic boat models from around the world
📰 Decades of marine magazines, journals, and technical publications, with the earliest dating to a 1904 issue of Rudder magazine

Whether students are researching a classic wooden vessel, studying marine systems, or designing the next generation of boats, the Resource Center connects them with generations of maritime knowledge and craftsmanship.

07/20/2026

🛠️ Boatbuilding Trivia!

Can you identify these three traditional wooden boatbuilding tools and materials? 👀

Drop your guesses in the comments! ⬇️

Bonus points if you know what they’re used for.

Answer reveal coming soon.



07/02/2026

We had a special visitor at The Landing School today… meet Oakley! 🐾

And just like the rest of us, Oakley is ready to hit the water for the holiday weekend. (Although she may need a little more practice keeping her life jacket on! )

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July filled with time on the water, family, friends, and plenty of summer adventures.

🎆 The Landing School will be closed on Friday, July 3, in observance of the holiday. We’ll reopen on Monday and look forward to seeing you then!

Happy Fourth of July! 🇺🇸⚓

07/01/2026

🎉 Congratulations to our outstanding alumni on earning recognition as ABYC Certified Master Technicians!

We’re proud to celebrate:

⚓ Henry LePage ’26
⚓ Steven Lombaro ’26
⚓ Zachary Volpicelli ’04

To earn the designation of ABYC Certified Master Technician, each technician must achieve three ABYC certifications (or add an additional certification to an existing Master Technician credential), demonstrating broad expertise across multiple areas of boat service and repair.

We’re especially proud that three of the seven newest Master Technicians recognized by ABYC are Landing School alumni. Their dedication to continuous learning, technical excellence, and boating safety reflects the professionalism that defines our graduates.

Congratulations to Henry, Steven, Zachary, and all of the newest ABYC Certified Master Technicians!

06/26/2026

🚤 We're Open and Enrolling for Fall 2026!

There's never been a more exciting time to join The Landing School! As Northeast Maritime Institute – College of Maritime Science (NMI) works through the regulatory approval process to acquire The Landing School, we're excited about building on its incredible legacy and expanding opportunities for the next generation of marine professionals.

If you're interested in wooden boatbuilding, composite boatbuilding, marine systems, or yacht design, now is the time to explore your future.

✔ Campus Tours: Monday–Friday, 8:30 a.m.–5:00 p.m.
✔ Saturday Visits: June 27, July 11 & July 25, 10:00 a.m.–Noon
✔ Virtual Information Sessions Available

Come see what's next on the horizon. We'd love to welcome you to campus!

06/23/2026

Exciting news for The Landing School community!

Northeast Maritime Institute (NMI) and The Landing School have taken significant steps forward and are now working through the purchase and sale process as they pursue the regulatory approvals necessary to bring The Landing School into the NMI family.

For nearly 50 years, The Landing School has prepared students for careers in the marine industry. This next chapter is focused on preserving that legacy while creating new opportunities for students, faculty, staff, alumni, and industry partners.

As NMI President Eric R. Dawicki shares in this video, the goal is continuity, growth, and long-term success while honoring the hands-on, experiential education that has made The Landing School so special.

Thank you to everyone who has supported The Landing School throughout this journey. We are encouraged by the progress being made and look forward to sharing additional updates in the weeks ahead!

The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design Enters Agreement with Northeast Maritime Institute – College of Maritime Sci...
05/29/2026

The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design Enters Agreement with Northeast Maritime Institute – College of Maritime Science

ARUNDEL, Maine and FAIRHAVEN, Mass. — The Landing School and Northeast Maritime Institute – College of Maritime Science (NMI) are pleased to announce that the parties have entered into a Memorandum of Understanding establishing a collaborative framework through which The Landing School’s educational mission, institutional legacy, and community presence may continue well into the future.

While the viability and precise contours of any long-term arrangement remain subject to comprehensive due diligence, regulatory review, and definitive agreements, both institutions are committed to conducting an expedited and good-faith evaluation process over the next thirty (30) days.

Most importantly, both organizations want current and incoming students, families, alumni, faculty, and industry partners to know that every effort is being made to preserve continuity, stability, and confidence in the future of The Landing School. Students who have already committed to programs are strongly encouraged to remain engaged during this process as the institutions work diligently toward a sustainable operational pathway that protects educational opportunities and preserves the School’s unique identity.

Founded in 1981, Northeast Maritime Institute – College of Maritime Science is one of America’s leading private maritime educational institutions, recognized internationally for workforce development, maritime safety, technical education, simulation-based training, and credentialing programs supporting the maritime, transportation, offshore energy, and marine industries. Through its campuses, global partnerships, and advanced digital learning infrastructure, NMI has developed a reputation for creating practical, employment-focused educational pathways while preserving the traditions and values of the maritime profession.

The discussions between the institutions are centered on preserving and strengthening The Landing School’s longstanding role as one of New England’s most respected centers for experiential education, craftsmanship, marine systems technology, wooden boatbuilding, yacht design, and applied technical training.

“For generations, The Landing School has represented something deeply important through the preservation of craftsmanship, innovation, hands-on learning, and the maritime traditions that have helped shape New England’s identity,” said Eric R. Dawicki, President of Northeast Maritime Institute – College of Maritime Science. “Our objective is not simply to preserve a school, but to help protect a legacy, support its students and faculty, and work collaboratively toward a future where The Landing School can continue serving its community for decades to come. We strongly encourage students to stay the course with confidence as we aggressively explore a framework designed to provide long-term stability and renewed opportunity.”

For students who have already enrolled, deposits will continue to be securely maintained during this accelerated diligence period. However, any student who wishes to request the return of their deposit may do so expressly and directly through The Landing School.

Both institutions look forward to providing additional updates as discussions progress over the coming weeks. The most up-to-date information will be shared on The Landing School website at www.landingschool.edu as well as official email and social media channels.

For more information and updates: https://www.landingschool.edu/tls-enters-collaborative-agreement-with-northeast-maritime-institute

The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design Announces Formal ClosureARUNDEL, Maine (May 20, 2026) — The Landing School o...
05/20/2026

The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design Announces Formal Closure

ARUNDEL, Maine (May 20, 2026) — The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design in Arundel, Maine today announced it will be closing after nearly five decades of preparing students for careers in the marine industry. On May 19, 2026, the Landing School Board of Trustees reached the difficult decision to close in response to sustained enrollment declines and financial headwinds. The administration is notifying students, faculty, staff, and alumni of the closure as it commences an orderly winding down this summer.

When The Landing School opened its doors in 1978, it was built on a singular mission: to prepare skilled boatbuilders, designers, and technicians for meaningful careers in the marine trades. For generations, that mission guided everything the school did, from its curricula to the hands-on, immersive education that became its hallmark.

“For 47 years, The Landing School evolved alongside the industry it served by adapting programs, embracing new technologies, and refining its approach in service of its founding purpose. What the school could not overcome was declining enrollment,” said John V. Caron, President of The Landing School. “The broader forces reshaping higher education — rising costs, shifting workforce trends, and changing perceptions of higher education have hit small, mission-driven schools like ours especially hard.”

“The Landing School experienced a sustained and significant decline in student enrollment. Despite strategic planning, program adjustments, and the sustained efforts of its Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff, the enrollment shortfall created financial pressures that made it impossible to sustain operations at the level our mission demands,” said John Caron.

The Board of Trustees considered multiple paths forward, including efforts to grow enrollment and explore strategic partnerships. Ultimately, none provided a sustainable way forward without compromising the quality of the student experience that defines The Landing School.

The Landing School proudly celebrated the graduation of its final cohort of students on May 16, 2026. Students who submitted a deposit for the fall 2026-2027 academic year will receive a refund as well as support from The Landing School admissions team.

“While our doors are closing, The Landing School lives on in every graduate who carried their skills to a boatyard, design studio, or workshop,” said Susan Swanton, Chair of the Board of Trustees. “It lives on in the vessels built, the careers launched, and the communities strengthened by the marine professionals we helped shape. Nearly five decades of craftsmanship and passion do not disappear, they endure in the hands and work of the people we were privileged to teach. To our students, alumni, faculty, staff, industry partners, and supporters: you are The Landing School. You gave this institution its meaning and its heart. We are profoundly grateful.”

“What we cannot close is the legacy of this institution. The Landing School lives on in the people it trained and in the work they continue to do every day. That legacy will endure,” said Susan Swanton.

The most up-to-date information will be shared on The Landing School website at www.landingschool.edu as well as official email and social media channels.

For more updates: https://www.landingschool.edu/school-closure-information

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Address

286 River Road
Arundel, ME
04046

Opening Hours

Monday 8:30am - 4:30pm
Tuesday 8:30am - 5pm
Wednesday 8:30am - 5pm
Thursday 8:30am - 5pm
Friday 8:30am - 5pm

Telephone

+12079857976

Website

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