Spruce Mountain Adult & Community Education was born in 2011, when the Jay and MSAD 36 school districts came together to form RSU 73. From the very beginning, our mission was clear: provide adults with the opportunity to complete their education, build new skills, and open doors to brighter futures.
In the years that followed, we grew quickly. By 2018, enrollment had increased by more than 170%, and we celebrated our largest graduating class to date. This growth reflected not only the determination of our learners but also the strong community partnerships that supported them along the way.
As the needs of our region shifted, so did our programs. We expanded beyond high school credentials into workforce training in healthcare, trades, and culinary arts—helping students move directly from the classroom into meaningful careers. More recently, we’ve welcomed a growing number of younger learners, ages 16–20, who come to us seeking flexible pathways to complete their diplomas and prepare for college or employment.
Today, SMAE continues to evolve with one purpose in mind: to meet learners where they are and walk beside them on the journey forward.