Wayfinder Schools is now accepting applications for its Passages Program. Passages is a home-based high school diploma program for young parents and other Maine teens who are struggling in traditional school settings. Passages accepts Maine students, aged 14-20, living in Knox, Lincoln, Waldo, Sagadahoc, Androscoggin, York, Cumberland and Washington counties.

Each student is matched with a teacher who provides individualized instruction in the student’s own home. Work is self-paced, and students focus on 24 core requirements related to academics, life skills, and, in some cases, parenting.

They also participate in monthly group workshops, focused on everything from music and art to cooking, budgeting and CPR. These workshops help build peer and community connection as students work toward their graduation goals.

Students also complete volunteer service projects that help build confidence, community connection and job skills, and they must complete a final graduation project, or “Passage,” that addresses a personal challenge or goal. Passages Projects can include anything from learning to cook, to studying photography, to researching college and career plans.

In recent years, Wayfinder graduates have been accepted to trade schools, Job Corps, and two- and four-year colleges throughout Maine. They are pursuing careers in health care, the culinary arts, cosmetology, marketing, biology, psychology, automotive technology, social work, computer science, welding, carpentry and veterinary technology.

Wayfinder Schools serves 65 students each year, and applications are accepted on a rolling basis. For more information about Wayfinder Schools, or to apply, visit www.wayfinderschools.org