Peter Badalament, Principal
Seeking Public Comments
ESEA Proposed Projects for the 2026-2027 School Year (PDF)
Public Comment Deadline: July 24, 2026
Reporting of fraud, waste and abuse of federal funds
The A.R. Gould School is an accredited, public, diploma-granting high school and alternative education program for youth in the care of the Maine Department of Corrections. The goal of the program is to support all students in achieving academic success and preparing students for re-entry into the community.
A.R. Gould provides curriculum that meets state and national standards and is delivered by certified teachers. The school's goal is to provide curriculum that is relevant, engaging, and designed to prepare students for e-entry.
The school works with in-house partners, Restorative Justice, on site Wellpath mental health and substance use clinicians and the volunteer office to enhance education opportunities for our students. AR Gould also partners with community programs to provide a variety of academic enrichment that meets the needs and wants of students. Community partners include MAMM, The Telling Room, Portland Pottery, Smooth Feather, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Goodwill, Students Empowered to End Dependency, Youth Advocacy Programs and Ukeleles Heal The World.
A.R. Gould focuses on individualized learning and meeting students where they are. The school is driven by student interests and needs. Training and professional development focus on providing students with unconditional positive regard and creating safe classroom spaces that encourage learning. This is further supported by training and professional development around trauma and its impact on teenage development and learning. Programming at A.R. Gould seeks to provide students rigorous academic opportunities and to foster and develop student interests.
Graduation Requirements
Students must earn 20 credits to receive an AR Gould Diploma. These credits include: 4 English, 3 Mathematics, 3 Science (1 Lab Science), 3 Social Studies (1 US History), 1 Physical Education, 0.5 Health, 1 Fine Arts, and 4.5 Electives.
Academic Programs
A.R. Gould school is staffed by content area specialists and support staff who work to provide comprehensive, thoughtful academic programming to our students.
Current academic programs include:
- English
- Social Studies
- Science
- Math
- Physical Education and Health
- Fine Arts
- Humanities
- History
- Music Theory
Vocational Programs
AR Gould’s Vocational Program provides job specific technical training for work in a specific career cluster and industry exposure.
These programs generally focus on providing students with hands-on instruction resulting in certifications and attaining credits towards graduation.
Our vocational program also includes career exploration programming, soft skills training, and assisting students in learning how to search, interview, and be successful in the workforce.
Vocational programming at A.R. Gould utilizes community partnerships and technology to provide a wealth of vocational opportunities for our students.
Current Vocational programming includes:
- Culinary Arts
- OSHA Certifications
- Screenprinting
Creek 2 College
Creek 2 College program has existed at Long Creek Youth Development Center for over ten years. This program is funded by The Friends of Long Creek (ADD) and connects students to college opportunities through a vibrant relationship with Southern Maine Community College. The program is run by a full-time on-site instructor as well as visiting professors supplement those courses and provide students opportunities to engage in an array of college programming.
SMCC courses include:
Academic Success Seminar
Oral Communications
English Composition
World History
Introduction to Psychology
Poetry
Introduction to Art
College Level Guitar
Students may also be dually enrolled while at the AR Gould School earning both High School and College credits at the simotaniously. Students may also work towards their HiSet through HiSet Prep courses and can test for their HiSet with proctors right at the facility.
Resources and Supports
Special Education Services
A.R. Gould has a fully certified Special Services Department. This department focuses on creating and implementing learning plans to meet the individual needs of A.R. Gould students.
A.R. Gould’s Special Services Department collaborates with local school districts to support students in transition and develop meaningful re-entry plans.
Project IMPACT
Project IMPACT (Interagency Model Project for Academic and Correctional Transition) serves as the education liaison between Long Creek’s incarcerated youth and their public-school systems. The project is funded through the Maine Department of Education and serves to link educational services with system involved youth to ensure that transition in and out of LCYDC is seamless for juveniles.
Project IMPACT serves two distinct populations inside LCYDC. For committed or adjudicated youth Project IMAPCT offers transition services to students as they re-enter their communities. Project IMPACT notifies the school of an impending transition and then creates a transition plan. School reintegration meetings are held between LCYDC, A.R. Gould, field officers, family members and the community school to develop transition plans that allow for student success.
For detained or non-adjudicated students Project IMPACT serves as a link between community-based education and students during their time at LCYDC. This includes facilitating special education services required by student IEPs, maintaining communication between A.R. Gould and community schools, and advocating for the needs of the students throughout their stay at LCYDC. The goal for both committed and detained residents is to ensure that all students have access to any support they need to be successful educationally.
Clubs and Organizations
A.R. Gould staff and community partners collaborate to provide students places to foster and develop new and existing interests. Community partners include the Portland Public Library, Thomas College, Bowdoin College, and Friends of Long Creek. This has resulted in several clubs and organizations targeting student interests.
Current clubs and co-curricular opportunities include:
- Dungeons and Dragons Club
- Resident/Student Council
- Music Writing and Recording in the Creative Hope Studio - A fully equipped state of the art recording studio inside of the facility.
- Music Writing and Recording
- Yoga
- Blanket Group - Residents hand-make blankets and deliver them to local community shelters and those in need.
- Academic Skill Development
- Ukeleles Heal The World
In addition to co-curricular programming provided by the school students can engage in programming developed by the Recreation Department and Volunteers program. This includes one on one mentoring, community service projects, and team sports. The Recreation and Volunteer Departments will create programs to meet any students needs or interests, ensuring that all students have access to any programming they are interested in.
Contact Information
Peter Badalament, Principal
Email: peter.badalament@maine.gov
Phone number (207) 822-2601
Helpful Links
Maine DOE ESSA Dashboard:www.maine.gov/doe/dashboard
Maine DOE Newsroom: www.maine.gov/doe/mainedoenews.net
Maine Department of Corrections: www.maine.gov/corrections/home
Maine DOC Juvenile Services: www.maine.gov/corrections/juvenileservices