SCHOOL closure information
Frequently Asked Questions
Why is the school closing?
The Landing School has experienced a sustained and significant decline in student enrollment. Despite strategic planning, program adjustments, and tireless efforts by our Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff, the enrollment shortfall created financial pressures that make it impossible to sustain operations at the level our mission demands.
WILL I Receive a refund for my deposit?
If you have submitted a $500 deposit for 2026-2027 academic year, you will receive a 100% refund. More details will be communicated directly as they become available. Additionally, our admissions team is available to help you explore other options. Please email admissions@landingschool.edu.
What if I already have housing and travel arrangements?
We recognize some students may have already secured travel and housing for this fall, and we apologize for the disruption this has caused. We moved as quickly as possible to notify students of the closure once the decision was made. The Landing School does not provide on-campus housing, and agreements are typically between students and private landlords. If you need any information or documentation as you have conversations with your housing and travel providers, please let us know.
What should I do next?
We know that students built their plans around The Landing School, and being asked to pivot now is incredibly difficult. Our admissions team is committed to helping students explore other options and can provide contacts and resources for taking the next step. For assistance please email admissions@landingschool.edu.
Is my diploma or degree still valid?
Yes. Diplomas and degrees awarded prior to closure remain valid credentials.
How do I obtain a copy of my transcript?
Academic records will be permanently maintained. You may request a transcript throughout the summer months. The school will provide instructions for requesting academic records, including information about long-term record storage following closure.
When will the school officially close?
The school is currently working through a formal closure timeline. We will continue to share updates directly with students, families, faculty, staff, alumni, marine industry, and community partners as additional information becomes available.
Will the job board continue to exist?
Yes, and the school will continue to offer career services to graduates for the foreseeable future.
What will happen with the building, EQUIPMENT, and historical COLLECTION?
No final decisions have been made at this time. The school recognizes the historical importance of its campus, student work, and archival materials and will share updates when available.
Can I help or support the school right now?
The Landing School deeply appreciates the support of its community. At this time, the most helpful action is patience as the school works through next steps and communications.
A message from President John Caron and Chair of Board of Trustees Susan Swanton
May 20, 2026
When The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design 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 industry. For nearly five decades, that mission guided everything we did from the curricula we developed to the hands-on, immersive education that became our hallmark. Generations of students walked through our doors and left as craftspeople, professionals, and lifelong contributors to the marine trades.
It is with deep sorrow that we announce The Landing School will be closing.
For 47 years, we evolved alongside the industry we served adapting programs, embracing new technologies, and continually refining our approach in service of our founding purpose. What we could not overcome is enrollment. Like many small, specialized institutions, The Landing School has experienced a sustained and significant decline in student enrollment. Despite strategic planning, program adjustments, and tireless efforts by our Board of Trustees, faculty, and staff, the enrollment shortfall created financial pressures that make it impossible to sustain operations at the level our mission demands. The Landing School was built on the promise of exceptional, hands-on education and we refuse to deliver anything less.
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. We did not make this decision quickly or lightly.
What we cannot close is our legacy. The Landing School lives on in every graduate who carried their skills to a boatyard, design studio, or workshop. 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. From its founding in 1978 to this final chapter, you gave this institution its meaning and its heart. We are profoundly grateful.
The Board of Trustees is committed to full transparency as we navigate this transition. Ongoing updates and information will be available here on the website.
Sincerely,
John Caron, President
Susan Swanton, Chair of Board of Trustees
Contact Information
Admissions questions
If you have questions about your enrollment or application, contact Andrea Tripp at admissions@landingschool.edu
Media Inquiries
Send an email to John Caron at inquiries@landingschool.edu with the subject line “Media Inquiry”
ALL OTHER INQUIRIES
Email us at inquiries@landingschool.edu or call 207-985-7976 (we will respond as soon as possible)