FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: John V. Caron
inquiries@landingschool.edu

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

ARUNDEL, Maine and FAIRHAVEN, Mass. (May 27, 2026) - 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.

About The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design
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. www.landingschool.edu

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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.

About The Landing School of Boatbuilding & Design

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.

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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