The Madawaska Training School (MTS) was established in 1878. Fort Kent became its permanent home during the 1888-1889 school year. The institution became the Fort Kent State Normal School in 1955, the Fort Kent State Teachers College in 1961, Fort Kent State College in 1966, and finally the University of Maine at Fort Kent in 1970. Originally founded to train future educators in Aroostook County, its mission and programs widened significantly in the early decades of the Cold War.

The Model School was established by the MTS in 1909 to train teachers, provide them with practical experience, and teach best practices.

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