by Laurel J. Daigle

St. Louis Convent School, a public-private elementary school in Fort Kent, educated the vast majority of children in Fort Kent during its 62 years in existence. Over the years, it was staffed by over 100 Little Franciscans of Mary, a young religious institute. In later years, the sisters were assisted by laymen and women. In the early years, the sisters faced seemingly insurmountable challenges that were overcome through hard work, faith, and devotion. The Parish of St. Louis was ill-prepared to receive teaching sisters in 1907, having no school building. Classes were held in the church basement. After a disastrous fire destroyed the church, classes were held in a small barn that had earlier housed farm animals.
Throughout its history, the school was plagued by overcrowding. To help alleviate the problem, the local public school district built a new elementary school in 1969, allowing the school district to expand its curriculum to include home economics and industrial arts.

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