Maine Bee Schools in 2026

Acquiring some basic but essential skills is critical to becoming a successful beekeeper. “Bee School” will get you off to a great start. Classes run for varying lengths from January through April, all over the state. They are conducted by local chapters, adult education programs, beekeeping supply businesses and in cooperation with county extension offices.

These practical courses are a must for beginners, and a great chance for intermediate level beekeepers to update and refresh their skills. In-person learning has many advantages, but due to public health concerns some programs have been switched to online. Either way, acquiring an educational foundation in beekeeping will greatly improve your chances of success!

If you are a new beekeeper,  locate a chapter in your area to get help or find a mentor. Most of these clubs also hold open hive demos during the summer months.

2026 In-Person Courses (by location)

Alfred

Five-week Beginner Beekeeping, with York County Beekeepers Association

Participants in this 5-week introductory beekeeping course will learn about: the honey bee colony, constructing hives, spring, summer and fall management, honey production, wintering hives, identification and control of brood diseases, and parasites and predators.

Through the York County Beekeepers Association, students will also have the opportunity to visit local hives for observation and hands-on experience. Beginner Bee School instructor is Larry Peiffer, Master Beekeeper and former Vice President of the Maine State Beekeepers Association.

Where: University of Maine Cooperative Extension York County, 45 Kennebunk Road, Alfred, ME 04002

When: January 21, January 28, February 4, February 11, and February 18 with a snow date of February 25th should a class be cancelled. Class runs from 6-8:30 pm.

Course Fee: Single registration = $125 Household registration for 2 (1 book) = $220

To register for this course, please go to: Beginner Beekeeping York County

For more information, contact UMaine Extension in York County at 1.800.287.1535 (in Maine), 207.324.2814 or (TDD) 1.800.287.8957 or e-mail jennifer.cappelloruggiero@maine.edu.

If you are a person with a disability and need an accommodation to participate in this program, please call Jennifer Cappello-Ruggerio at 207.581.8173 to discuss your needs. Receiving requests for accommodations at least 7 days before the program provides a reasonable amount of time to meet the request; however, all requests will be considered.

Augusta

Beginner Bee School with Kennebec Beekeeper Association

Our 2026 Beginner Bee School will be on Saturday mornings 9-12pm at the Cony High School library, 60 Pierce Drive, Augusta starting February 14th – March 21th.

The 6 week course will go over the basics of beekeeping. All class materials provided along with open hive days during the summer, our honey extraction class and winterizing class to complete the beekeeping year. KBA will also provide you with a mentor to help with your first year of beekeeping.

****Registration opens on January 1st. To sign up for the class you will need to email me your name, email (best email to reach you!) and phone number. Class is limited to 40 students.

Cost is $95.00, payable by Venmo or check and is due at the time of registration to hold your spot.

Please check out our Facebook page for details: Kennebec Beekeeper Association.

Any questions or to register please email Iloveireland2005@gmail.com for more information.

Bath

Beekeeping: An Introductory Workshop with Sagadahoc County Beekeepers Association

This one day introduction course will provide an overview for those considering beekeeping or just wanting to learn more about honey bees. The course will cover equipment required, equipment sources, cost, level of effort required, basic bee biology and care, etc. It is intended to provide basic background information and a general understanding, to help determine if beekeeping is for you. It is not intended to function as a full beekeeping course; it is highly recommended that the 6-week “Fundamentals of Beekeeping” course is completed if your goal is to become a beekeeper. Morse High School, 826 Shipbuilder Way, Bath, ME 04530 Meets in Rm 160. Cost: $35

Session 1: Thursday January 15th, 2026, 6:00pm-800pm

Beekeeping: The Fundamentals with Sagadahoc County Beekeepers Association

This six class course of instruction is designed for those who wish to become a beekeeper. The course will cover the what, why, and how of beekeeping. Topics include but are not limited to bee biology, equipment requirements and setup, seasonal management techniques, diseases, pest management, honey bee environmental benefits, and hive products. The goal of this course is to develop a foundation for new beekeepers to be prepared to keep bees. A course textbook will be provided to each student.

Six sessions, January 15 – February 26th, 2026 on Thursdays for 6 weeks from 6:00 – 8:00 pm *NO CLASS ON FEBRUARY 19.

Morse High School, 826 Shipbuilder Way, Bath, ME 04530 Meets in Rm 160. Cost: $110

Intermediate Beekeeping with Master Beekeeper-Carolyn Nichols

This six-session intermediate beekeeping course is designed for beekeepers with at least 2–3 years of hands-on experience who are ready to deepen their skills and expand their hive management knowledge. Participants will learn to identify and treat diseases, integrated pest management for varroa mites, hive configurations (nucs, splits, double nucs, Demaree) queens and swarm management, honey bee nutrition, and processing beeswax.
Thursday nights March 12, 19, 26 and April 2, and 9
The sixth class will be June 13, 2026 from 10-12 in the Morse High School apiary-bring your bee suit.
Morse High School, 826 Shipbuilder Way, Bath, ME 04530 Meets in Rm 160. Cost: $150

Open Hive session Saturday, June 13, 2026 (Raindate June 14) at Morse High School, 826 Shipbuilder Drive, Bath, ME

Kennebunkport

Basic Beekeeping Class with Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation and York County Beekeepers Association

When: Mondays, January 26th to March 2nd (March 9th reserved as a snow day, and there will be no class on Feb 16th due to President’s Day), 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM
Where: Kennebunkport Parks and Recreation, 20 Recreation Way, Kennebunkport.
Cost: $75.00 – includes a textbook and a one-year membership to York County Beekeeper Association.
Course Instructors: Kevin McDonnell, Cornell University Master Beekeeper. Mary Beth Hiller, 9-year experienced beekeeper.
This beginner beekeeping course is designed to provide first and second year beekeepers with essential knowledge and practical skills. Topics include bee biology, hive management, equipment, and seasonal care. A dedicated session on honeybee pests, diseases, and treatments will be led by Jen Lund, Maine’s State Apiarist.
Registration is required, and space is limited to 20 students.

Register

Lebanon

Beginner Beekeeping Course with Mountain View Bees

Join us for our Beginner Beekeeping Course, designed for those in their first or second year of beekeeping. Throughout this six-week course, participants will gain essential knowledge and hands-on experience for successful beekeeping, including: Hive Equipment and Assembly, Setting up your Bee Yard, Basic Bee Biology and Behavior, Seasonal Hive Management, Mock Demonstrations of Beekeeping Techniques, Disease and Pest Management, Supporting Pollinators with Native and Beneficial plants, Honey Extraction and more!

A Beekeeping Basics guide will be provided along with handouts and additional resources to support your learning. The course also features a session with the State Apiarist on pest management and includes a hive assembly workshop. Bees and Equipment are able to be purchased through the course. It’s your one-stop shop for everything you need to begin your beekeeping journey!

Class size is limited to 15 participants — reserve your spot early!

Dates: Thursdays, February 26 – April 2, 2026
Time: 6:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Location: 119 Lizotte Rd Lebanon, Maine 04027

Online Courses

Beginner Beekeeping with The Honey Exchange

Beginner Beekeeping is a five week Zoom class* (not a webinar) that takes absolute beginners from setting up a new hive, managing it throughout the season, getting ready for winter, and planning for the following spring. The class has a special focus on urban, suburban, and chemical-free beekeeping.

Learn more about session dates, and sign up for Beginner Beekeeping here

Sophomore/Sustainable Beekeeping with The Honey Exchange

Sophomore/Sustainable Beekeeping is a five week intermediate Zoom class* (not a webinar) intended for novice beekeepers with at least one season with a hive of their own. Expanding on the beginner’s curriculum, the focus of the course is to move toward a sustainable apiary with emphasis on swarm prevention, nucleus colony and honey production, and a closer look at disease control.

Learn more about session dates, and sign up for Sophomore Beekeeping here

Free Online Courses

Many online courses and YouTube videos are helpful as a supplement to in-person Bee Schools, but they may not be an adequate substitute for local learning. Your beekeeping management must be geared to Maine’s climate conditions.

University of Guelph (Ontario)

Honey Bee Research Centre
“How-To Beekeeping Video Series” a comprehensive library of videos from getting started to more advanced topics.

National Cooperative Extension Resource

First Lessons in Beekeeping: Honey Bee Biology
Basic Beekeeping Techniques

Scientific Beekeeping

First Year Beekeeping is presented by biologist and commercial beekeeper Randy Oliver

Heroes to Hives

Free online beekeeping program for Veterans, Reservists, Active Duty or National Guard members of the U.S. Armed Forces and their adult children, spouses, partners and caregivers. www.HeroesToHives.com

Hives for Heroes

Hives for Heroes® is a national non-profit service organization focusing on sustainability, conservation, and providing a healthy transition from service. Through our national network of beekeepers, we provide connection, purpose, and healthy relationships, through access, resources, and funding for Active Duty, Veterans, and First Responders. www.hivesforheroes.com

Watch videos here to learn the step-by-step process, roles, responsibilities, and expectations of Hives for Heroes members.