Hampden, a central Maine community located on the Penobscot River, is bordered to the north by Bangor, to the south by Winterport, and to the west by Newburgh. Hampden Academy draws students from the communities of Hampden, Winterport, Newburgh and Frankfort, in addition to a number of surrounding towns with high school choice. The population of these four communities was 13,689 in the most recent census. The four communities that comprise the school district (R.S.U. #22) are of diverse socioeconomic backgrounds and are influenced by rural, suburban and urban geographical conditions. There are a number of cultural and educational opportunities available to residents. The Bangor Symphony Orchestra and the Collins Center for the Arts provide a steady menu of cultural events for the region. The University of Maine, among several other nearby institutions, provides excellent higher educational opportunities.