Maine is the #43 largest school system in the United States, serving 167,472 students across the 596 public schools for the 2025 school year (there are 163 private schools, serving 19,660 students). 89% of all K-12 students in Maine attend public schools, compared to the national average of 90%.
The percentage of students achieving math proficiency in Maine is 81%. The percentage of students achieving reading proficiency is 84%.
The top-ranked public schools in Maine are Pond Cove Elementary School, Falmouth Middle School, and Cape Elizabeth Middle School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test scores.
There are 27 Blue Ribbon Schools, 1 magnet schools, 10 charter schools, and 1 special education schools.
Minority enrollment is 14%, with the majority being Black or Hispanic and the student:teacher ratio is 11:1.
Student by Ethnicity
(ME) School Average
American Indian
1%
Asian
1%
Hispanic
3%
Black
5%
White
86%
Two or more races
4%

Top Ranked Public Schools in Maine (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Student Proficiency
Grades
Location
Rank: #11.
Pond Cove Elementary School
(Math: ≥99% | Reading: ≥99%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Reading: ≥99% (Top 1%)
Grades: PK-4
12 Scott Dyer Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 799-7339
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 799-7339
Rank: #22.
Falmouth Middle School
(Math: 97% | Reading: 97%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 97% (Top 1%)
Reading: 97% (Top 1%)
Grades: 6-8
52 Woodville Road
Falmouth, ME 04105
(207) 781-3740
Falmouth, ME 04105
(207) 781-3740
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Cape Elizabeth Middle School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: 96% (Top 1%)
Grades: 5-8
14 Scott Dyer Road
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 799-8176
Cape Elizabeth, ME 04107
(207) 799-8176
Rank: #3 - 43. - 4.
Yarmouth Elementary School
(Math: 96% | Reading: 96%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: 96% (Top 1%)
Reading: 96% (Top 1%)
Grades: 2-5
121 Mccartney Street
Yarmouth, ME 04096
(207) 846-3391
Yarmouth, ME 04096
(207) 846-3391
Rank: #5 - 115. - 11.
Dedham School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-8
2065 Main Road
Holden, ME 04429
(207) 843-6498
Holden, ME 04429
(207) 843-6498
Rank: #5 - 115. - 11.
Lamoine Consolidated School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Grades: K-8
53 Lamoine Beach Road
Ellsworth, ME 04605
(207) 667-8578
Ellsworth, ME 04605
(207) 667-8578
Rank: #5 - 115. - 11.
Lincolnville Central School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-8
523 Hope Road
Lincolnville, ME 04849
(207) 763-3366
Lincolnville, ME 04849
(207) 763-3366
Rank: #5 - 115. - 11.
Manchester Elementary School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
17 School St.
Manchester, ME 04351
(207) 622-2949
Manchester, ME 04351
(207) 622-2949
Rank: #5 - 115. - 11.
Mapleton Elementary School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-5
1642 Main St
Mapleton, ME 04757
(207) 764-1589
Mapleton, ME 04757
(207) 764-1589
Rank: #5 - 115. - 11.
Mt Desert Elementary School
(Math: ≥95% | Reading: ≥95%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 1%10
Math: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Reading: ≥95% (Top 5%)
Grades: PK-8
8 Joy Road
Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
(207) 276-3348
Northeast Harbor, ME 04662
(207) 276-3348
Best Maine Public Schools by County (2025)
Popular neighborhoods: North Deering (4 schools), Knightville (4 schools), Chisholm (3 schools), South Paris (3 schools), Deering Center (3 schools).
County
# Schools
# Students
% Minority
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Maine?
The top-ranked public schools in Maine include Pond Cove Elementary School, Falmouth Middle School, and Cape Elizabeth Middle School.
How many public schools are located in Maine?
596 public schools are located in Maine.
What percentage of students in Maine go to public school?
89% of all K-12 students in Maine attend public schools (compared to the national average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in Maine?
Minority enrollment in Maine is 14%, with the majority being Black or Hispanic.
Which public schools in Maine are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Maine include: Penquis Valley Middle/high School vs. Greenville Consolidated School, Troy A Howard Middle School vs. Belfast Area High School, Otisfield Community School vs. Oxford Elementary School
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