Education system and best schools in Maine: School districts' funding and resources. Statewide standardized testing requirements. Graduation rates and college readiness. Public vs. private school options. Top-ranked schools and districts. Advanced Placement (AP) programs availability. Special education services and support. School choice policies and charter schools. Extracurricular activities and sports. Parent and community engagement in schools.
School districts' funding and resources.
Maine's education system utilizes a hybrid funding formula that integrates both resource-based and student-based elements. This approach determines the cost of education per district by considering factors such as staff salaries, course materials, and other necessary resources. Additionally, supplemental funding is provided for specific student categories including English-language learners, low-income students, and those in career and technical education programs. The funding formula varies by district, with local contributions calculated based on property values and added support available for smaller schools in sparsely populated areas. For a detailed insight into how these elements shape educational funding, visit the Maine Education Funding Report.
Statewide standardized testing requirements.
In Maine, statewide standardized testing is mandatory for students in grades 3-8 and 11, with tests including the eMPowerME assessments for mathematics and literacy, and the SAT for 11th grade. The state also administers science assessments in grades 5, 8, and 11, aligning with federal mandates under the Every Student Succeeds Act (ESSA).
Graduation rates and college readiness.
Maine's high school graduation rates have rebounded to over 87% after a decline during the COVID-19 pandemic, with initiatives like the "Building Assets, Reducing Risks" program and federal emergency relief funds contributing to the improvement. However, despite these gains, students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds still graduate at lower rates, and the state continues to work on improving college readiness, with only about 57% of graduates enrolling in college immediately after high school. Learn more about these developments by visiting the Maine Public website.
Public vs. private school options.
In Maine, the education system includes both public and private schools. Public schools are administered by the Maine Department of Education and are organized into local, school union, and Maine School Administrative District systems. Private schools, though less common, offer alternatives such as semi-private schools that contract with towns to educate students at a reduced rate, and include well-known institutions like Fryeburg Academy and Cheverus High School.
Top-ranked schools and districts.
Maine's top-ranked school districts, such as Falmouth Public Schools, Yarmouth Schools, Cape Elizabeth Public Schools, Scarborough Public Schools, and York Public Schools, are renowned for their exceptional academic programs, dedicated educators, and supportive learning environments. These districts offer strong academic and extracurricular opportunities, contributing to their high regard. Similarly, the top high schools, including Greely High School, Kennebunk High School, and the Maine School for Science and Mathematics, excel in educating students from diverse backgrounds with challenging coursework. According to US News & World Report, these schools achieve top rankings due to their focus on college readiness and performance on state assessments.
Advanced Placement (AP) programs availability.
The AP4ME program, managed by the University of Maine System, provides a valuable opportunity for all Maine high school students, including those who are homeschooled and registered with the Maine Department of Education, to take advantage of up to two Advanced Placement (AP) courses per academic year. This is a completely online offering, allowing students access regardless of their location or their school's capacity to support such courses. To gain CollegeBoard credit, students are required to take the AP Exam, as the AP4ME program does not confer University of Maine System credit or cover the associated exam fees. For more details, visit the AP4ME program page.
Special education services and support.
A bill is underway to reform Maine's Early Childhood Special Education System, transferring responsibility from Child Developmental Services (CDS) to local school districts to improve services for preschool-aged children with disabilities, ensuring they are educated in the least restrictive environment. To learn more about this initiative and its potential impact, visit the Portland Press Herald, where the full implications and details of this legislative endeavor are discussed. By shifting services to local districts, the intention is to provide a more inclusive and accessible education for young learners with specific needs, aligning with broader educational and developmental goals.
School choice policies and charter schools.
Maine offers various school choice policies, including town tuitioning programs, charter schools, magnet schools, home schooling, and inter-district and intra-district public school choice. Charter Schools, authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission, operate independently of district schools, promoting innovative learning methods and increased parental choice.
Extracurricular activities and sports.
Maine's education system, particularly in districts like Maine Township High School District 207, offers a wide range of extracurricular activities and sports. These include clubs such as chemistry, chess, and poetry, as well as athletic teams like cheerleading, powerlifting, and various sports clubs, providing students with diverse opportunities for engagement and development outside of academics. For more details on the available student organizations, visit the Clubs & Activities page to explore the vast array of options that foster both personal growth and a sense of community among students.
Parent and community engagement in schools.
In Maine, parent and community engagement is fostered through various initiatives, including the Maine Department of Education's programs that empower and encourage families to understand and collaborate with schools. The state's participation in models such as the Academic Parent Teacher Teams (APTT) involves strategies for sharing student data and establishing student goals, as well as building strong school and community cultures.