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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best South Portland Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 9 public schools serving 3,336 students in South Portland, ME (there are 5 private schools, serving 361 private students). 90% of all K-12 students in South Portland, ME are educated in public schools (compared to the ME state average of 90%).
The top-ranked public schools in South Portland, ME are Dora L Small Elementary School, Frank I Brown Elementary School and Dyer Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Portland, ME public schools have an average math proficiency score of 47% (versus the Maine public school average of 49%), and reading proficiency score of 83% (versus the 84% statewide average). Schools in South Portland have an average ranking of 4/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Maine public schools.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maine public school average of 15% (majority Black and Hispanic).

Best Public Schools in South Portland, ME (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dora L Small Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
87 Thompson Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-7676
Gr: K-4 | 193 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 18%
Rank: #22.
Frank I Brown Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
9/
10
Top 20%
37 Highland Ave
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-5196
Gr: K-4 | 213 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 34%
Rank: #33.
Dyer Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
52 Alfred Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-4845
Gr: PK-4 | 194 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #44.
James Otis Kaler Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
165 South Kelsey Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-3214
Gr: PK-4 | 179 students Student-teacher ratio: 8:1 Minority enrollment: 51%
Rank: #55.
Maine Connections Academy
Charter School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 90%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
600 Southborough Dr., Suite 20
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 805-3254
Gr: 7-12 | 504 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 11%
Rank: #66.
Waldo T Skillin Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
180 Wescott Road
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-7375
Gr: K-4 | 302 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 55%
Rank: #77.
South Portland High School
(Math: 30% | Reading: 65-69%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
637 Highland Avenue
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 767-3266
Gr: 9-12 | 928 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: n/an/a
Arthur R. Gould School--lcydc
675 Westbrook Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 822-2660
Gr: 7-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
South Portland Middle School
120 Wescott Road
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-5629
Gr: 5-8 | 807 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 37%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in South Portland, ME?
The top-ranked public schools in South Portland, ME include Dora L Small Elementary School, Frank I Brown Elementary School and Dyer Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in South Portland?
9 public schools are located in South Portland.
What percentage of students in South Portland go to public school?
90% of all K-12 students in South Portland are educated in public schools (compared to the ME state average of 90%).
What is the racial composition of students in South Portland?
South Portland public schools minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maine public schools average of 15% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public schools in South Portland are often viewed compared to one another?

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