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)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dora L Small Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
87 Thompson Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-7676
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:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
37 Highland Ave
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-5196
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:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
52 Alfred Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-4845
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:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
165 South Kelsey Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-3214
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:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
600 Southborough Dr., Suite 20
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 805-3254
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:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
180 Wescott Road
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-7375
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:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
637 Highland Avenue
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 767-3266
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 767-3266
Gr: 9-12 | 928 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 36%
Rank: n/an/a
675 Westbrook Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 822-2660
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 822-2660
Gr: 7-12 | 16 students Student-teacher ratio: 1:1 Minority enrollment: 19%
Rank: n/an/a
120 Wescott Road
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-5629
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?
Popular comparisons of public schools in South Portland include: James Otis Kaler Elementary School vs. Dora L Small Elementary School, Dyer Elementary School vs. Dora L Small Elementary School, Frank I Brown Elementary School vs. Dora L Small Elementary School
Recent Articles
When “Free Public School” Still Isn’t Free
Discover the hidden costs of public school in 2026, from supplies and fees to transportation, technology, and extracurricular expenses.
What a District Budget Cut Means for Your Child's School Experience
Learn how district budget cuts can affect class sizes, programs, staffing, transportation, and your child's daily school experience in 2026.
School Closure Risk: What Parents Should Check Before Moving
Learn how parents can assess school closure risk before buying or renting in a district, using enrollment, funding, and boundary data.