Photo: Unknown authorUnknown author · Public domainCharleston’s public schools score below 61% of Maine districts on tests and graduation
The grade covers the public school district serving Charleston, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Maine, not nationally.
From Maine state tests taken in spring 2022, when 100% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2020’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Charleston’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 309 Maine towns with household incomes within a quarter of Charleston’s, its schools beat 52%, higher than their 39% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 83% of tested students were proficient in reading and 80% in math, against 84% and 82% statewide; 100% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
85–89% of the class of 2020 graduated in four years, against 87% across Maine (the state reports Charleston’s rate as a range). Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $10,431 per student, against $20,630 across Maine (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle school
From grade 5 the district’s path is Se Do Mo Cha Middle School. Enrollment is up 9% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Highview Christian Academy (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2020; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Charleston’s grade
C+: better than 39% of Maine school districts. Graduation is above the Maine average; test scores are below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Charleston, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Charleston
Se Do Mo Cha Elementary School
Grades PK–4 · 355 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Dover-Foxcroft
Kindergarten in Charleston
Se Do Mo Cha Elementary School
Grades PK–4 · 355 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Dover-Foxcroft
1st grade in Charleston
Se Do Mo Cha Elementary School
Grades PK–4 · 355 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Dover-Foxcroft
2nd grade in Charleston
Se Do Mo Cha Elementary School
Grades PK–4 · 355 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Dover-Foxcroft
3rd grade in Charleston
Se Do Mo Cha Elementary School
Grades PK–4 · 355 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Dover-Foxcroft
4th grade in Charleston
Se Do Mo Cha Elementary School
Grades PK–4 · 355 students · 11:1 students per teacher · in Dover-Foxcroft
5th grade in Charleston
Se Do Mo Cha Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 313 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Dover-Foxcroft
6th grade in Charleston
Se Do Mo Cha Middle School
Grades 5–8 · 313 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Dover-Foxcroft
Charleston’s public schools are run by School Administrative District 68, which also serves Dover-Foxcroft, Monson and Sebec. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Close to the state in reading
Charleston vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Maine towns that share Charleston’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Charleston | C+ | School Administrative District 68 |
| Garland | C− | School Administrative District 46 |
| Bradford | C | School Administrative District 64 |
| Corinth | C | School Administrative District 64 |
Every school in Charleston
3 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Maine’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Charleston’s schools
Are Charleston’s schools good?
On Maine’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Charleston children attend score below 61% of Maine’s school districts on tests and graduation, a C+ Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 52%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2020.
What school district is Charleston in?
School Administrative District 68, which runs grades PK–8 and enrolls 668 students in 2 schools (2024–25).
What is Charleston’s graduation rate?
85–89% of the class of 2020 in School Administrative District 68 graduated in four years, against 87% across Maine.
How much does Charleston spend per student?
$10,431 in School Administrative District 68 (FY2024), against $20,630 across Maine. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Charleston?
Yes: Highview Christian Academy (religious, grades PK–11, 86 students).
Parents talk
What Charleston families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Charleston → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2020) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Maine. Stars are from neighbors.