Abel Jones House · Photo: Magicpiano · CC BY-SA 4.0China’s public schools outscore 67% of Maine districts
The grade covers the public school district serving China, 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 97% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
China’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 197 Maine towns with household incomes within a quarter of China’s, its schools beat 58%, lower than their 67% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on tests
Reading proficiency is 88% and math 87% in spring 2022, against 84% and 82% statewide; 85–89% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 87%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,886 per student, against $20,630 across Maine (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one high school
From grade 5 the district’s path is China Middle School, then Messalonskee High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Erskine Academy (private) is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind China’s grade
B+: better than 67% of Maine school districts, #44 of 142 Maine towns. Test scores are above the Maine average; graduation is below it.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve China, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in China
China Primary School
Grades PK–4 · 242 students · 12:1 students per teacher
9th grade in China
Messalonskee High School
Grades 9–12 · 695 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Oakland
10th grade in China
Messalonskee High School
Grades 9–12 · 695 students · 14:1 students per teacher · in Oakland
China’s public schools are run by Regional School Unit 18, which also serves Belgrade, Oakland, Rome and Sidney. 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.
Above the state in reading
China vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Maine towns that share China’s borders.
Every school in China
4 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 China’s schools
Are China’s schools good?
By Maine’s own tests, yes: the public schools China children attend outscore 67% of Maine’s school districts on tests and graduation, a B+ Schools grade, #44 of 142 Maine towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 58%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is China in?
Regional School Unit 18, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 2,554 students in 8 schools (2024–25).
Where do China kids go to high school?
Messalonskee High School in Oakland, with 695 students; its own test results earn an A−.
What is China’s graduation rate?
85–89% of the class of 2023 in Regional School Unit 18 graduated in four years, against 87% across Maine.
How much does China spend per student?
$14,886 in Regional School Unit 18 (FY2024), against $20,630 across Maine. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in China?
Yes: Erskine Academy (nonsectarian, grades 9–12, 552 students).
Parents talk
What China families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near China → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) 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.