Photo: Kenneth C. Zirkel · CC BY-SA 4.0Saco’s public schools outscore 79% of Maine districts
The grade covers the public school district serving Saco, 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.
Saco’s schools, in brief
Against towns with similar incomes
Among the 223 Maine towns with household incomes within a quarter of Saco’s, its schools beat 74%, lower than their 79% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 87% and math 85% in spring 2022, against 84% and 82% statewide; 92% of the class of 2020 graduated in four years, against 87%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $13,905 per student, against $20,630 across Maine (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Two elementary schools, then one elementary and one middle school
Which elementary school depends on the address; from grade 3 the district’s path is C K Burns School, then Saco Middle School. Enrollment is up 5% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
The School at Sweetser (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 Saco’s grade
A−: better than 79% of Maine school districts, #26 of 142 Maine towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Maine average; graduation is the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Saco, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Saco · depends on your address
Young School
Grades K–2 · 323 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Governor John Fairfield School
Grades K–2 · 268 students · 10:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Saco · depends on your address
Young School
Grades K–2 · 323 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Governor John Fairfield School
Grades K–2 · 268 students · 10:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Saco · depends on your address
Young School
Grades K–2 · 323 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Governor John Fairfield School
Grades K–2 · 268 students · 10:1 students per teacher
Saco’s public schools are run by Saco Public Schools. 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
Saco vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Maine towns that share Saco’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Saco | A− | Saco |
| Old Orchard Beach | C | Regional School Unit 23 |
| Biddeford | C− | Biddeford |
| Dayton | B+ | Dayton |
| Scarborough | A | Scarborough |
| Buxton | C+ | School Administrative District 06 |
Every school in Saco
6 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 Saco’s schools
Are Saco’s schools good?
By Maine’s own tests, yes: the public schools Saco children attend outscore 79% of Maine’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #26 of 142 Maine towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 74%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2020.
What school district is Saco in?
Saco Public Schools, which runs grades PK–8 and enrolls 1,942 students in 5 schools (2024–25).
What is Saco’s graduation rate?
92% of the class of 2020 in Saco Public Schools graduated in four years, against 87% across Maine.
How much does Saco spend per student?
$13,905 in Saco Public Schools (FY2024), against $20,630 across Maine. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Saco?
Yes: The School at Sweetser (special education, grades 3–12, 50 students).
Parents talk
What Saco families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Saco → 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.