Aroostook County Schools & Education
Aroostook County, Maine
School Score
49/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
84.4%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
84.4%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$8,860
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,738
School Score
49/100
Higher = better
State avg 57/100
State School Rank
#14
of 16 counties (1 = best)
Explore Aroostook County across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Aroostook County, Maine
Education Across Maine's North Woods
Aroostook County operates 42 public schools, including 19 elementary and 13 high schools, across 20 distinct districts. These schools serve a total enrollment of 8,788 students. The high number of districts relative to enrollment reflects the county's vast geographic footprint.
Academic Resilience in Rural Communities
The county achieves an 84.4% graduation rate, coming within reach of the state average of 86.1%. Educational investment sits at $8,860 per pupil, which is lower than the $9,738 state average but produces a solid school score of 54.6. This performance remains notably above the national median score of 50.0.
Deep-Rooted Districts Serving Small Populations
RSU 79 (MSAD 01) is the largest district in the county with 1,715 students across 6 schools. RSU 29 follows with 1,267 students, while most other districts, like RSU 88, serve much smaller groups. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.
Small Schools and Quiet Town Centers
With 36 of its 42 schools located in rural settings, Aroostook offers a deeply traditional educational feel. The average school size is just 238 students, though Caribou Community School serves as a regional hub with 750 students. This environment ensures personalized attention and a tight-knit relationship between schools and residents.
Settle into a Community-Focused District
Homebuyers in Aroostook often prioritize proximity to regional centers like Caribou or Presque Isle to access larger schools. The county's rural schools offer a unique sense of belonging that many families find essential. Consider moving near these heritage-rich districts where neighbors are classmates and friends.
School Overview
Total Schools
42
in Aroostook County
Total Enrollment
8,788
students
School Districts
20
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
20 School Districts in Aroostook County
RSU 79/MSAD 01
RSU 29/MSAD 29
RSU 39
MSAD 27
RSU 70/MSAD 70
RSU 86/MSAD 20
Madawaska Public Schools
RSU 42/MSAD 42
RSU 50
RSU 45/MSAD 45
42 Public Schools in Aroostook County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Caribou Community School | RSU 39 | PK–8 | Primary | 750 |
| Caribou High School | RSU 39 | 9–12 | High | 470 |
| Presque Isle High School | RSU 79/MSAD 01 | 9–12 | High | 468 |
| Fort Kent Elementary School | MSAD 27 | PK–6 | Primary | 465 |
| Pine Street Elementary School | RSU 79/MSAD 01 | PK–2 | Primary | 388 |
| Presque Isle Middle School | RSU 79/MSAD 01 | 6–8 | Middle | 367 |
| Houlton High School | RSU 29/MSAD 29 | 9–12 | High | 346 |
| So Aroostook School | RSU 50 | PK–12 | Other | 330 |
| Houlton Southside School | RSU 29/MSAD 29 | 3–5 | Primary | 317 |
| Houlton Junior High School | RSU 29/MSAD 29 | 6–8 | Middle | 308 |
| Houlton Elementary School | RSU 29/MSAD 29 | PK–2 | Primary | 296 |
| Mill Pond School | RSU 70/MSAD 70 | PK–6 | Primary | 291 |
| Fort Fairfield Middle/High School | RSU 86/MSAD 20 | 6–12 | High | 270 |
| Eva Hoyt Zippel School | RSU 79/MSAD 01 | 3–5 | Primary | 259 |
| Fort Kent Community High School | MSAD 27 | 9–12 | High | 252 |
| Mapleton Elementary School | RSU 79/MSAD 01 | PK–5 | Primary | 233 |
| Ashland District School | RSU 32/MSAD 32 | PK–12 | Other | 232 |
| Madawaska Elementary School | Madawaska Public Schools | PK–6 | Primary | 222 |
| Fort Fairfield Elementary School | RSU 86/MSAD 20 | PK–5 | Primary | 212 |
| Hodgdon Middle/High School | RSU 70/MSAD 70 | 7–12 | High | 209 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$8,860
State avg $9,738
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Aroostook County, Maine — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Aroostook County, Maine?
Aroostook County operates 42 public schools, including 19 elementary and 13 high schools, across 20 distinct districts. These schools serve a total enrollment of 8,788 students. The high number of districts relative to enrollment reflects the county's vast geographic footprint.
How do schools in Aroostook County perform academically?
The county achieves an 84.4% graduation rate, coming within reach of the state average of 86.1%. Educational investment sits at $8,860 per pupil, which is lower than the $9,738 state average but produces a solid school score of 54.6. This performance remains notably above the national median score of 50.0.
What are the major school districts in Aroostook County, Maine?
RSU 79 (MSAD 01) is the largest district in the county with 1,715 students across 6 schools. RSU 29 follows with 1,267 students, while most other districts, like RSU 88, serve much smaller groups. There are currently no charter schools in the county, with all students attending traditional public institutions.
What is the school experience like in Aroostook County?
With 36 of its 42 schools located in rural settings, Aroostook offers a deeply traditional educational feel. The average school size is just 238 students, though Caribou Community School serves as a regional hub with 750 students. This environment ensures personalized attention and a tight-knit relationship between schools and residents.
How can I find homes near good schools in Aroostook County, Maine?
Homebuyers in Aroostook often prioritize proximity to regional centers like Caribou or Presque Isle to access larger schools. The county's rural schools offer a unique sense of belonging that many families find essential. Consider moving near these heritage-rich districts where neighbors are classmates and friends.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.