Hancock County Schools & Education
Hancock County, Maine
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
64/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
87.8%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
87.8%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 86.1%
Per-Pupil Spending
$10,674
National avg $13,239
State avg $9,738
School Score
64/100
Higher = better
State avg 57/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#4
of 16 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: Hancock County
School Verdict
Hancock County performs at an average level with a school score of 64/100 and a solid graduation rate of 87.8%.
Funding Context
Hancock County spends $10,674 per student, which is on the lower end of adequate and may require careful resource allocation to maintain quality.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for Hancock County is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 13% above the Maine average, and its graduation rate exceeds the state average by 1.7 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 10% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in Hancock County, Maine
Coastal Maine's Expansive District Network
Hancock County features 35 public schools serving 6,148 students across 25 different districts. While the number of students is modest, the high district count reflects the county's independent-minded coastal and island communities. Elementary schools dominate the landscape, making up 27 of the 35 total facilities.
High Investment and Academic Excellence
Hancock County invests significantly in its youth, spending $10,674 per pupil—well above the state average of $9,738. This funding pays off with an 87.8% graduation rate and an impressive school score of 60.3. These metrics consistently exceed both state and national averages.
Ellsworth Leads a Patchwork of Local Districts
Ellsworth Public Schools is the largest district, serving 1,328 students, followed by RSU 25 with 1,073 students. The county's remaining enrollment is split among 23 other smaller districts, ensuring hyper-local control. No charter schools operate in the county, emphasizing the role of community-run public schools.
The State's Smallest Average Class Sizes
Hancock County has an exceptionally small average school size of just 181 students, with 33 of its 35 schools in rural locales. Ellsworth Elementary-Middle is a rare exception, hosting 775 students in a more centralized setting. For most students, school life involves small cohorts and deep connections to the local landscape.
A Perfect Place for Personalized Education
Homebuyers looking for small class sizes and high per-pupil spending will find Hancock County unparalleled. Real estate near Ellsworth or Bar Harbor offers access to the county's largest and most well-resourced schools. Secure a home in a region that prizes local autonomy and academic quality.
School Overview
Total Schools
35
in Hancock County
Total Enrollment
6,148
students
School Districts
25
districts
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
25 School Districts in Hancock County
Ellsworth Public Schools
RSU 25
RSU 24
Mt Desert CSD
Bar Harbor Public Schools
Deer Isle-Stonington CSD
Blue Hill Public Schools
Hancock Public Schools
Mount Desert Public Schools
Dedham Public Schools
35 Public Schools in Hancock County
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Ellsworth Elementary-Middle School | Ellsworth Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 775 |
| Ellsworth High School | Ellsworth Public Schools | 9–12 | High | 553 |
| Mt Desert Island High School | Mt Desert CSD | 9–12 | High | 495 |
| Bucksport High School | RSU 25 | 9–12 | High | 356 |
| Conners-Emerson School | Bar Harbor Public Schools | KG–8 | Primary | 333 |
| Miles Lane School | RSU 25 | 1–4 | Primary | 300 |
| Bucksport Middle School | RSU 25 | 5–8 | Middle | 282 |
| Sumner Memorial High School | RSU 24 | 9–12 | High | 279 |
| Blue Hill Consolidated School | Blue Hill Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 243 |
| Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary Sch | Deer Isle-Stonington CSD | KG–7 | Primary | 203 |
| Sumner Middle Sch | RSU 24 | 6–8 | Middle | 180 |
| Hancock Grammar School | Hancock Public Schools | KG–8 | Primary | 174 |
| Mt Desert Elementary School | Mount Desert Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 153 |
| Dedham School | Dedham Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 148 |
| Mountain View Sch | RSU 24 | PK–5 | Primary | 147 |
| Pemetic Elementary School | Southwest Harbor Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 144 |
| Surry Elementary School | Surry Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 144 |
| Trenton Elementary School | Trenton Public Schools | PK–8 | Primary | 140 |
| G Herbert Jewett School | RSU 25 | PK–KG | Primary | 135 |
| Lamoine Consolidated School | Lamoine Public Schools | KG–8 | Primary | 126 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$10,674
State avg $9,738
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Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in Hancock County rate?
What is the graduation rate in Hancock County?
How much does Hancock County spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Hancock County, Maine — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Hancock County, Maine?
Hancock County features 35 public schools serving 6,148 students across 25 different districts. While the number of students is modest, the high district count reflects the county's independent-minded coastal and island communities. Elementary schools dominate the landscape, making up 27 of the 35 total facilities.
How do schools in Hancock County perform academically?
Hancock County invests significantly in its youth, spending $10,674 per pupil—well above the state average of $9,738. This funding pays off with an 87.8% graduation rate and an impressive school score of 60.3. These metrics consistently exceed both state and national averages.
What are the major school districts in Hancock County, Maine?
Ellsworth Public Schools is the largest district, serving 1,328 students, followed by RSU 25 with 1,073 students. The county's remaining enrollment is split among 23 other smaller districts, ensuring hyper-local control. No charter schools operate in the county, emphasizing the role of community-run public schools.
What is the school experience like in Hancock County?
Hancock County has an exceptionally small average school size of just 181 students, with 33 of its 35 schools in rural locales. Ellsworth Elementary-Middle is a rare exception, hosting 775 students in a more centralized setting. For most students, school life involves small cohorts and deep connections to the local landscape.
How can I find homes near good schools in Hancock County, Maine?
Homebuyers looking for small class sizes and high per-pupil spending will find Hancock County unparalleled. Real estate near Ellsworth or Bar Harbor offers access to the county's largest and most well-resourced schools. Secure a home in a region that prizes local autonomy and academic quality.
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.