For the 2025-26 school year, there are 6 public elementary schools serving 1,947 students in South Portland, ME.
The top-ranked public elementary schools in South Portland, ME are Dora L Small Elementary School, Frank I Brown Elementary School and Dyer Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
South Portland, ME public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 60% (versus the Maine public elementary school average of 51%), and reading proficiency score of 85% (versus the 84% statewide average). Elementary schools in South Portland have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Maine public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maine public elementary school average of 14% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Best Public Elementary Schools in South Portland, ME (2025-26)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dora L Small Elementary School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 90-94%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
87 Thompson Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-7676
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-7676
Gr: K-4 | 204 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #22.
Frank I Brown Elementary School
(Math: 65-69% | Reading: 85-89%)
Rank:
Rank:
9/
Top 20%10
37 Highland Ave
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-5196
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-5196
Gr: K-4 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
Rank: #33.
Dyer Elementary School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
52 Alfred Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-4845
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-4845
Gr: PK-4 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 29%
Rank: #44.
James Otis Kaler Elementary School
(Math: 50-59% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
165 South Kelsey Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-3214
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-3214
Gr: PK-4 | 179 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #55.
Waldo T Skillin Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
180 Wescott Road
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-7375
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-7375
Gr: K-4 | 311 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 57%
Rank: n/an/a
120 Wescott Road
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-5629
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-5629
Gr: 5-8 | 819 students Student-teacher ratio: 9:1 Minority enrollment: 37%
South Portland, Maine Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
240 Ocean St.
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-7386
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-7386
Gr: 5-8 | 424 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
496 Ocean Street
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-0778
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 799-0778
Gr: K-5 | 94 students Minority enrollment: 3%
Macarthur Circle
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-3265
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-3265
Gr: K-5 | 128 students Minority enrollment: 16%
120 Wescott Road
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-5629
South Portland, ME 04106
(207) 773-5629
Gr: 6-8 | 388 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 45%
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top-ranked public elementary schools in South Portland, ME?
The top-ranked public elementary schools in South Portland, ME include Dora L Small Elementary School, Frank I Brown Elementary School and Dyer Elementary School.
How many public elementary schools are located in South Portland?
6 public elementary schools are located in South Portland.
What is the racial composition of students in South Portland?
South Portland public elementary schools minority enrollment is 39% of the student body (majority Black), which is more than the Maine public elementary schools average of 14% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Which public elementary schools in South Portland are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public elementary schools in South Portland include: Dyer Elementary School vs. Dora L Small Elementary School, Frank I Brown Elementary School vs. Dora L Small Elementary School, James Otis Kaler Elementary School vs. Dora L Small Elementary School
Recent Articles
Public School Open House & Enrollment Season Guide for Parents
Learn what to ask at a public school open house during enrollment season, from academics to safety, to choose the right school for your child.
School Zoning Changes 2026: How Assignments May Shift
School Zoning Changes 2026 could affect your child’s school assignment. Learn how zoning works, what is changing, and how families can prepare.
School Vouchers: Updated Pros and Cons (2025 Review)
Comprehensive 2025 analysis of school vouchers, weighing benefits and challenges for families, funding, outcomes, and policy directions.