2024 Best Preschools in Maine

A Guide to Early Childhood Education in Maine

Maine is known by its residents as the “Vacationland,” but that same moniker should apply to its early childhood education system. With 985 schools in total, the state has over 21% more preschools than the national average. The average grade of all preschools in Maine is also a solid B, making it one of the top-rated states for early childhood education in the country. This is especially impressive considering that the student to teacher ratio is a very low 10:1, which is 29% lower than the national average.

In addition to the sheer volume of schools and quality of instruction, another strength of Maine's preschool system is its variety. About 83% of all preschools are public schools and 98% of those are considered traditional public schools. That makes Maine an ideal choice for parents who want to give their children a traditional educational experience without sacrificing quality. The average grade for public preschools in Maine is a B– and 37% of them have achieved a grade above the national average.

A Closer Look at Traditional Public Preschools in Maine

When it comes to traditional public preschools, Maine boasts more options than most states with 313 total schools. The average grade for these schools is a B– which lines up with the national average, though there are still 117 schools (37%) certified above the national average. Furthermore, these traditional schools have an average student-to-teacher ratio of 10:1 which is 29% lower than the national rate – meaning students get more individual attention from their teachers and have a better chance at achieving academic success.

When seeking out the best traditional public preschool in Maine, parents should look no further than Conners-Emerson School in Bar Harbor. With a student to teacher ratio of 8:1 and an A+ rating from the state, it's easy to see why this school stands out from the rest. Additionally, Conners-Emerson School has about 329 students, which is 43% lower than the national average – meaning class sizes are typically much smaller than normal here as well.

Another great option for families looking for high quality traditional education is Pond Cove Elementary School located in Cape Elizabeth. This school has 489 students with an A+ rating and a slightly higher student-to-teacher ratio of 12:1 (which still beats the national rate by 14%).

Charter Preschools in Maine

Maine may not be known as a charter school haven, but there are still 4 charter preschool options available throughout the state. Unfortunately, none of these schools have achieved a grade above the state average of C+. That being said, each school still provides students with unique educational experiences that may be more suitable for certain families and students compared to traditional public schools.

The top ranked charter school in Maine is Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science located in Gray. With about 172 students and an even 14:1 student-to-teacher ratio (which lines up with the national rate), Fiddlehead provides a different learning environment than most traditional public schools but still adheres to high standards of academic excellence.

The second best charter school in Maine is Acadia Academy School located in Lewiston with 257 students and 17 teachers (which equates to a 21% higher student-to-teacher ratio than what’s found on average). This may be beneficial for parents who want smaller class sizes but don't want to sacrifice the potential benefits that come with more individualized instructional time like increased focus on specific subjects or more attention on personal growth opportunities like socialization skills or problem solving techniques.

Magnet Preschools in Maine

Finally, magnet schools provide specialized curriculums often focused on specific areas of study such as STEM or arts and humanities. These institutions are significantly less common than traditional or charter schools since they only account for 1 out of every 1000 school children nationwide – but luckily there’s still 1 available option located in Maine. The only magnet preschool located in Maine is The New England Institute Of Technology & Science which can be found in Lewiston. Despite having just 94 students (which is 75% below the national average), it’s managed to achieve an impressive B+ rating due to its specialized curriculum covering topics like robotics and engineering fundamentals. Its small size also provides students with more individualized instruction time compared to other types of schools so they can maximize their learning experience while attending here.