Is Lawrence Junior High School a good school?

Lawrence Junior High School ranks in the bottom 10.4% of Maine middle schools.

How many students attend Lawrence Junior High School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 281 students attended Lawrence Junior High School.

What is the racial makeup of Lawrence Junior High School?

Students at Lawrence Junior High School are 96% White, 2% Hispanic.

What high school do graduates of Lawrence Junior High School attend?

Students who attend Lawrence Junior High School usually go on to attend Lawrence High School

Lawrence Junior High School

Summary:

Lawrence Junior High School is a public middle school located in Fairfield, Maine, serving grades 7-8 with a total enrollment of 300 students. The school is part of the Regional School Unit 49/Maine School Admin District 49, which is ranked 133 out of 177 districts in the state and has a 1-star rating from SchoolDigger.

Lawrence Junior High School faces several challenges, including a significantly higher percentage of white students (95.33%) compared to the state average and nearby schools like Madison Junior High School and Mt View Middle School. The school has also experienced high chronic absenteeism rates, reaching 70.2% in the 2020-2021 school year, which is significantly higher than the state average and nearby schools. Academically, Lawrence Junior High School's performance, as measured by the percentage of students proficient or better in the Maine Educational Assessment (MEA), is generally lower than the state and regional averages, with proficiency rates of 53.01% in English Language Arts, 32.72% in Mathematics, and 28.17% in Science.

The school's declining performance and ranking over the years, from a high of 36th out of 85 Maine middle schools in 2017-2018 to 86th out of 96 in 2022-2023, suggest the need for targeted interventions and support to improve student outcomes. Compared to nearby middle schools in districts like Regional School Unit 59/Maine School Admin District 59 and Regional School Unit 03/Maine School Admin District 03, Lawrence Junior High School generally performs worse in terms of test scores, chronic absenteeism, and statewide rankings.

Detail:

Public 7-8

7 School Street
Fairfield, ME 04937

(207) 453-4200

District: Regional School Unit 49/Maine School Admin District 49

SchoolDigger Rank:
86^th of 96 Maine Middle Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $16,551

Students who attend Lawrence Junior High School usually attend:

High:

Lawrence High School

Feeder schools for Lawrence Junior High School:

Elementary:	Albion Elementary School
	Benton Elementary School
	Clinton Elementary School
	Fairfield Primary School

Student/teacher ratio: 11.7

Number of students: 281

Racial breakdown:

White:

96.1%

Hispanic:

2.5%

Two or more races:

0.7%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 47%

See top rated Maine middle schools

Compare Lawrence Junior High School to nearby middle schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Lawrence Junior High School ranks worse than 89.6% of middle schools in Maine. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 17.55. (See more...)

Chronic absenteeism in a school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.

Student Body

Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (96.1%), Hispanic (2.5%), two or more races (0.7%). (See more...)

Compare Details 47% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Lawrence Junior High School is 11.7. (See more...)

Compare Lawrence Junior High School employs 24 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Lawrence Junior High School is $16,551.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Lawrence Junior High School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

SchoolDigger ranks Lawrence Junior High School 86^th of 96 Maine public middle schools. (See Lawrence Junior High School in the ranking list.)

Regional School Unit 49/Maine School Admin District 49:

SchoolDigger ranks Regional School Unit 49/Maine School Admin District 49 133^rd of 177 Maine school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

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Rank History for Lawrence Junior High School

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Rank History for all students at Lawrence Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	ME State Percentile
2007	38.09	32^nd	51	37.3%
2008	20.31	47^th	50	6.0%
2009	17.40	51^st	56	8.9%
2010	22.27	53^rd	60	11.7%
2011	9.63	57^th	58	1.7%
2012	10.96	84^th	86	2.3%
2013	21.75	79^th	87	9.2%
2015	34.49	70^th	97	27.8%
2016	32.89	56^th	85	34.1%
2017	30.97	62^nd	87	28.7%
2018	48.35	36^th	85	57.6%
2019	43.69	44^th	86	48.8%
2021	43.35	53^rd	92	42.4%
2022	45.89	58^th	93	37.6%
2023	17.55	86^th	96	10.4%

See the entire list of Maine Middle School Rankings!

Rank History for Special Education students at Lawrence Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	ME State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	34.42	22^nd	37	40.5%

See the entire list of Best Maine Middle Schools for Special Education Students!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Lawrence Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	ME State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	71.80	15^th	64	76.6%

See the entire list of Best Maine Middle Schools for Low Socio Economic Status Students!

Rank History for Female students at Lawrence Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	ME State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	46.73	41^st	78	47.4%
2021	30.84	62^nd	83	25.3%

See the entire list of Best Maine Middle Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Lawrence Junior High School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Middle Schools	ME State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	39.28	51^st	78	34.6%
2021	45.92	41^st	83	50.6%

See the entire list of Best Maine Middle Schools for Male Students!

Data source: test scores: Maine Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Data source: Maine Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 1)

100%

Reviews:

by a citizen
Thursday, October 22, 2015

Sept 7th 2015 review of elected Representatives of MSAD 49 School Board of Directors website.

1. Sept 17th and Oct 1st School Board meetings posted.
2. Sept 8th Finance committee meeting 4:30 pm
3. Oct 6th Facilities committee meeting 4:30 pm

It is great to see more action occurring at the School Board level. Attention to the details has been an ongoing issue when viewing online what is happening with the District. With the above improvements, some questions where still found in the following posts found in the Sept 7th review.

1. "November 9th or 10th - 4:30 pm Superintendent's Office" What does this mean when under the Schedule of Board Committee meetings? Who is meeting? These are professional educators, where were the second eyes or "Editors Review". Attention to detail. *****NOTE****** when reviewing on Sept 9th after this posting, School Board schedule was updated to "November 9 - Negotiations Committee - 4:30 pm Superintendent's Office"

2. The last minutes published online is the May 28, 2015 minutes. It is challenging to be an active engaged parent of a student, when the School Board is lacking in planning or sharing information on what has taken place at the School Board level. Many schools have there entire School Board schedule, to include sub-committees schedule, published for the entire 2015-2016 school year.

Sept 14th review... June 1st, 4th and 18th minutes are now available online for viewing 3 months later. June 18th Agenda is now available for viewing online. June 4th minutes recorded a 1.5 MILLION DOLLAR loan vote done by the School Board of Directors after 1st District vote of the MSAD 49 budget failed. The vote was conducted while the MSAD 49 District budget was still in process. No other updates to the website or schedule. District still DOES NOT have a 2015-2016 plan in accordance with policy ADA, DOES NOT have a published schedule for the School Board of Directors, or it's subcommittees, for 2015-2016 school year. http://msad49.org/…/Server_3012026/File/06%2004%2015%20Boar…

There is to be a meeting Sept 17th with the School Board of Directors but there is no Agenda published at this time. 3 days to meeting, no agenda published.

Sept 21st review... no planned schedule for the Board or it's committees for the 2015-21016 school year, no motion/discussion/vote for plans/goals per policy ADA for the 2015-2016 school year, no discussion recorded in any minutes of the School Board Workshop concerning "Plans and priorities for next school year" held August 11th (that is assuming the workshop even took place.)

Sept 28th review... Agenda posted for Oct 1st meeting, no updates, no yearly schedule for board or committees, no discussion/action on policy ADA. Three months since budget approval, school year already in session and no action by the Board to communicate with those wishing to communicate with the Board. More can be viewed at facebook "Arel Spaulding (School Board e-mails)". Close Quote

by a parent
Wednesday, January 21, 2015

After several attempts to view the curriculum from K-12 communicating directly to the staff, administration, school board and the Department of Education Office in Augusta, one year later a curriculum was provided by the Superintendent for our review. The curriculum provided was incomplete and out dated. After becoming a School Board member 2014 both School Board Policies and Curriculum are now available online. There are 13 School Board members that make up the School Board yet three School Board members and the Superintendent meet each week and discuss business without involving the other members of the School Board and meet without public notice or agenda. The School Board has not followed Policy ADA which requires them to set annual goals in cooperation with the staff, administration and citizens of the community. Setting annual goals per policy ADA have not been complied with for many years. The School Board as a body has publicly stated they are not required to hear public comments or concerns. When suggesting to have goals established and a schedule set to meet those goals and review progress, the School Board refused to adopt this basic practice of success. Close Quote

Enrollment information for Lawrence Junior High School

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Not Specified	Total
1991	0	0	0	0	0	n/a	n/a	435	435
1992	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	427	427
1993	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	n/a	432	432
1994	425	2	2	5	0	n/a	n/a	0	434
1995	447	1	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	0	450
1996	447	1	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	0	450
1997	427	2	1	1	0	n/a	n/a	0	431
1998	441	2	1	0	0	n/a	n/a	0	444
1999	450	3	2	1	1	n/a	n/a	0	457
2000	445	6	2	1	2	n/a	n/a	0	456
2001	442	5	0	1	1	n/a	n/a	0	449
2002	460	4	1	2	0	n/a	n/a	0	467
2003	460	4	1	2	0	n/a	n/a	0	467
2004	462	6	3	1	0	n/a	n/a	0	472
2005	430	1	4	1	0	n/a	n/a	0	436
2006	397	5	2	1	2	n/a	n/a	0	407
2007	368	10	3	1	2	n/a	n/a	0	384
2008	384	5	2	3	2	n/a	n/a	0	396
2009	362	1	3	3	0	n/a	n/a	0	369
2010	348	5	2	1	1	n/a	n/a	0	357
2011	354	7	0	3	1	0	1	0	366
2012	339	6	1	8	1	0	1	0	356
2013	354	1	1	9	1	0	1	0	367
2014	337	3	1	5	1	0	4	0	351
2015	345	5	0	3	1	0	3	0	357
2016	339	4	0	4	1	0	1	0	349
2017	309	2	0	7	1	0	1	0	320
2018	323	7	0	3	1	0	2	0	336
2019	329	3	0	3	1	0	3	0	339
2020	316	1	0	5	1	0	2	0	325
2021	297	2	2	7	2	0	4	0	314
2022	297	3	3	5	2	1	4	0	315
2023	286	2	2	5	0	1	4	0	300
2024	270	0	1	7	1	0	2	0	281

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Lawrence Junior High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1991	435	31.3	13.8	n/a
1992	427	29.3	14.5	n/a
1993	432	26.3	16.4	21.3
1994	434	26.4	16.4	22.6
1995	450	26.4	17.0	27.3
1996	450	26.4	17.0	27.3
1997	431	24.0	18.0	29.2
1998	444	24.0	18.5	34.2
1999	457	27.0	16.9	48.1
2000	456	28.0	16.3	50.7
2001	449	28.0	16.0	78
2002	467	29.0	16.1	56.3
2003	467	29.0	16.1	56.3
2004	472	32.0	14.8	62.5
2005	436	38.0	11.5	63.3
2006	407	37.0	11.0	62.9
2007	384	36.2	10.6	43
2008	396	43.4	9.1	42.7
2009	369	30.9	11.9	43.6
2010	357	31.5	11.3	53.5
2011	366	30.2	12.1	54.1
2012	356	29.7	11.9	8.4
2013	367	30.6	11.9	57.2
2014	351	32.0	10.9	60.4
2015	357	30.0	11.9	62.5
2016	349	29.0	12.0	60.2
2017	320	30.2	10.5	60.3
2018	336	30.2	11.1	58.6
2019	339	27.3	12.4	63.4
2020	325	28.9	11.2	57.5
2021	314	29.1	10.7	54.5
2022	315	28.5	11.0	51.1
2023	300	27.0	11.1	38
2024	281	24.0	11.7	47

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Lawrence Junior High School

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
1991	435	31.3	13.8	n/a
1992	427	29.3	14.5	n/a
1993	432	26.3	16.4	21.3
1994	434	26.4	16.4	22.6
1995	450	26.4	17.0	27.3
1996	450	26.4	17.0	27.3
1997	431	24.0	18.0	29.2
1998	444	24.0	18.5	34.2
1999	457	27.0	16.9	48.1
2000	456	28.0	16.3	50.7
2001	449	28.0	16.0	78
2002	467	29.0	16.1	56.3
2003	467	29.0	16.1	56.3
2004	472	32.0	14.8	62.5
2005	436	38.0	11.5	63.3
2006	407	37.0	11.0	62.9
2007	384	36.2	10.6	43
2008	396	43.4	9.1	42.7
2009	369	30.9	11.9	43.6
2010	357	31.5	11.3	53.5
2011	366	30.2	12.1	54.1
2012	356	29.7	11.9	8.4
2013	367	30.6	11.9	57.2
2014	351	32.0	10.9	60.4
2015	357	30.0	11.9	62.5
2016	349	29.0	12.0	60.2
2017	320	30.2	10.5	60.3
2018	336	30.2	11.1	58.6
2019	339	27.3	12.4	63.4
2020	325	28.9	11.2	57.5
2021	314	29.1	10.7	54.5
2022	315	28.5	11.0	51.1
2023	300	27.0	11.1	38
2024	281	24.0	11.7	47

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.

Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Lawrence Junior High School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2018	$14,376
2019	$14,648
2020	$15,101
2021	$17,011
2022	$17,122
2023	$16,551

Data source: Maine Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Lawrence Junior High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Rank Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Ranks 44^th of 86 Middle schools	Ranks 86^th of 96 Middle schools	38.4%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
All Grades English Language Arts (Lawrence Junior High School)	55.4	83.8	28.5%
All Grades English Language Arts (Regional School Unit 49/Maine School Admin District 49)	50.6	80.5	29.9%
All Grades English Language Arts (Maine)	55.9	83.8	27.9%
All Grades Mathematics (Lawrence Junior High School)	36.4	81.4	45%
All Grades Mathematics (Regional School Unit 49/Maine School Admin District 49)	36.5	78.8	42.3%
All Grades Mathematics (Maine)	35.7	81.3	45.7%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	339	300	11.5%
African American	3	2	33.3%
American Indian	1	0	100%
Asian	0	2
Hispanic	3	5	66.7%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	329	286	13.1%
Two or More Races	3	4	33.3%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	63.4%	38%	25.4%

Schools Near Lawrence Junior High School

Choose columns to see: Summary School Students/Teachers Ranking Test Scores Finance All

School													Students/Teachers											Ranking (2023)				Ranking (2022)				MEA English Language Arts (2023)	MEA Mathematics (2023)	MEA Science (2023)	Per Pupil Expenditures (2023)
Name	Type	Grades	Address	City	Zip	County	District	Is Charter	Is Magnet	Is Virtual	Is Title I	Phone	Enrollment	Full-time Teachers	Student/ Teacher Ratio	Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	White	Black	Hispanic	Asian	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Average Standard Score (2023)	Statewide Rank (2023)	State Percentile (2023)	SchoolDigger Rating (2023)	Average Standard Score (2022)	Statewide Rank (2022)	State Percentile (2022)	Rank Change from Previous Year	MEA English Language Arts All Grades	MEA Mathematics All Grades	MEA Science All Grades	Total
Lawrence Junior High School	Public	7-8	7 School Street	Fairfield	04937	Somerset County	Regional School Unit 49/Maine School Admin District 49	No	No	No	No	(207) 453-4200	281	24	11.7	47.0%	270 (96.1%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (2.5%)	1 (0.4%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (0.7%)	17.5	86^th of 96 public middle schools	10.4%		45.9	58^th of 93 public middle schools	37.6%	28	53.0	32.7	28.2	$16,551
Winslow Junior High School	Public	7-8	30 Danielson St	Winslow	04901	Kennebec County	Winslow Schools	No	No	No	No	(207) 872-1973	184	16	11.7	41.8%	165 (89.7%)	2 (1.1%)	4 (2.2%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	12 (6.5%)	50	42^nd of 96 public middle schools	56.3%		35.1	69^th of 93 public middle schools	25.8%	27	70.1	33.5	48.2	$21,676
Waterville Junior High School	Public	6-8	100 West River Rd	Waterville	04901	Kennebec County	Waterville Public Schools	No	No	No	No	(207) 873-2144	333	28	11.8	55.9%	282 (84.7%)	7 (2.1%)	19 (5.7%)	5 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.3%)	19 (5.7%)	40.4	59^th of 96 public middle schools	38.5%		38.7	62^nd of 93 public middle schools	33.3%	3	63.6	35.7	50.5	$18,242
Messalonskee Middle School	Public	6-8	33 School Bus Drive	Oakland	04963	Kennebec County	Regional School Unit 18	No	No	No	No	(207) 465-2167	468	38	12.4	29.9%	438 (93.6%)	4 (0.9%)	11 (2.4%)	3 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.2%)	11 (2.4%)	64.4	21^st of 96 public middle schools	78.1%		63.9	33^rd of 93 public middle schools	64.5%	12	74.2	47.6	43.0	$17,419
China Middle School	Public	5-8	773 Lakeview Drive	China	04926	Kennebec County	Regional School Unit 18	No	No	No	No	(207) 445-1500	182	16	11.7	40.7%	167 (91.8%)	0 (0.0%)	5 (2.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (4.9%)	44.4	52^nd of 96 public middle schools	45.8%		54.8	45^th of 93 public middle schools	51.6%	7	60.9	45.8	40.6	$16,111
Skowhegan Area Middle School	Public	6-8	155 Academy Circle	Skowhegan	04976	Somerset County	Regional School Unit 54/Maine School Admin District 54	No	No	No	No	(207) 474-3339	473	40	11.9	61.5%	454 (96.0%)	1 (0.2%)	9 (1.9%)	1 (0.2%)	1 (0.2%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (1.5%)	48.3	45^th of 96 public middle schools	53.1%		50.6	52^nd of 93 public middle schools	44.1%	7	63.5	47.3	38.8	$24,608
Mt View Middle School	Public	6-8	575 Mount View Road	Thorndike	04986	Waldo County	Regional School Unit 03/Maine School Admin District 03	No	No	No	No	(207) 568-7561	235	22	10.9	58.7%	217 (92.3%)	1 (0.4%)	2 (0.9%)	1 (0.4%)	1 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	13 (5.5%)	13.2	93^rd of 96 public middle schools	3.1%		0.6	93^rd of 93 public middle schools	0.0%		48.8	28.3	33.8	$17,335
Warsaw Middle School	Public	5-8	167 School Street	Pittsfield	04967	Somerset County	Regional School Unit 53/Maine School Admin District 53	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 487-5145	269	25	10.7	56.1%	242 (90.0%)	2 (0.7%)	11 (4.1%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	14 (5.2%)	45.8	50^th of 96 public middle schools	47.9%		30.3	70^th of 93 public middle schools	24.7%	20	63.0	47.7	34.4	$19,945

Lawrence Junior High School

Regional School Unit 49/Maine School Admin District 49:

Average Parent Rating:

What do you think?

Rank History for Lawrence Junior High School

Rank History for all students at Lawrence Junior High School

Rank History for Special Education students at Lawrence Junior High School

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at Lawrence Junior High School

Rank History for Female students at Lawrence Junior High School

Rank History for Male students at Lawrence Junior High School

Review counts

Enrollment information for Lawrence Junior High School

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Lawrence Junior High School

Student/Teacher Ratio Lawrence Junior High School

Per Pupil Expenditures for Lawrence Junior High School

Impact of COVID-19 on Lawrence Junior High School

Rankings

Test Scores

Student Body

Schools Near Lawrence Junior High School