South School

Q: Is South School a good school?

South School ranks 191 st of 290 Maine elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Summary:

South School is an elementary school located in Rockland, Maine, serving grades PK-5 with a total enrollment of 265 students. The school is part of the Regional School Unit 13 district, which is ranked 95 out of 177 districts in Maine and has a 2-star rating from SchoolDigger.

South School faces several challenges, including a significantly higher percentage of white students (91.32%) compared to the state average and nearby schools like Ash Point Community School and Thomaston Grammar School. The school has consistently ranked in the bottom half of Maine elementary schools, with a ranking between 98-235 out of 210-290 schools over the past several years and a low SchoolDigger rating ranging from 0 to 3 stars out of 5. Additionally, South School has had high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 26.6% to 50.8% in the past three school years, significantly higher than the state average and nearby schools.

South School's proficiency rates in English Language Arts and Mathematics are generally lower than the state and district averages, and the school has a high percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 57.91% to 72.16% over the past three school years. This suggests that the school serves a population with significant socioeconomic challenges, which may contribute to the school's lower academic performance. Addressing these issues through targeted interventions and support could help South School improve student outcomes and better serve the Rockland community.

Detail:

Public PK, KG-5

30 Broadway
Rockland, ME 04841

(207) 596-2020

District: Regional School Unit 13

SchoolDigger Rank:
191^st of 290 Maine Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $27,386

Students who attend South School usually attend:

Middle:	Oceanside Middle School
High:	Oceanside High School

Student/teacher ratio: 8.8

Number of students: 279

Racial breakdown:

White:

89.6%

Two or more races:

3.6%

Hispanic:

3.2%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 59.1%

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Performance Trends

Compare Details South School ranks worse than 65.9% of elementary schools in Maine. It also ranks last among 4 ranked elementary schools in the Regional School Unit 13 District. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 41.76. (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 South School has the largest elementary school student body size in the Regional School Unit 13 District. Racial makeup is: White (89.6%), two or more races (3.6%), Hispanic (3.2%). (See more...)

Compare Details 59.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. This is the highest percentage in the Regional School Unit 13 District. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at South School is 8.8, which is the 2^nd best among 4 elementary schools in the Regional School Unit 13 District. (See more...)

Compare South School employs 31.4 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at South School is $27,386, which is the 2^nd highest among 4 elementary schools in the Regional School Unit 13 District.

Schooldigger Rankings:

South School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Regional School Unit 13:

SchoolDigger ranks Regional School Unit 13 95^th of 177 Maine school districts. (See district ranking list.)

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Rank History for South School

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Rank History for all students at South School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	ME State Percentile
2012	11.87	254^th	258	1.6%
2013	27.22	224^th	261	14.2%
2015	43.60	185^th	284	34.9%
2016	7.56	249^th	255	2.4%
2017	17.99	235^th	256	8.2%
2018	24.44	218^th	254	14.2%
2019	24.02	214^th	258	17.1%
2021	22.81	171^st	228	25.0%
2022	51.28	98^th	210	53.3%
2023	41.76	191^st	290	34.1%

See the entire list of Maine Elementary School Rankings!

Rank History for Low Socio Economic Status students at South School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	ME State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	57.35	35^th	82	57.3%

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

Rank History for Female students at South School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	ME State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	27.71	128^th	153	16.3%

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

Rank History for Male students at South School

Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	ME State Percentile	SchoolDigger Rating
2019	26.52	124^th	153	19.0%

See the entire list of Best Maine Elementary 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

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Enrollment information for South School

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Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Pacific Islander	Two or More Races	Total
2010	207	2	5	2	1	n/a	n/a	217
2011	277	9	2	5	2	0	0	295
2012	266	7	0	6	2	0	1	282
2013	279	8	2	7	1	0	3	300
2014	269	6	1	8	0	0	4	288
2015	253	3	1	6	0	0	5	268
2016	256	2	1	5	0	0	5	269
2017	351	4	1	6	0	0	8	370
2018	351	3	1	10	1	0	9	375
2019	327	4	2	10	0	0	13	356
2020	311	3	4	14	0	0	12	344
2021	248	3	1	9	0	0	12	273
2022	253	3	2	8	0	1	11	278
2023	242	6	2	6	0	1	8	265
2024	250	5	4	9	0	1	10	279

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 South School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2010	217	22.1	9.8	61.3
2011	295	30.2	9.7	67.5
2012	282	26.5	10.6	5.7
2013	300	29.5	10.1	68
2014	288	28.0	10.2	69.4
2015	268	23.0	11.6	70.9
2016	269	24.0	11.2	65.1
2017	370	31.9	11.5	69.5
2018	375	36.8	10.1	71.2
2019	356	37.8	9.4	68.3
2020	344	28.7	11.9	72.1
2021	273	31.0	8.8	72.2
2022	278	34.0	8.1	57.9
2023	265	33.9	7.8	61.9
2024	279	31.4	8.8	59.1

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 South School

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Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2010	217	22.1	9.8	61.3
2011	295	30.2	9.7	67.5
2012	282	26.5	10.6	5.7
2013	300	29.5	10.1	68
2014	288	28.0	10.2	69.4
2015	268	23.0	11.6	70.9
2016	269	24.0	11.2	65.1
2017	370	31.9	11.5	69.5
2018	375	36.8	10.1	71.2
2019	356	37.8	9.4	68.3
2020	344	28.7	11.9	72.1
2021	273	31.0	8.8	72.2
2022	278	34.0	8.1	57.9
2023	265	33.9	7.8	61.9
2024	279	31.4	8.8	59.1

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 South School

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2018	$18,250
2019	$20,562
2020	$21,078
2021	$26,929
2022	$26,984
2023	$27,386

Data source: Maine Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on South 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 214^th of 258 Elementary schools	Ranks 191^st of 290 Elementary schools	17.1%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
All Grades English Language Arts (South School)	44.5	83.9	39.4%
All Grades English Language Arts (Regional School Unit 13)	48.9	84.6	35.7%
All Grades English Language Arts (Maine)	55.9	83.8	27.9%

Student Body

	Number of students Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	Number of students Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
Total Students	356	265	25.6%
African American	4	6	50%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	2	2
Hispanic	10	6	40%
Pacific Islander	0	1
White	327	242	26%
Two or More Races	13	8	38.5%
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	68.3%	61.9%	6.4%

Schools Near South 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
South School	Public	PK, KG-5	30 Broadway	Rockland	04841	Knox County	Regional School Unit 13	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 596-2020	279	31	8.8	59.1%	250 (89.6%)	5 (1.8%)	9 (3.2%)	4 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.4%)	10 (3.6%)	41.8	191^st of 290 public elementary schools	34.1%		51.3	98^th of 210 public elementary schools	53.3%	93	60.0	48.3		$27,386
Ash Point Community School	Public	PK, KG-5	54 Ash Point Drive	Owls Head	04854	Knox County	Regional School Unit 13	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 596-6620	166	16	10.2	36.7%	154 (92.8%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (2.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.6%)	1 (0.6%)	6 (3.6%)	69.5	94^th of 290 public elementary schools	67.6%		76.1	46^th of 210 public elementary schools	78.1%	48	69.8	62.8	30.0	$22,347
Thomaston Grammar School	Public	K-5	65 Watts Lane	Thomaston	04861	Knox County	Regional School Unit 13	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 354-6353	156	17	9.1	48.1%	135 (86.5%)	4 (2.6%)	6 (3.8%)	3 (1.9%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	8 (5.1%)	61.7	121^st of 290 public elementary schools	58.3%		83.1	25^th of 210 public elementary schools	88.1%	96	68.2	50.0	57.1	$28,704
Warren Community School	Public	PK, KG-6	117 Eastern Road	Warren	04864	Knox County	Regional School Unit 40/Maine School Admin District 40	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 273-2001	304	33	9.1	49.7%	278 (91.4%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (3.0%)	1 (0.3%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	16 (5.3%)	21.3	254^th of 290 public elementary schools	12.4%		17.5	176^th of 210 public elementary schools	16.2%	78	54.8	37.9		$21,083
Camden-Rockport Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-4	11 Children's Way	Rockport	04856	Knox County	Regional School Unit 28/Maine School Admin District 28	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 236-7809	348	33	10.6	15.8%	323 (92.8%)	1 (0.3%)	10 (2.9%)	3 (0.9%)	4 (1.1%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (2.0%)	86	39^th of 290 public elementary schools	86.6%		85.4	16^th of 210 public elementary schools	92.4%	23	71.1	78.1		$22,018
Cushing Community School	Public	K-5	54 Cross Road	Cushing	04563	Knox County	Regional School Unit 13	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 354-2312	76	10	7.3	50.0%	76 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	53.9	150^th of 290 public elementary schools	48.3%					(n/a)	54.6	66.7		$27,017
St George School	Public	PK, KG-8	65 Main St	Tenants Harbor	04860	Knox County	St George Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 372-6312	197	24	8.2	46.2%	191 (97.0%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (3.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	57.8	135^th of 290 public elementary schools	53.4%		45.2	119^th of 210 public elementary schools	43.3%	16	72.6	45.0	39.1	$26,493
Hope Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-8	34 Highfield Road	Hope	04847	Knox County	Hope Public Schools	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 785-4081	137	18	7.6	25.5%	137 (100.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	63.2	117^th of 290 public elementary schools	59.7%		84.2	20^th of 210 public elementary schools	90.5%	97	70.5	53.7	33.3	$24,488
Union Elementary	Public	PK, KG-6	1070 Heald Highway	Union	04862	Knox County	Regional School Unit 40/Maine School Admin District 40	No	No	No	No	(207) 785-4330	115	12	9.4	44.3%	109 (94.8%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.7%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.9%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (2.6%)	40.1	199^th of 290 public elementary schools	31.4%					(n/a)	56.9	50.9		$19,200
Friendship Village School	Public	K-6	23 School Street	Friendship	04547	Knox County	Regional School Unit 40/Maine School Admin District 40	No	No	No	No	(207) 832-5057	69	10	7.1	40.6%	63 (91.3%)	1 (1.4%)	1 (1.4%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	4 (5.8%)	88	29^th of 290 public elementary schools	90.0%					(n/a)	78.6	65.1		$21,136

Frequently Asked Questions about South School

What is the racial makeup of South School?

Students at South School are 90% White, 4% Two or more races, 3% Hispanic, 2% African American, 1% Asian.

What district is South School in?

Regional School Unit 13

How many students attend South School?

In the 2023-24 school year, 279 students attended South School.

What schools do graduates of South School attend?

Students who attend South School usually go on to attend:

Middle : Oceanside Middle School
High : Oceanside High School

Is South School a good school?

South School ranks 191^st of 290 Maine elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Maine Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.