Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science

Q: Is Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science a good school?

Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science ranks 146 th of 290 Maine elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

Summary:

Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science is a public charter elementary school serving grades PK-8 in Gray, Maine, with a relatively small student population of 192. While the school has been rated 2-3 stars out of 5 by SchoolDigger in recent years, placing it in the middle range of Maine elementary schools, it stands out in several key areas compared to nearby public schools.

One of Fiddlehead's most notable differences is its high chronic absenteeism rates, ranging from 28.4% to 42.5% in the past few years, significantly higher than the 9.3% to 21.4% rates at nearby schools like Yarmouth Elementary School and Mabel I. Wilson School. Academically, Fiddlehead's test scores on the Maine Educational Assessments (MEA) are mixed, with above-average proficiency in English Language Arts but below-average performance in math compared to the state and nearby schools. Additionally, Fiddlehead has relatively low free/reduced lunch rates, ranging from 10.64% to 13.02%, lower than many of the more diverse and higher-need nearby public schools.

While Fiddlehead School faces some challenges, the data suggests there may be opportunities for improvement. By addressing the high chronic absenteeism rates and focusing on areas like math instruction, Fiddlehead could potentially improve its overall academic performance and ranking among Maine elementary schools. Understanding these differentiating factors and addressing the school's challenges could help Fiddlehead better serve its students and the Gray community.

Detail:

Public, Charter PK, KG-8

25 Shaker Rd
Gray, ME 04039

(207) 688-3727

District: Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences

SchoolDigger Rank:
146^th of 290 Maine Elementary Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures: $11,912

Student/teacher ratio: 16.5

Number of students: 197

Racial breakdown:

White:

92.4%

Two or more races:

3.0%

African American:

1.5%

Free/discounted lunch recipients: 9.1%

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Compare Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science to nearby elementary schools!

Performance Trends

Compare Details Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science ranks worse than 50.3% of elementary schools in Maine. (See more...)

Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 55.07. (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 (92.4%), two or more races (3%), African American (1.5%). (See more...)

Compare Details 9.1% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)

Teachers

Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science is 16.5. (See more...)

Compare Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science employs 11.9 full-time teachers.

Finance

Compare Details The average total spent per student at Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science is $11,912.

Schooldigger Rankings:

Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.

Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences:

SchoolDigger ranks Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences 92^nd of 177 Maine school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science.

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Rank History for Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science

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Year	Avg Standard Score	Statewide Rank	Total # Ranked Elementary Schools	ME State Percentile
2016	42.81	153^rd	255	40.0%
2017	41.88	153^rd	256	40.2%
2018	44.37	149^th	254	41.3%
2019	44.84	149^th	258	42.2%
2021	58.50	86^th	228	62.3%
2022	51.32	97^th	210	53.8%
2023	55.07	146^th	290	49.7%

See the entire list of Maine Elementary School Rankings!

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

Data source: Maine Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 4)

100%

Reviews:

by a parent
Thursday, February 6, 2020

They are very good at meeting the needs of all the children and not segregating them based on disabilities or special needs this is incredibly important both for the children who need help as they are able to learn much more (both academically and emotionally) what I've seen happening in "special education programs" but it has also been great for my child to see and learn a great deal from the experience of having people with different abilities and needs... the teachers are incredible at giving all the students 1 to 1 attention while also makeing lessons that target the level that they are at and also challenges them to excel in every way! They don't teach to the test at this school they are not interested in having a student memorize just the things that will get a good score and then forget all about it. Instead they explore topics in a deep way that is interesting for the kids and will stay with them forever! (The only reason why I gave 4 stars instead of 5 is they don't have a lunch program and they could work more on getting the message out to low-income and minority communities about the wonderful program that we have in fiddlehead) but they are truly accepting of everyone and do have a program to offer families in need food and I'm sure other services... Close Quote

Enrollment information for Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science

Compare

Year	White	African American	Asian	Hispanic	American Indian	Two or More Races	Total
2014	45	0	0	0	0	0	45
2015	75	1	0	1	0	2	79
2016	94	4	0	1	0	2	101
2017	113	4	1	0	0	5	123
2018	124	7	2	0	0	0	133
2019	126	6	1	0	0	2	135
2020	140	7	0	0	1	5	153
2021	159	6	0	1	1	5	172
2022	177	7	0	1	0	3	188
2023	185	5	0	0	0	2	192
2024	182	3	2	3	1	6	197

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 Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2014	45	5.6	8.0	20
2015	79	10.0	7.9	38
2016	101	9.0	11.2	40.6
2017	123	10.0	12.3	30.1
2018	133	9.3	14.3	23.3
2019	135	9.7	13.9	37
2020	153	11.7	12.9	30.7
2021	172	12.2	14.0	12.8
2022	188	13.6	13.8	10.6
2023	192	14.8	12.9	13
2024	197	11.9	16.5	9.1

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 Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science

Compare

Year	# Students	Full-time Teachers	Student/Teacher ratio	% Free/Discounted Lunch
2014	45	5.6	8.0	20
2015	79	10.0	7.9	38
2016	101	9.0	11.2	40.6
2017	123	10.0	12.3	30.1
2018	133	9.3	14.3	23.3
2019	135	9.7	13.9	37
2020	153	11.7	12.9	30.7
2021	172	12.2	14.0	12.8
2022	188	13.6	13.8	10.6
2023	192	14.8	12.9	13
2024	197	11.9	16.5	9.1

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 Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science

Year	Total Expenditures Per Pupil
2018	$9,860
2019	$11,071
2020	$10,176
2021	$11,478
2022	$11,542
2023	$11,912

Data source: Maine Department of Education

Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science

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 149^th of 258 Elementary schools	Ranks 146^th of 290 Elementary schools	7.4%

Test Scores

	% proficient Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)	% proficient Post pandemic (2022-2023)	Change (%)
All Grades English Language Arts (Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science)	58.7	87.5	28.8%
All Grades English Language Arts (Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences)	58.7	87.5	28.8%
All Grades English Language Arts (Maine)	55.9	83.8	27.9%
All Grades Mathematics (Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science)	32.6	79.6	47%
All Grades Mathematics (Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences)	32.6	79.6	47%
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	135	192	42.2%
African American	6	5	16.7%
American Indian	0	0
Asian	1	0	100%
Hispanic	0	0
Pacific Islander	0	0
White	126	185	46.8%
Two or More Races	2	2
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients	37%	13%	24%

Schools Near Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science

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
Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science	Public, Charter	PK, KG-8	25 Shaker Rd	Gray	04039	Cumberland County	Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences	Yes	No	No	Yes	(207) 688-3727	197	12	16.5	9.1%	182 (92.4%)	3 (1.5%)	3 (1.5%)	2 (1.0%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	6 (3.0%)	55.1	146^th of 290 public elementary schools	49.7%		51.3	97^th of 210 public elementary schools	53.8%	49	69.8	40.6	54.1	$11,912
Russell School	Public	K-2	8 Gray Park	Gray	04039	Cumberland County	Regional School Unit 15/Maine School Admin District 15	No	No	No	No	(207) 657-4929	202	20	10.3	38.6%	183 (90.6%)	5 (2.5%)	3 (1.5%)	0 (0.0%)	2 (1.0%)	0 (0.0%)	9 (4.5%)								(n/a)				$20,059
Burchard A Dunn School	Public	PK, KG-4	667 Morse Road	New Gloucester	04260	Cumberland County	Regional School Unit 15/Maine School Admin District 15	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 657-5050	349	25	14.1	30.9%	315 (90.3%)	12 (3.4%)	6 (1.7%)	3 (0.9%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	11 (3.2%)	83.6	53^rd of 290 public elementary schools	81.7%		68.5	59^th of 210 public elementary schools	71.9%	6	77.2	61.4		$16,457
Manchester School	Public	4-5	709 Roosevelt Trail	Windham	04062	Cumberland County	Regional School Unit 14	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 892-1830	403	29	14.0	26.1%	352 (87.3%)	7 (1.7%)	14 (3.5%)	9 (2.2%)	2 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	19 (4.7%)								(n/a)	75.2	53.7	26.9	$16,385
Raymond Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-4	434 Webbs Mills Road	Raymond	04071	Cumberland County	Regional School Unit 14	No	No	No	No	(207) 655-8672	280	25	11.1	17.5%	256 (91.4%)	1 (0.4%)	13 (4.6%)	1 (0.4%)	2 (0.7%)	0 (0.0%)	7 (2.5%)	77.1	72^nd of 290 public elementary schools	75.2%		29.7	150^th of 210 public elementary schools	28.6%	78	71.3	61.6		$22,337
Memorial School	Public	K-2	86 Intervale Road	New Gloucester	04260	Cumberland County	Regional School Unit 15/Maine School Admin District 15	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 926-4322	190	17	10.9	30.0%	185 (97.4%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	1 (0.5%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (1.6%)								(n/a)				$20,848
Pownal Elementary School	Public	PK, KG-5	587 Elmwood Road	Pownal	04069	Cumberland County	Regional School Unit 05	No	No	No	No	(207) 688-4832	89	10	8.8	12.4%	79 (88.8%)	2 (2.2%)	5 (5.6%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	0 (0.0%)	3 (3.4%)	78.9	63^rd of 290 public elementary schools	78.3%					(n/a)	67.5	75.0	46.2	$24,153
Greely Middle School 4-5	Public	4-5	351 Tuttle Road	Cumberland	04021	Cumberland County	Regional School Unit 51/Maine School Admin District 51	No	No	No	No	(207) 829-4815	361	29	12.6	3.3%	326 (90.3%)	2 (0.6%)	10 (2.8%)	1 (0.3%)	2 (0.6%)	0 (0.0%)	20 (5.5%)								(n/a)	80.6	80.3	47.7	$19,053
Mabel I Wilson School	Public	PK, KG-3	353 Tuttle Road	Cumberland	04021	Cumberland County	Regional School Unit 51/Maine School Admin District 51	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 829-4825	737	62	11.9	1.8%	672 (91.2%)	3 (0.4%)	23 (3.1%)	8 (1.1%)	1 (0.1%)	0 (0.0%)	30 (4.1%)	93.3	14^th of 290 public elementary schools	95.2%		87.5	12^th of 210 public elementary schools	94.3%	2	78.2	75.8		$18,994
Windham Primary School	Public	K-3	404 Gray Road	Windham	04062	Cumberland County	Regional School Unit 14	No	No	No	Yes	(207) 892-1840	726	54	13.3	20.5%	638 (87.9%)	21 (2.9%)	26 (3.6%)	3 (0.4%)	3 (0.4%)	0 (0.0%)	35 (4.8%)	42.9	186^th of 290 public elementary schools	35.9%		48.6	106^th of 210 public elementary schools	49.5%	80	57.5	52.3		$16,052

Frequently Asked Questions about Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science

How many students attend Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science?

In the 2023-24 school year, 197 students attended Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science.

What district is Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science in?

Fiddlehead School of Arts and Sciences

Is Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science a good school?

Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science ranks 146^th of 290 Maine elementary schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 2 stars out of 5.

What is the racial makeup of Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science?

Students at Fiddlehead School of Arts & Science are 92% White, 3% Two or more races, 2% African American, 2% Hispanic, 1% Asian.

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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.