For the 2025 school year, there are 3 public schools serving 755 students in RSU 56 School District. This district's average testing ranking is 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of public schools in Maine.
Public Schools in RSU 56 School District have an average math proficiency score of 32% (versus the Maine public school average of 49%), and reading proficiency score of 77% (versus the 84% statewide average).
Minority enrollment is 8% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Maine public school average of 14% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Overview
This School District
This State (ME)
# Schools
3 Schools
596 Schools
# Students
755 Students
167,472 Students
# Teachers
58 Teachers
15,270 Teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
13:1
13:1
Student By Grade
District Rank
RSU 56 School District, which is ranked within the bottom 50% of all 182 school districts in Maine (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data) for the 2022-2023 school year.
The school district's graduation rate of 85% has decreased from 85-89% over five school years.
Overall District Rank
#171 out of 189 school districts
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
32%
49%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
78%
84%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
37%
Graduation Rate
85%
86%
Students by Ethnicity:
Diversity Score
0.16
0.26
% American Indian
n/a
1%
% Asian
1%
1%
% Hispanic
3%
3%
% Black
1%
5%
% White
92%
86%
% Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
% Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
District Revenue and Spending
The revenue/student of $21,759 is higher than the state median of $21,600. The school district revenue/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
The school district's spending/student of $20,314 is less than the state median of $21,191. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Total Revenue
$16 MM
$3,617 MM
Spending
$15 MM
$3,549 MM
Revenue / Student
$21,759
$21,600
Spending / Student
$20,314
$21,191
Best RSU 56 School District Public Schools (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Dirigo Elementary School
(Math: 40-44% | Reading: 75-79%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
117 Auburn Road
Peru, ME 04290
(207) 562-4207
Peru, ME 04290
(207) 562-4207
Gr: PK-5 | 355 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Rank: #22.
T W Kelly Dirigo Middle School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 80-84%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
45 Middle School Drive
Dixfield, ME 04224
(207) 562-7552
Dixfield, ME 04224
(207) 562-7552
Gr: 6-8 | 167 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 10%
Rank: #33.
Dirigo High School
(Math: 11-19% | Reading: 50-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
145 Weld Street
Dixfield, ME 04224
(207) 562-4201
Dixfield, ME 04224
(207) 562-4201
Gr: 9-12 | 233 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 8%
Frequently Asked Questions
How many schools belong to RSU 56 School District?
RSU 56 School District manages 3 public schools serving 755 students.
What is the rank of RSU 56 School District?
RSU 56 School District is ranked #173 out of 182 school districts in Maine (bottom 50%) based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data for the 2022-2023 school year.
What is the racial composition of students in RSU 56 School District?
92% of RSU 56 School District students are White, 3% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student/teacher ratio of RSU 56 School District?
RSU 56 School District has a student/teacher ratio of 13:1, which is higher than the Maine state average of 11:1.
What is RSU 56 School District's spending/student ratio?
The school district's spending/student of $20,314 is less than the state median of $21,191. The school district spending/student has stayed relatively flat over four school years.
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
