Average
#287 of 542 schools in ME
Bruce M Whittier Middle School
Middle School · RSU 16
1457 Maine Street, Poland, ME 04274
Enrollment
274
Student-Teacher
11.4:1
Score
6.2
Grades
7th – 8th
Enrollment
274
Student-Teacher
11.4:1
Score
6.2
Grades
7th – 8th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Poland
#2 of 3
public schools
Maine middle schools
#46 of 82
In district
#2 of 5
RSU 16
Academic performance
7.3 / 10
Strong
About Bruce M Whittier Middle School
Bruce M Whittier Middle School is a regular public middle school located in the rural area of Poland, Maine. The school serves students from seventh through eighth grade with an enrollment of 274 students and maintains a student-teacher ratio of 11.4:1, ensuring that each student receives individual attention. There are 24 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to helping students succeed academically.
Bruce M Whittier Middle School has a MySchoolScout rating of 5.7 out of 10 and is ranked #243 among the 542 schools in Maine, placing it near the 55th percentile statewide. The academic score is 6.6 out of 10, reflecting areas with room for growth but also strong performances. In English Language Arts (ELA) and reading, 76% of students are proficient or above, indicating solid literacy skills.
Math proficiency stands at 69%, showing that while there's potential for improvement in this area, many students are already meeting or exceeding state standards. Set against the backdrop of Poland’s rural setting, Bruce M Whittier Middle School offers a community-focused learning environment where teachers and families work together to support student development.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Bruce M Whittier Middle School may involve longer commutes for some families. Rural schools often serve as community anchors and may have smaller class sizes, but parents should consider transportation logistics, after-school program availability, and access to specialized services.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Bruce M Whittier Middle School — Students at Bruce M Whittier Middle School score 86% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 84%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
35.4%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores ME EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from ME state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↑ ImprovingAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 6.3/10.
How Bruce M Whittier Middle School Compares
See how Bruce M Whittier Middle School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 40% (2019) to 86% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 57% (2019) to 86% (2022).
Location
1457 Maine Street, Poland, ME 04274
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Bruce M Whittier Middle School may also want to explore other middle schools in the area. Jordan-Small Middle School (rated 7.1/10, 9.3 miles away, in nearby Raymond), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Gray-New Gloucester Middle School (rated 6.7/10, 12.1 miles away, in nearby Gray), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Auburn Middle School (rated 5.6/10, 8.3 miles away, in nearby Auburn), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Poland, see our Poland schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 9.0 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Poland Regional H S Poland | 0.0 mi | 6.3 |
| Poland Community School Poland | 1.0 mi | 4.3 |
| Elm Street School-Mechanic Falls Mechanic Falls | 2.8 mi | 5.1 |
| Minot Consolidated School Minot | 5.2 mi | 5.6 |
| Oxford Elementary School Oxford | 6.0 mi | 5.8 |
| Otisfield Community School Otisfield | 5.4 mi | 5.9 |
| Jordan-Small Middle School Raymond | 9.3 mi | 7.1 |
| Raymond Elementary School Raymond | 9.4 mi | 4.9 |
| Memorial School New Gloucester | 8.6 mi | 6.0 |
| Auburn Middle School Auburn | 8.3 mi | 5.6 |
| ANDROSCOGGIN LEARNING & TRANSITION CENTER Auburn | 8.3 mi | 8.2 |
| Fairview School Auburn | 8.5 mi | 6.2 |
| Crooked River Elementary Casco | 9.5 mi | 6.1 |
| Park Avenue Elementary School Auburn | 8.6 mi | 4.7 |
| Hebron Station School Hebron | 11.5 mi | 6.9 |
| Oxford Hills Middle School Paris | 11.3 mi | 5.3 |
| Gray-New Gloucester High School Gray | 12.0 mi | 7.4 |
| Gray-New Gloucester Middle School Gray | 12.1 mi | 6.7 |
| Oxford Hills Comprehensive H S Paris | 11.2 mi | 4.8 |
| THE RENAISSANCE SCHOOL Auburn | 9.0 mi | — |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 04274 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$94,625
Median Home Value
$280,300
Median Rent
$1,149/mo
Population
5,920
College Educated
29.3%
Homeownership
86%
Avg Commute
27.8 min
Poverty Rate
11.9%
Median Age
39.8
Community Profile
The community surrounding Bruce M Whittier Middle School has a median household income of $94,625. It is an area where 29% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $280,300, with a median rent of $1,149/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.9%. The average commute for residents is 28 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Bucksport Middle School Bucksport, ME | 6.2 |
| Caravel Middle School Carmel, ME | 6.2 |
| Houlton Junior High School Houlton, ME | 6.2 |
| Mountain Valley Middle School Mexico, ME | 6.2 |
| Frank H Harrison Middle School Yarmouth, ME | 6.3 |
| Telstar Middle School Bethel, ME | 6.3 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Bruce M Whittier Middle School
What grades does Bruce M Whittier Middle School serve?
Bruce M Whittier Middle School serves students in grades 7th through 8th.
How many students attend Bruce M Whittier Middle School?
Bruce M Whittier Middle School has an enrollment of approximately 274 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Bruce M Whittier Middle School?
The student-teacher ratio at Bruce M Whittier Middle School is 11.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Bruce M Whittier Middle School rank in ME?
Bruce M Whittier Middle School is ranked #287 out of 542 schools in ME.
What is Bruce M Whittier Middle School's MySchoolScout rating?
Bruce M Whittier Middle School has a composite rating of 6.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Bruce M Whittier Middle School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Bruce M Whittier Middle School has 69.0% math proficiency and 75.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Bruce M Whittier Middle School a charter school?
No, Bruce M Whittier Middle School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Bruce M Whittier Middle School a Title I school?
No, Bruce M Whittier Middle School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Bruce M Whittier Middle School?
35.4% of students at Bruce M Whittier Middle School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- County Safety
- Low (139/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 7th – 8th
- Enrollment
- 274
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.4:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 24
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 35.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Distant Rural
- County
- Androscoggin County
- Phone
- (207) 998-3462
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
RSU 16- District Enrollment
- 1,666
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $15,878
- District Rank
- #2 of 5
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
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