Average
#397 of 542 schools in ME
Central School
Elementary School · RSU 35/MSAD 35
197 Main Street, South Berwick, ME 03908
Enrollment
387
Student-Teacher
13.8:1
Score
5.4
Grades
Pre-K – 3rd
Enrollment
387
Student-Teacher
13.8:1
Score
5.4
Grades
Pre-K – 3rd
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In South Berwick
#1 of 3
public schools
Maine elementary schools
#229 of 337
In district
#1 of 5
RSU 35/MSAD 35
About Central School
Central School is a regular public elementary school located in South Berwick, Maine, on the fringe of an urban area. The school serves students from pre-kindergarten through third grade and has an enrollment of 387 students. With a student-teacher ratio of 13.8:1, Central School provides individual attention to its young learners.
The school is staffed by 28 full-time equivalent teachers who support the diverse needs of their students. Central School's academic performance shows room for growth, with a MySchoolScout rating of 4.7 out of 10 and a state ranking of #369 out of 542 schools in Maine. The school’s proficiency rates in English Language Arts/Reading are at 75%, while math proficiency stands at 65%.
Central School focuses on student development, offering an environment where young learners can grow academically and socially. The setting around Central School is a charming town with a close-knit community, providing a supportive backdrop for students' educational journeys.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
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Data not available for this school
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Central School — Students at Central School score 82% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 90%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
12.7%
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: 6.6/10.
How Central School Compares
See how Central School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 42% (2019) to 77% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 47% (2019) to 87% (2022).
Location
197 Main Street, South Berwick, ME 03908
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Rollinsford Grade School (rated 7.2/10, 0.7 miles away, in nearby Rollinsford), which scores notably higher. Another option is Frances G. Hopkins Elementary School at Horne Street (rated 6.7/10, 3.9 miles away, in nearby Dover), which scores notably higher. Additionally, ST MARY ACADEMY (rated 6.1/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby Dover), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in South Berwick, see our South Berwick schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 5.7 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| BERWICK ACADEMY South Berwick | 0.4 mi | 7.1 |
| Marshwood Great Works School South Berwick | 0.7 mi | 4.3 |
| Rollinsford Grade School Rollinsford | 0.7 mi | 7.2 |
| Marshwood High School South Berwick | 2.3 mi | 5.0 |
| Vivian E Hussey School Berwick | 2.6 mi | 2.9 |
| Eric L Knowlton School Berwick | 3.5 mi | 3.2 |
| Noble Middle School Berwick | 4.0 mi | 5.9 |
| Idlehurst Elementary School Somersworth | 3.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Somersworth Middle School Somersworth | 3.6 mi | 5.2 |
| Somersworth High School Somersworth | 3.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Maple Wood Elementary School Somersworth | 3.7 mi | 4.6 |
| Frances G. Hopkins Elementary School at Horne Street Dover | 3.9 mi | 6.7 |
| ST MARY ACADEMY Dover | 4.3 mi | 6.1 |
| MY SCHOOL Dover | 4.4 mi | — |
| Noble High School North Berwick | 5.3 mi | 5.8 |
| Marshwood Middle School Eliot | 5.6 mi | 5.2 |
| TRI-CITY CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Somersworth | 4.5 mi | 6.9 |
| ST THOMAS AQUINAS HIGH SCHOOL Dover | 5.8 mi | 5.5 |
| Woodman Park School Dover | 4.9 mi | 5.4 |
| PORTSMOUTH CHRISTIAN ACADEMY Dover | 5.7 mi | 6.4 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 03908 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$97,927
Median Home Value
$385,000
Median Rent
$1,535/mo
Population
7,384
College Educated
38.8%
Homeownership
76.8%
Avg Commute
25.8 min
Poverty Rate
3.1%
Median Age
40.1
Community Profile
The community surrounding Central School has a median household income of $97,927. It is an area where 39% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $385,000, with a median rent of $1,535/month. The local poverty rate of 3.1% is relatively low. The average commute for residents is 26 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 |
|---|---|
| Farrington School Augusta, ME | 5.4 |
| Mill Pond School Hodgdon, ME | 5.4 |
| Old Town Elementary School Old Town, ME | 5.4 |
| Central Community Elementary School Corinth, ME | 5.5 |
| Guy E Rowe School Norway, ME | 5.5 |
| Harriet Beecher Stowe Elementary Brunswick, ME | 5.5 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central School
What grades does Central School serve?
Central School serves students in grades Pre-K through 3rd.
How many students attend Central School?
Central School has an enrollment of approximately 387 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central School is 13.8:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central School rank in ME?
Central School is ranked #397 out of 542 schools in ME.
What is Central School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central School has a composite rating of 5.4 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 Central School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Central School has 65.3% math proficiency and 75.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Central School a charter school?
No, Central School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central School a Title I school?
No, Central School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central School?
12.7% of students at Central 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
- City Safety
- Average (446/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (South Berwick). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 3rd
- Enrollment
- 387
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 13.8:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 28
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 12.7%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Town
- County
- York County
- Phone
- (207) 384-2333
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
RSU 35/MSAD 35- District Enrollment
- 2,134
- Schools in District
- 5
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,602
- District Rank
- #1 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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