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#335 of 542 schools in ME

Dirigo Elementary School

Elementary School · RSU 56

117 Auburn Road, Peru, ME 04290

Enrollment

355

Student-Teacher

12.7:1

Score

5.9

Grades

Pre-K – 5th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

Maine elementary schools

#182 of 337

In district

#2 of 3

RSU 56

Academic growth

7.2 / 10

Strong

About Dirigo Elementary School

Dirigo Elementary School, nestled in the rural community of Peru, Maine, offers a warm and inviting environment for young learners. Serving students from pre-kindergarten through fifth grade, the school has an enrollment of 355 students who benefit from a low student-teacher ratio of 12.7:1, ensuring personalized attention and support. With 28 full-time equivalent teachers dedicated to their craft, Dirigo Elementary focuses on fostering a strong educational foundation.

Academically, Dirigo Elementary School has an overall MySchoolScout rating of 3.9 out of 10, placing it in the 16th percentile among Maine schools. The school's academic score is 2.2 out of 10, with 65% of students proficient or above in ELA/reading and 55% proficient or above in math. These results indicate areas where there is room for growth but also highlight the dedication of teachers to support their students' learning journeys.

The school's rural setting offers a close-knit community feel, with opportunities for children to engage with nature and local traditions. Dirigo Elementary School stands as an integral part of Peru’s educational landscape, nurturing young minds in a supportive and caring environment.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Dirigo Elementary School are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.

Located in a rural area, Dirigo Elementary 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 metrics
Student Progress7.2Very Good50%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+13.8 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendImproving
Academics3.4Fair30%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency72%
Reading/ELA Proficiency77%
Overall Proficiency75%
Expected (poverty-adj.)80%
vs. Expected-5.2 pts
Adjusted Percentile15th
College ReadinessNot Available

Data not available for this school

Resources & Environment6.6Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.7:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,771

Dirigo Elementary School — Students at Dirigo Elementary School score 74% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 80%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

50.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores ME EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 55.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 65.3%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from ME state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2021*
Math
67%
ELA
77%
2022
Math
72%
ELA
77%

* 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: 7.2/10.

How Dirigo Elementary School Compares

See how Dirigo Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.9/10
38th percentile in ME
Academic
3.4/10
3.4/10
Growth
7.2/10
Above average
Environment
6.6/10
Above average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
50%
Teaching Staff
13:1 student-teacher ratio
28 teachers

Location

117 Auburn Road, Peru, ME 04290

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dirigo Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Rumford Elementary (rated 8.0/10, 5.2 miles away, in nearby Rumford), which scores notably higher. Another option is Academy Hill School (rated 7.9/10, 12.3 miles away, in nearby Wilton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Hartford-Sumner Elementary School (rated 7.2/10, 11.6 miles away, in nearby Sumner), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Peru, see our Peru schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 19.2 mi
School Distance Rating
WEBB RIVER SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL Dixfield 1.0 mi
HEZION ACADEMY Peru 1.1 mi 5.2
Dirigo High School Dixfield 1.2 mi 4.9
T W Kelly Dirigo Middle School Dixfield 1.9 mi 7.3
Mountain Valley Middle School Mexico 4.2 mi 6.2
Meroby Elementary School Mexico 4.4 mi 5.2
Rumford Elementary Rumford 5.2 mi 8.0
Mountain Valley High School Rumford 5.9 mi 8.1
Hartford-Sumner Elementary School Sumner 11.6 mi 7.2
FORESTDALE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bryant Pond 12.1 mi
Agnes Gray School West Paris 14.6 mi 5.8
Woodstock School Bryant Pond 12.7 mi 6.3
Gerald D Cushing School Wilton 12.3 mi 5.9
Academy Hill School Wilton 12.3 mi 7.9
Buckfield Jr-Sr High School Buckfield 16.1 mi 6.0
Spruce Mountain Elementary School Jay 12.5 mi 5.3
Spruce Mountain Middle School Jay 12.7 mi 7.9
Spruce Mountain High School Jay 12.8 mi 7.3
Spruce Mountain Primary School Livermore 13.8 mi 6.6
Paris Elementary School Paris 19.2 mi 4.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 04290 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$67,500

Median Home Value

$121,400

Median Rent

$723/mo

Population

1,498

College Educated

18.2%

Homeownership

91.5%

Poverty Rate

10.1%

Median Age

51.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Dirigo Elementary School has a median household income of $67,500. It is a community where 18% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $121,400, with a median rent of $723/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.1%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Fairmount School Bangor, ME 5.9
Harrison Lyseth Elem School Portland, ME 5.9
Mapleton Elementary School Mapleton, ME 5.9
ST BRIGID SCHOOL Portland, ME 5.9
W G Mallett School Farmington, ME 5.9
Woolwich Central School Woolwich, ME 5.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dirigo Elementary School

What grades does Dirigo Elementary School serve?

Dirigo Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.

How many students attend Dirigo Elementary School?

Dirigo Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 355 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Dirigo Elementary School?

The student-teacher ratio at Dirigo Elementary School is 12.7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Dirigo Elementary School rank in ME?

Dirigo Elementary School is ranked #335 out of 542 schools in ME.

What is Dirigo Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dirigo Elementary School has a composite rating of 5.9 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 Dirigo Elementary School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Dirigo Elementary School has 55.3% math proficiency and 65.3% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Dirigo Elementary School a charter school?

No, Dirigo Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Dirigo Elementary School a Title I school?

No, Dirigo Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Dirigo Elementary School?

50.1% of students at Dirigo Elementary 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.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

County Safety
Average (455/100K)

FBI UCR 2024. County-level only. Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
355
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.7:1
Teachers (FTE)
28
Free/Reduced Lunch
50.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Distant Rural
County
Oxford County
Data Year
2023–2024

District

RSU 56
District Enrollment
755
Schools in District
3
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,810
District Rank
#2 of 3

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 methodology

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