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Below Average

#453 of 542 schools in ME

Dirigo High School

High School · RSU 56

145 Weld Street, Dixfield, ME 04224

Enrollment

233

Student-Teacher

14.6:1

Score

4.9

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In Dixfield

#2 of 2

public schools

Maine high schools

#106 of 112

In district

#3 of 3

RSU 56

Academic growth

9.1 / 10

Exceptional

About Dirigo High School

Dirigo High School is a rural public high school located in Dixfield, Maine. Serving students from ninth to twelfth grade, the school has an enrollment of 233 students and maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 14.6:1 with 16 full-time equivalent teachers. The academic performance at Dirigo High School shows room for growth; it currently ranks 476 out of 542 schools in Maine, placing it in the 12th percentile state-wide.

Students perform moderately well in English Language Arts and Math, with 60% meeting proficiency standards in ELA/Reading and 56% doing so in Math. While Dirigo High School has areas for improvement academically, it offers a close-knit community environment where students receive individualized attention from teachers. The rural setting provides students with unique opportunities to connect with nature and engage in local activities that foster a strong sense of community.

What Parents Should Know

While current test scores at Dirigo High 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 High 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 · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.1Exceptional25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+16.67 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendImproving
Academics1.8Significantly Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency74.5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency54.5%
Overall Proficiency65%
Expected (poverty-adj.)81%
vs. Expected-16.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile3th
College Readiness4.9Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation9.4%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.3Fair20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio14.6:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,771

Dirigo High School — Students at Dirigo High School score 64% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 81%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

43.8%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores ME EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 56.5%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 59.7%
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
5%
ELA
34.5%
2021*
Math
90%
ELA
90%
2022
Math
74.5%
ELA
54.5%

* 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: 9.1/10.

How Dirigo High School Compares

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

Overall Score
4.9/10
17th percentile in ME
Academic
1.8/10
1.8/10
Growth
9.1/10
Above average
Environment
3.3/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
44%
Teaching Staff
15:1 student-teacher ratio
16 teachers

Location

145 Weld Street, Dixfield, ME 04224

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Dirigo High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Mountain Valley High School (rated 8.1/10, 5.5 miles away, in nearby Rumford), which scores notably higher. Another option is Spruce Mountain High School (rated 7.3/10, 12.9 miles away, in nearby Jay), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Buckfield Jr-Sr High School (rated 6.0/10, 17.3 miles away, in nearby Buckfield), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Dixfield, see our Dixfield schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 20.4 mi
School Distance Rating
WEBB RIVER SEVENTH-DAY ADVENTIST SCHOOL Dixfield 0.3 mi
T W Kelly Dirigo Middle School Dixfield 0.7 mi 7.3
Dirigo Elementary School Peru 1.2 mi 5.9
HEZION ACADEMY Peru 2.3 mi 5.2
Mountain Valley Middle School Mexico 3.8 mi 6.2
Meroby Elementary School Mexico 4.0 mi 5.2
Rumford Elementary Rumford 5.0 mi 8.0
Mountain Valley High School Rumford 5.5 mi 8.1
Hartford-Sumner Elementary School Sumner 12.8 mi 7.2
FORESTDALE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Bryant Pond 13.3 mi
Gerald D Cushing School Wilton 11.7 mi 5.9
Academy Hill School Wilton 11.8 mi 7.9
Woodstock School Bryant Pond 13.7 mi 6.3
Agnes Gray School West Paris 15.8 mi 5.8
Spruce Mountain Elementary School Jay 12.7 mi 5.3
Spruce Mountain Middle School Jay 12.8 mi 7.9
Spruce Mountain High School Jay 12.9 mi 7.3
Buckfield Jr-Sr High School Buckfield 17.3 mi 6.0
Spruce Mountain Primary School Livermore 14.2 mi 6.6
Paris Elementary School Paris 20.4 mi 4.5

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 04224 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$67,109

Median Home Value

$127,000

Median Rent

$674/mo

Population

3,077

College Educated

20.9%

Homeownership

84.6%

Avg Commute

26.7 min

Poverty Rate

13.3%

Median Age

45.3

Community Profile

The community surrounding Dirigo High School has a median household income of $67,109. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $127,000, with a median rent of $674/month. The area has a poverty rate of 13.3%. The average commute for residents is 27 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
Mattanawcook Academy Lincoln, ME 5.3
Calais Middle/High School Calais, ME 5.7
Dexter Regional High School Dexter, ME 5.7
Piscataquis Community Secondary School Guilford, ME 5.8
Robert W Traip Academy Kittery, ME 5.8
Overman Academy Skowhegan, ME 4.0

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Dirigo High School

What grades does Dirigo High School serve?

Dirigo High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend Dirigo High School?

Dirigo High School has an enrollment of approximately 233 students.

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

The student-teacher ratio at Dirigo High School is 14.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Dirigo High School rank in ME?

Dirigo High School is ranked #453 out of 542 schools in ME.

What is Dirigo High School's MySchoolScout rating?

Dirigo High School has a composite rating of 4.9 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 High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, Dirigo High School has 56.5% math proficiency and 59.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is Dirigo High School a charter school?

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

Is Dirigo High School a Title I school?

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

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

43.8% of students at Dirigo High 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
9th – 12th
Enrollment
233
Student-Teacher Ratio
14.6:1
Teachers (FTE)
16
Free/Reduced Lunch
43.8%
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
#3 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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