Below Average
#465 of 542 schools in ME
Margaret Chase Smith
Elementary School · Sanford Public Schools
248 Twombley Rd, Sanford, ME 04073
Enrollment
439
Student-Teacher
12.5:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Enrollment
439
Student-Teacher
12.5:1
Score
4.7
Grades
Pre-K – 4th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Sanford
#3 of 4
public schools
Maine elementary schools
#269 of 337
In district
#3 of 5
Sanford Public Schools
Academic performance
8.9 / 10
Exceptional
About Margaret Chase Smith
Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School in Sanford, Maine is a warm and inviting place for young learners. Spanning from pre-kindergarten through fourth grade, the school serves 439 students with a dedicated staff of 35 full-time equivalent teachers. The student-to-teacher ratio stands at 12.5:1, ensuring that each child receives plenty of individual attention.
Academically, Margaret Chase Smith Elementary has a MySchoolScout rating of 6.0 out of 10 and ranks as the 207th school in Maine among all public elementary schools. The ELA/Reading proficiency is strong at 90%, with math proficiency sitting at 84%. These scores indicate that while there's room for improvement, many students are excelling in their studies.
The school’s location in a rural area near Sanford offers a peaceful setting conducive to learning and exploration. Margaret Chase Smith Elementary School provides a nurturing environment where children can grow both academically and socially, supported by caring educators who are committed to each student’s development.
What Parents Should Know
Located in a rural area, Margaret Chase Smith 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
Data not available for this school
View breakdown
Margaret Chase Smith — Students at Margaret Chase Smith score 90% proficient, which is above what's typical for similar communities (expected: 80%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
48.3%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores ME EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 4 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: 2.1/10.
How Margaret Chase Smith Compares
See how Margaret Chase Smith performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 82% (2021) to 87% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 87% (2021) to 92% (2022).
Location
248 Twombley Rd, Sanford, ME 04073
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Margaret Chase Smith may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Lyman Elementary School (rated 8.2/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Lyman), which scores notably higher. Another option is Acton Elementary School (rated 7.2/10, 8.4 miles away, in nearby Acton), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Alfred Elementary School (rated 6.9/10, 4.3 miles away, in nearby Alfred), which scores notably higher. For more schools in Sanford, see our Sanford schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 11.8 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| ST THOMAS CONSOLIDATED SCHOOL Sanford | 1.7 mi | 5.3 |
| Sanford High School Sanford | 1.4 mi | 4.9 |
| Sanford Pride Elementary School Sanford | 1.9 mi | 6.4 |
| Sanford Middle School Sanford | 2.1 mi | 3.7 |
| Carl J Lamb School Springvale | 2.6 mi | 4.4 |
| Alfred Elementary School Alfred | 4.3 mi | 6.9 |
| FRASER-FORD CHILD DEVELOPMENT CENTER Sanford | 5.0 mi | — |
| Noble High School North Berwick | 8.1 mi | 5.8 |
| North Berwick Elementary School North Berwick | 8.3 mi | 6.9 |
| Massabesic High School Waterboro | 8.2 mi | 4.9 |
| Shapleigh Memorial School Shapleigh | 8.4 mi | 6.1 |
| Hanson School Lebanon | 6.8 mi | 6.0 |
| Lebanon Elementary School Lebanon | 6.9 mi | 4.6 |
| Noble Middle School Berwick | 9.6 mi | 5.9 |
| Eric L Knowlton School Berwick | 9.9 mi | 3.2 |
| Acton Elementary School Acton | 8.4 mi | 7.2 |
| Lyman Elementary School Lyman | 8.4 mi | 8.2 |
| Vivian E Hussey School Berwick | 11.6 mi | 2.9 |
| Massabesic Middle School East Waterboro | 11.5 mi | 6.8 |
| Waterboro Elementary School East Waterboro | 11.8 mi | 6.1 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 04073 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$69,135
Median Home Value
$259,500
Median Rent
$1,145/mo
Population
17,385
College Educated
20.7%
Homeownership
68.2%
Avg Commute
25.9 min
Poverty Rate
10%
Median Age
40.2
Community Profile
The community surrounding Margaret Chase Smith has a median household income of $69,135. It is a community where 21% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $259,500, with a median rent of $1,145/month. The area has a poverty rate of 10.0%. 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 |
|---|---|
| Line Elementary West Newfield, ME | 4.7 |
| Park Avenue Elementary School Auburn, ME | 4.7 |
| Vassalboro Community School Vassalboro, ME | 4.8 |
| Village Elementary School-Gorham Gorham, ME | 4.8 |
| Eliot Elementary School Eliot, ME | 4.6 |
| Burchard A Dunn School New Gloucester, ME | 4.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Margaret Chase Smith
What grades does Margaret Chase Smith serve?
Margaret Chase Smith serves students in grades Pre-K through 4th.
How many students attend Margaret Chase Smith?
Margaret Chase Smith has an enrollment of approximately 439 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Margaret Chase Smith?
The student-teacher ratio at Margaret Chase Smith is 12.5:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Margaret Chase Smith rank in ME?
Margaret Chase Smith is ranked #465 out of 542 schools in ME.
What is Margaret Chase Smith's MySchoolScout rating?
Margaret Chase Smith has a composite rating of 4.7 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 Margaret Chase Smith?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Margaret Chase Smith has 84.5% math proficiency and 89.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Margaret Chase Smith a charter school?
No, Margaret Chase Smith is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Margaret Chase Smith a Title I school?
No, Margaret Chase Smith is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Margaret Chase Smith?
48.3% of students at Margaret Chase Smith 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
- High (2,837/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Sanford). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 4th
- Enrollment
- 439
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 12.5:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 35
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 48.3%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Fringe Rural
- County
- York County
- Phone
- (207) 324-7586
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Sanford Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 3,265
- Schools in District
- 6
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,584
- District Rank
- #3 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
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.