Very Good
#168 of 542 schools in ME
Top 31% in state
Penquis Valley Middle/high School
High School · RSU 41/MSAD 41
48 Penquis Drive, Milo, ME 04463
Enrollment
369
Student-Teacher
11.9:1
Score
7.0
Grades
5th – 12th
Enrollment
369
Student-Teacher
11.9:1
Score
7.0
Grades
5th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Milo
#2 of 2
public schools
Maine high schools
#40 of 112
In district
#3 of 3
RSU 41/MSAD 41
Academic growth
8.8 / 10
Exceptional
About Penquis Valley Middle/high School
Penquis Valley Middle/High School is a regular public school located in Milo, Maine, nestled in the heart of Piscataquis County. Serving students from fifth grade through twelfth grade, this comprehensive school houses both middle and high school levels under one roof, catering to 369 students with a student-teacher ratio of 11.9:1. The dedicated teaching staff includes 31 full-time equivalent educators committed to supporting the academic needs of each student.
With an overall MySchoolScout rating of 4.3 out of 10 and a state ranking of #421 among 542 schools in Maine, Penquis Valley is working diligently on its educational offerings with room for improvement. The school’s academic score stands at 1.5 out of 10, reflecting that there are areas where the curriculum could be strengthened. In terms of proficiency rates, 56% of students meet or exceed standards in ELA/Reading, while 47% do so in Math.
The setting is uniquely rural and remote, providing a close-knit community atmosphere with strong ties to local traditions and values. Penquis Valley Middle/High School embodies the essence of small-town education, fostering connections between students, teachers, and families within its tight-knit community.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Penquis Valley Middle/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, Penquis Valley Middle/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 metricsView breakdown
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Penquis Valley Middle/high School — Students at Penquis Valley Middle/high School score 67% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 72%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
79.4%
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: 8.8/10.
How Penquis Valley Middle/high School Compares
See how Penquis Valley Middle/high School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 10% (2019) to 65% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has improved from 32% (2019) to 69% (2022).
Location
48 Penquis Drive, Milo, ME 04463
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Penquis Valley Middle/high School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Penobscot Valley High School (rated 8.0/10, 16.2 miles away, in nearby Howland), which scores slightly higher. Another option is FOXCROFT ACADEMY (rated 6.3/10, 13.0 miles away, in nearby Dover-Foxcroft), with a comparable rating. Additionally, Central High School (rated 5.9/10, 17.6 miles away, in nearby Corinth), a more accessible option. For more schools in Milo, see our Milo schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 21.0 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 04463 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$58,693
Median Home Value
$100,000
Median Rent
$942/mo
Population
2,649
College Educated
18.5%
Homeownership
70.4%
Avg Commute
38.5 min
Poverty Rate
16.2%
Median Age
46.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Penquis Valley Middle/high School has a median household income of $58,693. It is a community where 19% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $100,000, with a median rent of $942/month. The area has a poverty rate of 16.2%. The average commute in the area is 39 minutes, which is above the national average. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Mt View High School Thorndike, ME | 7.0 |
| Sumner Memorial High School Sullivan, ME | 7.0 |
| Bucksport High School Bucksport, ME | 7.1 |
| Cape Elizabeth High School Cape Elizabeth, ME | 6.9 |
| MAINE CENTRAL INSTITUTE Pittsfield, ME | 7.1 |
| Wiscasset Middle/High School Wiscasset, ME | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Penquis Valley Middle/high School
What grades does Penquis Valley Middle/high School serve?
Penquis Valley Middle/high School serves students in grades 5th through 12th.
How many students attend Penquis Valley Middle/high School?
Penquis Valley Middle/high School has an enrollment of approximately 369 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Penquis Valley Middle/high School?
The student-teacher ratio at Penquis Valley Middle/high School is 11.9:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Penquis Valley Middle/high School rank in ME?
Penquis Valley Middle/high School is ranked #168 out of 542 schools in ME.
What is Penquis Valley Middle/high School's MySchoolScout rating?
Penquis Valley Middle/high School has a composite rating of 7.0 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 Penquis Valley Middle/high School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Penquis Valley Middle/high School has 47.0% math proficiency and 55.7% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Penquis Valley Middle/high School a charter school?
No, Penquis Valley Middle/high School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Penquis Valley Middle/high School a Title I school?
No, Penquis Valley Middle/high School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Penquis Valley Middle/high School?
79.4% of students at Penquis Valley Middle/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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 5th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 369
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 11.9:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 31
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 79.4%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Remote Rural
- County
- Piscataquis County
- Phone
- (207) 943-7346
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
RSU 41/MSAD 41- District Enrollment
- 620
- Schools in District
- 3
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $20,956
- District Rank
- #3 of 3
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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