Scarborough School Department operates 5 schools (grades KG–12). Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | Scarborough School Department | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,500 | 3,700 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 5 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $14,000/yr | $13,700/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 9/10 — Excellent | — | Above average |
About Scarborough School Department
Families in zip code 04074 (Scarborough, Maine) are assigned to Scarborough School Department for public education through 12th. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
Scarborough School Department reports per-pupil expenditure of approximately $14,000 per year, placing it 10% below the Maine state average of approximately $15,500 and near the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Near-average districts typically provide core academic programs with adequate staffing, though program breadth may be more limited than in higher-funded systems. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 5 schools, Scarborough School Department operates as a mid-sized district serving students from Kindergarten – 12th. The district enrolls approximately 3,500 students in total. Mid-sized districts strike a balance between community-scale relationships and sufficient program breadth. Most offer core academic tracks, basic extracurricular programs, and adequate student support services.
Understanding the 9/10 Rating
Scarborough School Department has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 9/10, placing it in the top-tier tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection (2017–18 school year). We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Maine is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Scarborough School Department ranks among the highest-performing public school districts in Maine on state assessments, with reading and math proficiency rates in roughly the top 10–20% statewide. Homes in and around zip code 04074 often carry a measurable premium relative to neighboring areas served by lower-rated districts. Families moving here for academic strength will find a district whose students test well above the state norm. Even within top-rated districts, individual school performance varies — confirm your specific school assignments directly with the district.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 04074
Children in zip code 04074 are assigned to Scarborough School Department for public school enrollment, covering grades Kindergarten – 12th. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 04074, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Scarborough School Department at (207)730-4100 or visit sites.google.com/a/scarboroughschools.org/sps/. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Maine districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Scarborough
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Scarborough School Department serves zip code 04074, homes in and around zip code 04074 often carry a measurable premium over comparable properties in adjacent lower-rated districts. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Maine, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Scarborough School Department programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 04074.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Scarborough School Department before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 04074 data.