Sanford operates 15 schools (grades PK–12). Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | Sanford | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,215 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 6 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $15,500/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanford (this district) | 3/10 | 27th | 3,215 |
| Yarmouth School Department | 10/10 | 95th | 2,200 |
| Scarborough School Department | 10/10 | 92nd | 3,500 |
| Lewiston School Department | 1/10 | 2nd | 5,500 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 159 rated districts in ME → 27th percentile → 3/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
- Sanford Regional Technical Center — Grades PK–PK · 0 students
- Sanford High School — Grades 9–12 · 1115 students
- Carl J Lamb School — Grades PK–4 · 436 students
- Sanford Pride Elementary School — Grades PK–4 · 383 students
- Sanford Middle School — Grades 5–8 · 920 students
- Margaret Chase Smith — Grades PK–4 · 396 students
- Lyman Moore Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 470 students
- King Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 434 students
- Lincoln Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 382 students
- Sanford High School — Grades 9–12 · 912 students
- Deering High School — Grades 9–12 · 850 students
- Casco Bay High School — Grades 9–12 · 379 students
About Sanford
Zip code 04073 in Sanford, Maine is served by Sanford for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Sanford’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
Public school districts in Maine spend approximately $15,500 per student per year on average (state-level estimate; district-level figures vary), above the national average (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. 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
At 6 schools serving grades K–12, Sanford qualifies as a mid-sized district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 3,215 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 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Sanford ranks among Maine’s below-average-rated school systems. 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 (2021–22 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.
Sanford holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Maine on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 04073
Children in zip code 04073 are assigned to Sanford for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 04073, 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 Sanford at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Sanford
For families considering a purchase in the Sanford area, district assignment matters financially. Because Sanford serves zip code 04073, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 04073. 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 Sanford 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 04073.
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 Sanford before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 04073 data.