| Metric | Sanford Public Schools | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 3,215 | 3,544 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 6 | 7 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $18,394/yr | $17,619/yr | ≈ Near avg |
| District Type | Public School District | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 3/10 — Below Average | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Sanford Public Schools (this district) | 3/10 | 27th | 3,215 |
| School Administrative District 60 | 4/10 | 39th | 2,911 |
| School Administrative District 57 | 7/10 | 62nd | 2,924 |
| Wells-Ogunquit Community School District | 10/10 | 90th | 1,407 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 160 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 — 0.8 mi · Grades PK–PK
- Sanford High School — 0.8 mi · Grades 9–12 · 1,115 students
- Margaret Chase Smith — 2.1 mi · Grades PK–4 · 396 students
- Sanford Pride Elementary School — 3.6 mi · Grades PK–4 · 383 students
- Sanford Middle School — 3.7 mi · Grades 5–8 · 920 students
- Carl J Lamb School — 4.0 mi · Grades PK–4 · 436 students
About Sanford Public Schools
Zip code 04073 in Sanford, Maine is served by Sanford Public Schools for public school enrollment. The district covers grades Pre-K–12th. This page provides a data-driven overview of Sanford Public Schools’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 3/10 Rating
With a rating of 3/10 (below average), Sanford Public Schools 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 Public Schools carries a below-average rating, with reading and math proficiency rates below typical Maine benchmarks on state assessments. A below-average score reflects test performance relative to other districts — not necessarily teaching quality or school culture, and some of these districts have schools with strong communities and dedicated staff. Families should research specific school quality, visit in person, and ask about available programs. Also ask about open enrollment and magnet options that may offer alternatives to the default attendance-zone assignment.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 04073
Children in zip code 04073 are assigned to Sanford Public Schools for public school enrollment, covering grades Pre-K–12th. 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 Public Schools 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 Public Schools 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 Public Schools 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 and phone numbers are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring; per-pupil spending comes from the US Census Bureau's Annual Survey of School System Finances, released about two years after the fiscal year it covers. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Sanford Public Schools before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 04073 data.