Shirley Public Schools operates 15 schools (grades PK–12). Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | Shirley | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 7,500 | 3,700 | ↑ Larger than avg |
| Number of Schools | 0 | 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 | 2/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Shirley (this district) | 2/10 | 15th | — |
| Yarmouth School Department | 10/10 | 95th | 1,679 |
| Scarborough School Department | 10/10 | 92nd | 2,891 |
| Lewiston School Department | 1/10 | 2nd | 5,088 |
🔢 Show the math behind this rating
Ranked against 159 rated districts in ME → 15th percentile → 2/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2021–22 school year. Full methodology →
About Shirley
Zip code 04485 in Shirley Mills, Maine is served by Shirley Public Schools for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Shirley’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 2/10 Rating
Shirley has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 2/10, placing it in the low-rated 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 (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.
⚠️ This district operates no schools. NCES reports Shirley Public Schools as an open district with 0 operating schools and no enrollment of its own. Maine towns in this position pay tuition for their students to attend school in neighbouring districts, so the rating below does not describe a school you can enrol in here. Contact the town office to find out which districts its students actually attend.
Shirley 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 04485
Children in zip code 04485 are assigned to Shirley 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 04485, 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 Shirley at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. 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 Shirley Mills
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Shirley serves zip code 04485, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 04485. 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 Shirley 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 04485.
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 Shirley before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 04485 data.