Newcastle Public Schools operates 15 schools (grades PK–12). Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | Newcastle | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 98 | 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 | 1/10 — Poor | — | Below average |
| District | Rating | Percentile | Students |
|---|---|---|---|
| Newcastle (this district) | 1/10 | 8th | 98 |
| 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 → 8th percentile → 1/10.
Source: U.S. Dept. of Education EDFacts, 2017–18 school year (most recent available for this district). Full methodology →
About Newcastle
Zip code 04553 in Newcastle, Maine is served by Newcastle Public Schools for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Newcastle’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
With a rating of 1/10 (poor), Newcastle ranks among Maine’s low-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 (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.
⚠️ Small-district caveat. Newcastle enrolls 98 students. A percentile rank drawn from so few test-takers is statistically unstable — it can move several points from one year to the next on normal variation alone, and a single class of students can swing it. Treat this rating as a rough signal rather than a precise ranking, and look at the school-level detail below before drawing conclusions.
Newcastle 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 04553 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 04553
Children in zip code 04553 are assigned to Newcastle 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 04553, 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 Newcastle 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 Newcastle
For families considering a purchase in the Newcastle area, district assignment matters financially. Because Newcastle serves zip code 04553, homes in and around zip code 04553 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 Newcastle 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 04553.
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 Newcastle before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 04553 data.