THE MAINE ADVANTAGE: Maine Education

Maine’s primary education system is ranked among the top ten in the country. Maine’s fourth and eighth graders consistently score among the highest in the nation in math, science and reading, demonstrating the high standards and success of the state’s education system. Maine’s university and technical college systems each have seven campuses spread across the state and there are numerous private colleges including Bates, Bowdoin and Colby which are among the top-ranked private colleges in the nation.

MAINE

Maine businesses find that employees and their families benefit from the state’s academically challenging environment. Maine’s students were ranked first in the nation in 2000 based on seven tests conducted by the National Assessment of Educational Progress, and Maine ranked first in the nation for high school graduation rate for 2001. The state’s education system is ranked among the top 10 in the country. All of Maine’s schools and libraries are linked via Frame Relay Service. It is the first state to install Internet access in every school and library.

Maine is also a leader in higher education. Eighty percent of the adult population has a high school education plus at least some post-secondary education. Three Maine colleges – Bates, (www.bates.edu) Bowdoin, (www.bowdoin.edu) and Colby (www.colby.edu) – are among the top 25 liberal arts schools in the nation. The University of Maine system (www.umaine.edu) and the state’s seven technical colleges www.mtcs.net) serve the entire state.

MADISON

The community of Madison is served by Maine School Administrative District #59, which also serves the surrounding towns of Athens, Brighton Plantation and Starks. The total enrollment of SAD #59 is approximately 1050 students.

The schools of SAD #59 challenge students to develop to their full academic potential while helping them create a positive attitude and healthy self-image. At an early age, pre-school programs help prepare students by assisting them in the development of necessary scholastic and social skills. At the secondary level, students have the opportunity to attend college prep and advanced placement classes as well as vocational courses provided by the Skowhegan Regional Vocational Center.

SAD #59’s relatively small size only enhances the extra-curricular opportunities made available to its students. From an exceptional athletic program to a variety of music and art opportunities, SAD #59 can provide each student a well-rounded, quality education. For more information, visit www.sad59.k12.me.us.

Area	Class	High School Graduation Rate	Intent to enroll in post-secondary education
Maine	2000	86.8%	65.04%
MSAD 59	2000	87.34%	63.77%
Maine	2001	79.41%	66.41%
MSAD 59	2001	86.75%	70.37%

Source: Maine Department of Education

HIGHER EDUCATION ACCESS

Madison also offers close proximity to one of the best higher education hubs in the Northeast, with Colby College, Thomas College, Unity College, Kennebec Valley Technical College, and the Universities of Maine at Augusta, Farmington and Orono all within a 55-mile radius.