Serving 179 students in grades Prekindergarten-4, James Otis Kaler Elementary School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Maine for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-59% (which is higher than the Maine state average of 49%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80-84% (which is approximately equal to the Maine state average of 84%).
The student:teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Maine state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 50% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Maine state average of 14% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-4
- Enrollment: 179 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 50%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in ME
- Math Proficiency: 50-59% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80-84% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 11-19% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
James Otis Kaler Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maine for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
Diversity
School Overview
James Otis Kaler Elementary School's student population of 179 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 21 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-4
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
179 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
School Rankings
James Otis Kaler Elementary School ranks within the top 50% of all 500 schools in Maine (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of James Otis Kaler Elementary School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.26. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#223 out of 500 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-59%
49%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
84%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
11-19%
37%
Student : Teacher Ratio
9:1
11:1
American Indian
1%
1%
Asian
4%
1%
Hispanic
16%
3%
Black
24%
5%
White
50%
86%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
5%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
44%
33%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is James Otis Kaler Elementary School's ranking?
James Otis Kaler Elementary School is ranked #223 out of 500 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Maine.
What schools are James Otis Kaler Elementary School often compared to?
James Otis Kaler Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Dora L Small Elementary School, Frank I Brown Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-59% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 49% ME state average), while 80-84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 84% ME state average).
How many students attend James Otis Kaler Elementary School?
179 students attend James Otis Kaler Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
50% of James Otis Kaler Elementary School students are White, 24% of students are Black, 16% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are Two or more races, 4% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are American Indian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of James Otis Kaler Elementary School?
James Otis Kaler Elementary School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Maine state average of 11:1.
What grades does James Otis Kaler Elementary School offer ?
James Otis Kaler Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-4 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is James Otis Kaler Elementary School part of?
James Otis Kaler Elementary School is part of South Portland School District.
In what neighborhood is James Otis Kaler Elementary School located?
James Otis Kaler Elementary School is located in the Knightville neighborhood of South Portland, ME. There are 3 other public schools located in Knightville.
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