AUGUSTA, Maine – Today, the Maine Charter School Commission (MCSC) — which authorizes, monitors, and develops unique public charter schools that provide a dynamic, superlative education for every student — highlighted new research from U.S. News & World Report, showing that charter schools are some of the most successful schools in the state. The report specifically showcased Maine Connections Academy, Maine Virtual Academy, and Baxter Academy for Technology and Science as three of the best performing schools in Maine.

In its annual listing, U.S. News & World Report analyzed more than 103,000 pre-K, elementary and middle schools, in addition to nearly 25,000 public high schools across America. The ranking can be accessed here.

According to the new report, Scarborough-based Maine Connections Academy (MCA), Augusta-based Maine Virtual Academy (MEVA), and Portland-based Baxter Academy all ranked in the top 10 in Maine for their respective age groups. MCA finished first among middle schools, while MEVA ranked 10th overall. Baxter Academy, meanwhile, finished 10th among all high schools. MCA’s performance is especially noteworthy, with U.S. News & World Report showing that 98 percent of MCA students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 98 percent scored at or above that level for reading.

“All of Maine’s children deserve access to a vibrant ecosystem of schools, and we are proud to see our state’s charter schools perform so strongly,” said Lana Ewing, Executive Director of the MCSC. “From Augusta to Portland and Scarborough, charter schools clearly rank among Maine’s best schools, and it goes to show that there are many viable options for students to maximize their learning potential. Especially as we address the state’s post-pandemic challenges, MCSC is committed to helping charter schools build on these promising results, on behalf of students, parents, and the teachers we depend on so much.”