Charter School Choice
Does the state have charter schools?
Are for-profit charter schools or management companies allowed?
We did not find information about for-profit charters or education service providers in Maine statute.
"'Education service provider' means an education management organization, charter management organization, school design provider or any other partner entity with whom a public charter school intends to contract for a limited scope of education services and resources, including education design, implementation or management."
Is there a cap on the number of charter schools?
Effective until 2022, no more than 10 public charter schools approved by the commission may operate at any time. When the cap is reached, the commissioner may not accept further registrations from the commission. At this point, only local school boards and collaboratives of local school boards may approve charters until the end of the transition period.
Are charters required to provide transportation for any students?
"A public charter school must have a plan that describes how the school will provide transportation for its students who reside in the school's catchment area and what assistance, if any, it will provide to meet the transportation needs of its students who reside outside the catchment area of the school."
Can charter schools employ uncertified teachers?
Full-time teachers must have a teaching certificate or become certified within 3 years of employment, unless they have an advanced degree, professional certification, or unique expertise or experience in their teaching area.
Virtual School Choice
Do state statutes allow for full-time virtual schools?
Are virtual schools required to track attendance?
The charter contract must include a plan by which the governing board is required to provide verification of ongoing attendance.
Do virtual schools have to comply with state teacher certification requirements?
Private School Choice
Does the state have voucher programs?
Maine statutes allow for the Town Tuitioning Program. Students residing in a district that does not operate any public schools, or does not contract with school's of another district, are eligible for the Town Tuitioning Program. The resident district shall pay the tuition at the public school or the approved private school of the parent's choice at which the student is accepted.
This is coded as "Unclear" because the Maine Department of Education states that the state does not have a voucher program.
20-A §5203.4 & 20-A §5204.4
20-A §2951 through 20-A §2955
Maine Department of Education: Approval for Receipt of Public Funds by Private Schools
Does the state have educational expense tuition tax credits or deductions?
Can students use vouchers to attend religious schools?
Is there a cap on the number of students or private schools participating in voucher programs?
Are voucher students in private schools required to take any standardized tests?
To receive public funds, private schools must participate in statewide assessment programs and meets requirements of learning results under section 6209 if they enroll 60% or more publicly funded students
Can private schools be removed from voucher programs based on performance?
Are private schools in voucher programs required to provide transportation?
Interdistrict School Choice
Does the state have interdistrict choice programs?
The school boards of two or more school administrative units may adopt mutual policies allowing the transfer of students, with parental approval, among the participating units.
20-A §5205.6-A: Other exceptions to the general residency rules-Interdistrict enrollment policies.
Are receiving schools or districts required to provide transportation to any students?
"The school boards of 2 or more school administrative units may adopt mutual policies allowing the transfer of students, with parental approval, among the participating units. The policies must set forth procedures and standards governing the transfers, including but not limited... standards of responsibility for transportation..."
20-A §5205.6-A: Other exceptions to the general residency rules-Interdistrict enrollment policies.