The DOE also makes recommendations to state leaders concerning education spending and policies.
The third type is a MSAD (Maine School Administrative District).
Students are obligated to attend the central high school.
A large number of private elementary schools with under 20 students exist, but most private high schools in Maine can be perceived as "semi-private."
This means that while it costs money to send children there, towns will make a contract with a school to take children from a town or MSAD at a slightly reduced rate.
It has an annual enrollment of nearly 30,000 students and significantly impacts the state's economy.
The system is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE) and offers a wide range of degree programs both onsite and online.
The system has seen increased enrollment due to initiatives like the Free College Scholarship program, which allows recent high school graduates to pursue two-year degrees or certifications without tuition fees.
[4] This program has significantly boosted enrollment numbers beyond pre-pandemic levels.