Telstar High School

Summary:

Telstar High School is a public high school located in Bethel, Maine, serving grades 9-12 with a total enrollment of 178 students. This school stands out as a high-performing institution, consistently outperforming the state and its Regional School Unit 44/Maine School Administrative District 44 in academic proficiency.

Telstar High School has seen a remarkable improvement in its statewide ranking, moving from 110th out of 111 schools in 2016-2017 to 14th out of 123 Maine high schools in the 2022-2023 school year, earning a 4-star rating from SchoolDigger. The school's academic performance is impressive, with 87.76% of students proficient or better in English Language Arts and 54.35% proficient in Mathematics, surpassing the district and state averages. However, the school's high chronic absenteeism rate of 50.6%, which is significantly higher than nearby schools like Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School and Dirigo High School, is an area of concern that the school should address.

Telstar High School also stands out for its relatively low student-teacher ratio, ranging from 10.5 to 11.7 over the past three school years, which is lower than the nearby schools. Additionally, the school has a higher percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch, ranging from 44.81% to 50%, compared to the 42.53% rate at Oxford Hills Comprehensive High School. This suggests that the school may be serving a more economically disadvantaged population, which could contribute to the higher chronic absenteeism rate.


Detail:

Public 9-12

 284 Walkers Mills Rd
       Bethel, ME  04217


(207) 824-2136

District: Regional School Unit 44/Maine School Admin District 44

SchoolDigger Rank:
14th of 123 Maine High Schools

Per Pupil Expenditures:  $22,053 Help


Feeder schools for Telstar High School:

Elementary:    Crescent Park School
    Woodstock School
Middle:    Telstar Middle School

Student/teacher ratio:  10.5 Help
Number of students:  178

Racial breakdown:

White:
93.3%
Two or more races:
3.4%
Hispanic:
2.8%
more

Free/discounted lunch recipients:  50% Help


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Performance Trends
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Compare Details Telstar High School ranks better than 88.6% of high schools in Maine. (See more...)
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Compare Details In 2023 the calculated Average Standard Score was 72.55. (See more...)
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The Adjusted Cohort Graduation Rate (ACGR) measures the percentage of Telstar High School freshmen who graduate within four years, adjusting for students who transfer in or out.
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Chronic absenteeism in a high school refers to a situation where students repeatedly miss school, with the threshold often defined as missing 10% or more of school days for any reason, excused or unexcused.
Student Body
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Compare Details Racial makeup is: White (93.3%), two or more races (3.4%), Hispanic (2.8%). (See more...)
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Compare Details 50% of students are receiving a free or discounted lunch. (See more...)
Teachers
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Compare Details The student/teacher ratio at Telstar High School is 10.5. (See more...)
Help
Compare Telstar High School employs 16.8 full-time teachers.
Finance
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Compare Details The average total spent per student at Telstar High School is $22,053.
Schooldigger Rankings:

Telstar High School was not ranked this year due to insufficient test score data.
SchoolDigger ranks Telstar High School 14th of 123 Maine public high schools. (See Telstar High School in the ranking list.)

Regional School Unit 44/Maine School Admin District 44:

SchoolDigger ranks Regional School Unit 44/Maine School Admin District 44 56th of 177 Maine school districts. (See district ranking list.)

Average Parent Rating:

Read all reviews and ratings detail for Telstar High School.

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Rank History for Telstar High School

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Rank History for all students at Telstar High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools ME State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2010 24.23 84th 103 18.4%
2011 36.13 69th 105 34.3%
2012 21.93 92nd 107 14.0%
2013 36.80 71st 106 33.0%
2015 30.96 45th 98 54.1%
2016 31.66 74th 111 33.3%
2017 3.70 110th 111 0.9%
2018 16.09 100th 114 12.3%
2019 38.42 61st 114 46.5%
2022 69.95 23rd 98 76.5%
2023 72.55 14th 123 88.6%
See the entire list of Maine High School Rankings!

Rank History for Female students at Telstar High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools ME State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 31.98 57th 92 38.0%
See the entire list of Best Maine High Schools for Female Students!

Rank History for Male students at Telstar High School

Year Avg Standard Score Statewide Rank Total # Ranked High Schools ME State Percentile SchoolDigger Rating
2019 68.49 24th 92 73.9%
See the entire list of Best Maine High Schools for Male Students!

Data source: test scores: Maine Department of Education, rankings: SchoolDigger.com

As you review the school rankings data, please be aware that some of the information from certain demographics is missing. The reason for this omission is that the data has been redacted from the source data itself due to low population samples in these specific demographic groups.

Redacting data from low population samples is a necessary step to ensure the reliability and accuracy of the results, as small sample sizes may not be representative of the broader population. Additionally, this measure helps protect the privacy of individuals belonging to these demographic groups.

Telstar High School Test Scores
Tests: 
  
Grades: 
  
Years: 
  
Group by: 
District Scores:
State Scores:    
  
Subgroup: 



Data source: Maine Department of Education

Review counts

All ratings (Avg rating: 3)
40%

0%

20%

0%

40%

  

by a parent
Friday, December 8, 2017

Open Quote Very poor teacher involvement past handing out assigment for the most part. Lack of excitment on teachers part, it is just a paycheck, go in get out job for the majority of them. Everything extra curriculum has been taken away from the kids. Close Quote


by a parent
Thursday, December 7, 2017

Open Quote I went to Telstar and although I did not put much effort into it the teachers always pushed you to do your best. My son now goes to Telstar and so far he is getting all the help he needs. School is what you put into it. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Open Quote Proud to be a parent of a Telstar Graduate! Ms Dole is an exceptional teacher too. Close Quote


by a parent
Wednesday, December 6, 2017

Open Quote Here in our family we love Telstar High School! Our daughter is a sophomore there, currently, and enjoys the small size, because she can have frequent interaction with her teachers and the staff. The teachers and other staff are very dedicated and work hard to make the school day productive and interesting for the students. The administrators are dedicated and open to parent involvement. The PTO group is strong and very positive. We need more kids on our sports teams, but overall, things are Telstar are going in a very good direction! Close Quote


by a citizen
Tuesday, December 5, 2017

Open Quote The administration at this facility is horrendous and is in desperate need of replacement. Close Quote



Enrollment information for Telstar High School

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Compare
Year White African American Asian Hispanic American Indian Pacific Islander Two or More Races Not Specified Total
1991 0 0 0 0 0 n/a n/a 303 303
1992 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 303 303
1993 n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a n/a 304 304
1994 303 1 1 1 0 n/a n/a 0 306
1995 274 2 2 2 0 n/a n/a 0 280
1996 274 2 2 2 0 n/a n/a 0 280
1997 285 2 4 2 0 n/a n/a 0 293
1998 287 3 3 2 1 n/a n/a 0 296
1999 286 3 2 3 1 n/a n/a 0 295
2000 296 3 0 1 4 n/a n/a 0 304
2001 282 1 1 1 5 n/a n/a 0 290
2002 321 0 1 0 4 n/a n/a 0 326
2003 321 0 1 0 4 n/a n/a 0 326
2004 313 0 3 1 4 n/a n/a 0 321
2005 317 1 1 3 3 n/a n/a 0 325
2006 296 0 1 2 4 n/a n/a 0 303
2007 296 0 1 2 4 n/a n/a 0 303
2008 290 0 0 2 3 n/a n/a 0 295
2009 286 0 0 2 3 n/a n/a 0 291
2010 277 0 1 2 3 n/a n/a 0 283
2011 270 0 1 2 2 0 0 0 275
2012 242 0 1 2 5 0 0 0 250
2013 214 0 0 2 3 0 2 0 221
2014 212 1 0 5 3 0 3 0 224
2015 214 3 0 1 2 0 5 0 225
2016 212 1 0 1 0 0 3 0 217
2017 185 2 1 1 0 0 3 0 192
2018 191 1 1 4 0 0 2 0 199
2019 188 0 0 4 0 0 0 0 192
2020 169 1 0 6 0 0 1 0 177
2021 172 0 1 8 1 0 3 0 185
2022 168 1 1 8 0 0 5 0 183
2023 166 1 0 5 0 0 6 0 178

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Enrollment/Ethnicity

For more information about how the Department of Education defines ethnicity, see Defining Race and Ethnicity Data, National Center for Education Statistics

Students eligible for free or discounted lunch at Telstar High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 303 24.0 12.6 n/a
1992 303 21.0 14.4 n/a
1993 304 19.0 16.0 24.7
1994 306 17.6 17.4 22.5
1995 280 16.7 16.8 18.6
1996 280 16.7 16.8 18.6
1997 293 17.7 16.6 15.4
1998 296 19.0 15.6 21.6
1999 295 19.0 15.5 27.8
2000 304 19.6 15.5 67.1
2001 290 20.6 14.1 37.6
2002 326 22.0 14.8 31.9
2003 326 22.0 14.8 31.9
2004 321 19.1 16.8 31.2
2005 325 26.6 12.2 27.7
2006 303 24.4 12.4 34
2007 303 24.9 12.2 39.9
2008 295 28.0 10.5 38
2009 291 21.5 13.5 39.5
2010 283 19.0 14.8 54.1
2011 275 17.5 15.7 55.3
2012 250 18.0 13.8 6.4
2013 221 17.9 12.2 58.8
2014 224 17.6 12.6 58.9
2015 225 18.0 12.5 58.7
2016 217 16.0 13.5 62.7
2017 192 16.5 11.6 60.9
2018 199 15.7 12.6 50.8
2019 192 16.1 11.9 53.1
2020 177 16.5 10.7 42.4
2021 185 15.7 11.7 48.1
2022 183 15.7 11.6 44.8
2023 178 16.8 10.5 50

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Students eligible for discounted/free lunch:

The National School Lunch Program (NSLP) provides low-cost or free meals to students in U.S. public and nonprofit private schools based on household income. Those with incomes below 130% of the poverty line receive free lunch, while those between 130% and 185% qualify for reduced-price lunch. The percentage of students receiving free or reduced-price lunch serves as a marker for poverty, as it reflects the socioeconomic status of families in a given school or district. A higher FRPL rate typically indicates a higher concentration of low-income families, suggesting that the school or district may face additional challenges in providing adequate resources and support for student success.

Student/Teacher Ratio Telstar High School

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Compare
Year # Students Full-time Teachers Student/Teacher ratio % Free/Discounted Lunch
1991 303 24.0 12.6 n/a
1992 303 21.0 14.4 n/a
1993 304 19.0 16.0 24.7
1994 306 17.6 17.4 22.5
1995 280 16.7 16.8 18.6
1996 280 16.7 16.8 18.6
1997 293 17.7 16.6 15.4
1998 296 19.0 15.6 21.6
1999 295 19.0 15.5 27.8
2000 304 19.6 15.5 67.1
2001 290 20.6 14.1 37.6
2002 326 22.0 14.8 31.9
2003 326 22.0 14.8 31.9
2004 321 19.1 16.8 31.2
2005 325 26.6 12.2 27.7
2006 303 24.4 12.4 34
2007 303 24.9 12.2 39.9
2008 295 28.0 10.5 38
2009 291 21.5 13.5 39.5
2010 283 19.0 14.8 54.1
2011 275 17.5 15.7 55.3
2012 250 18.0 13.8 6.4
2013 221 17.9 12.2 58.8
2014 224 17.6 12.6 58.9
2015 225 18.0 12.5 58.7
2016 217 16.0 13.5 62.7
2017 192 16.5 11.6 60.9
2018 199 15.7 12.6 50.8
2019 192 16.1 11.9 53.1
2020 177 16.5 10.7 42.4
2021 185 15.7 11.7 48.1
2022 183 15.7 11.6 44.8
2023 178 16.8 10.5 50

Data source: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Dept of Education.

About Student-Teacher Ratio

Student/teacher ratio is calculated by dividing the total number of students by the total number of full-time equivalent teachers. Please note that a smaller student/teacher ratio does not necessarily translate to smaller class size. In some instances, schools hire teachers part time, and some teachers are hired for specialized instruction with very small class sizes. These and other factors contribute to the student/teacher ratio. Note: For private schools, Student/teacher ratio may not include Pre-Kindergarten.
Finances

Per Pupil Expenditures for Telstar High School

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YearTotal Expenditures Per Pupil
2018 $17,194
2019 $17,649
2020 $19,944
2021 $19,148
2022 $20,852
2023 $22,053

Data source: Maine Department of Education
Pre and Post Pandemic Data

Impact of COVID-19 on Telstar High School

The coronavirus has had a profound impact on education in America. Learning shifted online overnight, attendance numbers dwindled, and enrollment decreased. SchoolDigger.com is making it easier for you to better assess how COVID-19 has impacted your school. Through the collection of pre-pandemic (2019) and current data, SchoolDigger.com is sharing test scores, enrollment numbers and school demographics from schools across the country – and we make it easy to see how impacted schools compare locally and statewide.

Rankings

Rank
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Rank
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Ranks 61st of 114 High schoolsRanks 14th of 123 High schools
 42.1%

Student Body

Number of students
Pre-pandemic (2018-2019)
Number of students
Post pandemic (2022-2023)
Change (%)
Total Students192178
 7.3%
African American01
American Indian00
Asian00
Hispanic45
 25%
Pacific Islander00
White188166
 11.7%
Two or More Races06
% Free/Discounted Lunch Recipients53.1%50%
 3.1%


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Frequently Asked Questions about Telstar High School

Telstar High School ranks 14th of 123 Maine high schools. SchoolDigger rates this school 4 stars out of 5.

In the 2022-23 school year, 178 students attended Telstar High School.

Students at Telstar High School are 93% White, 3% Two or more races, 3% Hispanic.

Telstar High School is fed by the following schools:

Elementary : Crescent Park School
Elementary : Woodstock School
Middle : Telstar Middle School


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SchoolDigger data sources: National Center for Education Statistics, U.S. Department of Education, the U.S. Census Bureau and the Maine Department of Education.

IMPORTANT DISCLAIMERS: Not all boundaries are included. We make every effort to ensure that boundaries are up-to-date. But it's important to note that these are approximations and are for general informational purposes only. To verify legal descriptions of boundaries or school locations, contact your local tax assessor's office and/or school district.





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