More than a decade ago, Veazie Community School faced the prospect of closure: enrollment was falling and questions persisted about the sustainability of the school in this tiny Penobscot County town.

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Now, the narrative has transformed: Veazie Community School was just named the best elementary and middle school in the country!

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So how are they doing it? And what can they teach schools and communities all across Maine? ​Here are just a few of the recent changes that are leading to positive results:

• More time every day focused on math and literacy

• Strong relationships throughout the entire building

• A focus not just on content - but individual skill development

• A comprehensive strategy to regularly look at every child's skills and deficits

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The results are striking: higher student enrollment, literacy and math proficiency far above the state average, declines in student suspensions, and zero teacher resignations over the past four years. 

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Learn more about how they're doing it by watching the latest episode of "Learning from Maine"!​​