Portland High School is a public high school established in 1821 in Portland, Maine, United States, which educates grades 9–12. The school is part of the Portland Public Schools district, and is one of three high schools in that district, along with Deering High School and Casco Bay High School.
Serving 912 students in grades 9-12, Portland High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maine for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 45-49% (which is approximately equal to the Maine state average of 49%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 80-84% (which is approximately equal to the Maine state average of 84%).
The student-teacher ratio of 14:1 is higher than the Maine state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 54% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Maine state average of 15% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 912 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Minority Enrollment: 54%
- Graduation Rate: 77% (Btm 50% in ME)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 80-84% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Portland High School's attendance zone encompasses the entire school district in Portland, ME, covering approximately 69.4 square miles. The typical drive to the school is about 10-12 minutes, with the furthest edge of the zone located 13.5 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Portland High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maine for:
Category
Attribute
Most improved public schools
School Overview
Portland High School's student population of 912 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 63 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
912 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
63 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1821
School Calendar
Campus Size
10 acres
School Motto
We are proud of our heritage and of how well PHS has adapted to changing times.
School Rankings
Portland High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 500 schools in Maine (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Portland High School is 0.68, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.28. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#288 out of 500 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
49%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
84%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
11:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
4%
1%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
12%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
Black
31%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
White
46%
85%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
7%
4%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
77%
87.3%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40.2%
28.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
35%
39%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 33-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
18%
7%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 27-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
White, Blue
School Mascot
Bulldog
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Portland High School's ranking?
Portland High School is ranked #288 out of 500 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maine.
What schools are Portland High School often compared to?
Portland High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Deering High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 49% ME state average), while 80-84% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 84% ME state average).
What is the graduation rate of Portland High School?
The graduation rate of Portland High School is 77%, which is lower than the Maine state average of 87.3%.
How many students attend Portland High School?
912 students attend Portland High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
46% of Portland High School students are White, 31% of students are Black, 12% of students are Hispanic, 7% of students are Two or more races, and 4% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Portland High School?
Portland High School has a student ration of 14:1, which is higher than the Maine state average of 11:1.
What grades does Portland High School offer ?
Portland High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Portland High School part of?
Portland High School is part of Portland School District.
In what neighborhood is Portland High School located?
Portland High School is located in the Downtown neighborhood of Portland, ME.
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