South Portland High School is a public high school located in South Portland, Maine, United States. The first high school in what is now South Portland was built in 1874 while the City was part of Cape Elizabeth, Maine.
Serving 995 students in grades 9-12, South Portland High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maine for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 80-84% (which is approximately equal to the Maine state average of 82%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 65-69% (which is lower than the Maine state average of 84%).
The student:teacher ratio of 12:1 is higher than the Maine state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 37% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Maine state average of 14% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 995 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 37%
- Graduation Rate: 86% (Top 50% in ME)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 80-84% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 65-69% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-24% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
South Portland High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maine for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
South Portland High School's student population of 995 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 81 teachers has grown by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
995 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
81 teachers
Year Founded
1874
School Rankings
South Portland High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 512 schools in Maine (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of South Portland High School is 0.55, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.26. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#392 out of 512 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
80-84%
82%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
65-69%
84%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
37%
Student : Teacher Ratio
12:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
1%
Hispanic
8%
3%
Black
22%
5%
White
63%
86%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
86%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
34%
33%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Red Riot
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is South Portland High School's ranking?
South Portland High School is ranked #392 out of 512 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maine.
What schools are South Portland High School often compared to?
South Portland High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cape Elizabeth High School, Westbrook High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
80-84% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 82% ME state average), while 65-69% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 84% ME state average).
What is the graduation rate of South Portland High School?
The graduation rate of South Portland High School is 86%, which is equal to the Maine state average of 86%.
How many students attend South Portland High School?
995 students attend South Portland High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
63% of South Portland High School students are White, 22% of students are Black, 8% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Asian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of South Portland High School?
South Portland High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is higher than the Maine state average of 11:1.
What grades does South Portland High School offer ?
South Portland High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is South Portland High School part of?
South Portland High School is part of South Portland School District.
In what neighborhood is South Portland High School located?
South Portland High School is located in the Knightville neighborhood of South Portland, ME. There are 3 other public schools located in Knightville.
School Reviews
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