CLIFF ISLAND SCHOOL

Cliff Island School is a public elementary school that is part of the Portland Public Schools school district, located in Cliff Island, ME with about 2 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 5th Grade.

The Cliff Island School is a unique, one-room public schoolhouse located on Cliff Island, the most remote and year-round residential island in the Casco Bay archipelago of Maine. As a part of the Portland Public Schools district, it serves a very small population of K–8 students, often functioning as a multi-grade classroom where students learn in a collaborative, personalized environment. Because the island is accessible only by ferry, the school acts as the primary social and educational hub for the small, tight-knit island community.

Academically, the school emphasizes a hands-on, place-based curriculum that integrates the island's natural environment into daily lessons. Due to the small student-to-teacher ratio, the educational experience is highly individualized, allowing for significant flexibility in instruction. While the school maintains a strong connection to the broader Portland school system, it remains a distinct example of rural island education, fostering independence, community involvement, and a deep appreciation for the unique challenges and beauty of coastal Maine living.

For more information, contact Cliff Island School at (207) 766-2885 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.