PORTLAND HIGH SCHOOL

Portland High School is a Title I public high school that is part of the Portland Public Schools school district, located in Portland, ME with about 756 students offering grade levels from 9th Grade to 12th Grade. Student demographics can be found below. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 52 teachers, Portland High School has a student/teacher ratio of about 14:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

Portland High School, located at 284 Cumberland Avenue in the heart of downtown Portland, Maine, holds the distinction of being one of the oldest operating high schools in the United States. Established in 1821, the school is deeply woven into the history of the city, occupying a prominent red-brick facility that reflects a blend of historic architecture and modern academic resources. As a cornerstone of the Portland Public Schools district, it serves a diverse student body, fostering an environment that emphasizes community engagement, civic responsibility, and academic rigor.

The school is well-known for its vibrant student culture, characterized by a strong sense of school spirit—often highlighted by its iconic "Bulldog" mascot—and a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities. Beyond its traditional classroom curriculum, Portland High offers a comprehensive range of Advanced Placement courses, robust arts programs, and competitive athletic teams. By leveraging its central urban location, the school provides students with unique access to community partnerships and internship opportunities, preparing them for a broad spectrum of post-secondary pathways in an increasingly globalized world.

For more information, contact Portland High School at (207) 874-8250 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.