School Overview
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.
952
Total Students
68.5
Full-Time Teachers
13.9
Student/Teacher Ratio
50.8%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Portland High School
Demographic Student Count
White505
Hispanic133
Black206
Asian39
Two or More66
American Indian3
  • White
    505 (53.0 %)
  • Black
    206 (21.6 %)
  • Hispanic
    133 (14.0 %)
  • Two or More
    66 (6.9 %)
  • Asian
    39 (4.1 %)
  • American Indian
    3 (0.3 %)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: High School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: Portland Public Schools
Phone: (207)874-8250
Website: http://phs.portlandschools.org
Grade Range: 9th - 12th
Total Students: 952
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 68.5
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 13.9
NSLP Participation:1 Yes under Provision 2
Qualified Free Lunch: 322
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 162
Grades Taught
Grade 9 212
Grade 10 245
Grade 11 212
Grade 12 283

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for Portland High School
Grade Student Count
Grade 9212
Grade 10245
Grade 11212
Grade 12283
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for Portland High School
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female43846%
Male51454%
Nearby High Schools (Within 10 Miles)