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.
912
Total Students
63.3
Full-Time Teachers
14.4
Student/Teacher Ratio
53.1%
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Portland High School
Demographic Student Count
White420
Hispanic113
Black281
Asian36
Two or More59
American Indian2
  • White
    420 (46.1%)
  • Black
    281 (30.8%)
  • Hispanic
    113 (12.4%)
  • Two or More
    59 (6.5%)
  • Asian
    36 (4.0%)
  • American Indian
    2 (0.2%)
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: 912
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 63.3
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 14.4
NSLP Participation:1 Yes under Provision 2
Qualified Free Lunch: 322
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 162
Grades Taught
Grade 9 178
Grade 10 197
Grade 11 243
Grade 12 294

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for Portland High School
Grade Student Count
Grade 9178
Grade 10197
Grade 11243
Grade 12294
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for Portland High School
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female43848%
Male47351.9%
Not Specified10.1%
Nearby High Schools (Within 10 Miles)