Maine’s largest school system has 10 elementary schools, three middle schools
and four high schools serving nearly 7,000 students in kindergarten through grade 12
and about 4,700 adult learners.
The district takes full advantage of its location in a vibrant city with a thriving arts life. Schools draw on the resources offered by museums, theaters, local businesses and the city’s colleges and universities.
Portland has a highly trained teaching staff. Many teachers hold advanced degrees. All of the district's teachers continue their education by pursuing professional development activities on a regular basis.
The district provides technology to support instruction, including laptops for each student in grades seven through 12 and wireless access at all schools.
Volunteers, parent-teacher organizations and businesses donate generously of their time and money to the district – an estimated 100,000 hours per year.
Graduates of the Portland Public Schools attend the country’s top colleges and universities. See www.portlandschools.org for colleges attended by recent graduates.
The Portland Public Schools gives parents an array of program choices. The district as one of the first in the country to offer project-based Expeditionary Learning from kindergarten through 12th grade.
High school students have access to one of the broadest selections of Advanced Placement courses in Maine. Qualified high school students may take up to two college courses with tuition paid by the state. A regional arts and technology high school provides hands-on courses in growth fields such as health care, robotics and “green” construction.
More than 60 languages are spoken by students attending the Portland Public Schools. Multilingual students represent about a quarter of the district’s enrollment. The district’s diversity prepares all students for their roles as world citizens.
Portland residents can pursue lifelong learning and professional success through the academic, jobs skills and enrichment courses offered by Portland Adult Education.
Most of Portland’s middle and high school students participate actively in co-curricular activities such as athletics, drama, music and service clubs. Portland students regularly excel in academic and athletic competitions at the regional, state and even national level.
See a list of recent honors, awards and recognition for the Portland Public Schools at: www.portlandschools.org. Join Portland ME Public Schools on Facebook. A focus on service learning-- connecting the schools to the wider community—results in students undertaking many projects that benefit greater Portland. |
