2023 Best High Schools in the Portland, ME Area

• Portland, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.62 out of 5  82 reviews

Parent: We joined the Waynflete community during the pandemic and could not have been more impressed. Coming from NYC, our frame of reference were high caliber schools, with strong academics and an emphasis on social emotional support. I wondered if the kids would experience the same in a smaller city and smaller school. I was blown away. Running a school during the pandemic is no small feat, and the administration at Waynflete handled it beautifully with clear communications and well thought out contingency plans. The kids were in school in person nearly the entire year. The small class size and individualized attention has resulted in increased confidence and grasping of new skills with openness and excitement. Both my children have learning differences and they have been supported with tutors, occupational therapy, and teachers who monitor their needs and progress with care. I've loved getting to know the diverse parent community and felt a warm welcome when we arrived.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 579

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Yarmouth Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.04 out of 5  137 reviews

Senior: For parents and students who want a quality education and one that helps you get to college, Yarmouth H.S. Is it. The AP track will set you up for success. You need to be diligent and focused, but you’ll have options for colleges after graduation!... Read 137 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 550

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Bath, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.03 out of 5  79 reviews

Parent: Our family is so grateful to Hyde! After Hyde, my son went on and graduated from Tufts University, thanks to his teachers/coaches and the focus on leadership development that he gained at Hyde. It also has a diverse population of students/faculty from all over the world that create a family-like atmosphere. Parent involvement like no other school in America...with a focus on character!... Read 79 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 105

• Student-teacher ratio 4:1

• Cape Elizabeth Public Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.63 out of 5  83 reviews

Senior: Cape Elizabeth is wonderful in many ways, and I’ve been lucky enough to experience the system from kindergarten to my current status of a senior in the high school. Above all the staff and administration is what has stood out to me. I really feel cared for by my teachers and counselors in this community. They always go the extra mile to support me and my peers. The student body is competitive which can bring some stress, but it also has pushed me to strive to do better. There are so many opportunities and experiences unique to Cape that I am forever grateful for. The small student body makes for a tight knit community and you will never be overlooked. Classes are challenging but mostly in a good way, and topics are relevant and interesting. It is a privilege to attend this school and I could not be more thankful for everything Cape has done for me over the years... Read 83 reviews

• grade A+

• Students 542

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Falmouth Public Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.12 out of 5  82 reviews

Alum: I had a great time at Falmouth, overall. The arts programs were the highlight for me, allowing me to fully learn about and embrace my creative side. Excellent faculty, amazing funding for the arts, and just a really great place to learn in general. The biggest faults with falmouth would probably be the social scene and the competitiveness. Almost everyone in falmouth is rich and privileged, so if you don’t fit in to the norm, you’ll probably be ostracized. Not in a bullying kind of way, more just general exclusion. Also, everyone is super smart, the school being full of overachievers. If you want to be in the top of your class or do well academically, you really have to commit yourself and understand it won’t be easy. Aside from this though, my experience was great at falmouth. I was a bit of an outcast but I found great friends in the arts programs and really found myself through art, theatre, and music.... Read 82 reviews

• grade A

• Students 661

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Portland, ME•

• Private School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  123 reviews

Senior: Cheverus has an extremely welcoming community. As freshman students are given a classic Cheverus experience through the school's many traditions. School spirit comes alive for students at sporting events, productions of the arts, STEM competitions and more. There is truly something for everyone at Cheverus. The teachers care about their students and want to see them exceed. Students care about their education and the work that they put in to do well in school. At Cheverus, being smart isn't frowned upon, but supported. With under 400 students, the community is very tightly knit throughout all of the grades.... Read 123 reviews

• grade A

• Students 361

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Scarborough Public Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.94 out of 5  190 reviews

Freshman: The teachers are super nice, organized, and helpful! The school offers a wide variety of clubs also. Many classes are offered, including AP classes, and many art, music, and tech classes.... Read 190 reviews

• grade A

• Students 942

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Regional School Unit No. 51 (MSAD 51), ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  165 reviews

Senior: I liked going to Greely. I think as a high school student it can be hard to put into perspective what type of education you are receiving vs. that of others in surrounding areas. I graduated early (this past December) and have been attending SMCC–my experience at SMCC has made me very grateful for the education I received in high school. We were prepared well! Other students in the same program seem to come with different skills in relation to classwork and assignment completion. I was happy to see repetition in some of the courses; Greely holds their students to a high standard and it will prepare them well for college (regardless of CP or honors status for courses).... Read 165 reviews

• grade A

• Students 641

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Yarmouth, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  48 reviews

Parent: My children have attended NYA for 9 years. The school is welcoming, accepting, encouraging, and challenging. I love the school so much I have dedicated my time to volunteering and helping at school. If you are looking for somewhere that is special and seriously committed to making your child a better person holistically, check it out!... Read 48 reviews

• grade A

• Students 375

• Student-teacher ratio 7:1

• Brunswick Public Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.93 out of 5  159 reviews

Senior: I moved to Brunswick High school after a very bad experience at my past school. The staff and students welcomed me in with open arms. I felt safe, comforted, wanted, and loves. The teachers checked up on me, would ask me about my transition, and get to know me. They genuinely care about their students. The environment that the staff fostered also set a great example for the students. So many kids tried to get to know me, showed me around, and were very nice and kind. After the pandemic happened only about a month after I started school, I found the same type of response and treatments from the staff and students. We had to switch to online learning which was very difficult and such an abstract concept. The teachers were very understanding, not giving us too much work to handle. They were also very helpful. Almost all of my teachers offered extra help times where we could log onto a meeting and get face to face help with any of our work or concepts that were difficult.... Read 159 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 757

• Student-teacher ratio 11:1

• Regional School Unit No. 21 (MSAD 21), ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.48 out of 5  119 reviews

Senior: Kennebunk High School offers a variety of extracurricular activities such as sports, different clubs, and volunteer opportunities. Our clubs rang from environmental based, political based, school spirit based, and so on. Also, our classes have a wide-range of difficulty. We have AP, IB, honors, and dual enrollment classes that prepare students for college level.... Read 119 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 751

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Portland Public Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.79 out of 5  136 reviews

Senior: The Portland High School I shadowed in eighth grade is unrecognizable from the Portland High School that I currently attend. The way the school and the district is run has changed completely, along with a great portion of the staff and even some of the administrators. That being said, I'm glad I was able to experience it for what it was as I truly think that it was the best possible option for me. All of its offerings and options really catered to specifically what I was interested in, but was also open to many other people. If you have something that interests you, the likelihood of a program or opportunity being available is great, and that is something that I really enjoyed and found pleasant.... Read 136 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 888

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Freeport, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.72 out of 5  39 reviews

Parent: Our daughter has been attending Pine Tree Academy for 6 years and has loved it! The teachers go above and beyond and care so much about the students. They meet each student where they are at academically, socially, and emotionally. The elementary level program is amazing! The teachers and administration have been very supportive, and respond to any concerns right away. It is important to us for our children to have a well rounded education that is spiritually based, and that will ultimately prepare them for college and the real world. So far, we have had a great experience and look forward to our children's future at Pine Tree!... Read 39 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 125

• Student-teacher ratio 10:1

• Saco, ME•

• Private School•

• 6-12

• •
  Rating 4.2 out of 5  261 reviews

Senior: This school has prepared me so well for college! Whether it’s on the track or in the classroom, there’s always someone around you to help lead you in the right direction. I came from another private school where I was practically failing each class, and after transferring to Thornton, my grades increased drastically. I even made NHS! There’s so many clubs, sports, activities, and community service around campus, not to mention the variety of different courses and electives. It’s the biggest school in Maine, and is basically like a mini college. It gives you the opportunity to take classes through our public college school system too for both high school and college credits, which can be really helpful (Thornton pays for the college course too). Overall amazing prep for college!... Read 261 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 1,519

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Portland Public Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.28 out of 5  57 reviews

Alum: This school is unique. The teachers truly cared about students and set up the courses so that you feel you are truly using the content you learn. Varied expeditions offer opportunities for students with diverse interests to take a lead and make a change. The classes have focused on presentations, essay writing and group work in particular, and that way the classes are taught make it feel more like a group effort to learn, guided by the teacher, as opposed to a boring lecture where you have to memorize random stuff. The aspect of community is unrivaled at any other school, the school is diverse, and students of different backgrounds are put into the same classes and learn to lead together and become more accepting. There are many extracurriculars worth spending your time on, and the charismatic and exceptional principal, Derek Pierce, leads and creates an amazing atmosphere in the school.... Read 57 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 395

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Freeport, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 3.77 out of 5  43 reviews

Parent: We could not have made it through distance learning without Maine Coast Waldorf School. Connection in community is now more important than ever, and our choice several years ago to enroll at MCWS was validated again and again this spring. The teachers and staff went above and beyond during this first foray into distance learning, quickly and nimbly providing engaging and meaningful curriculum. When my son nor I thought we could get through another day of quarantine, we felt connected. Who knows what this Fall will actually bring, but we know the school experience will continue to learning in relationship. Grateful!... Read 43 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 288

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• South Portland Public Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.59 out of 5  150 reviews

Senior: As someone who has been to about eight or nine different schools, SOPO is among the best. The class selection is astounding and the number of electives is truly something to be amazed by. The opportunity presented through electives is truly a beautiful thing—I’ve learned woodworking, film photography, multiple types of art forms, psychology, anatomy, creative writing, animation/game design, and many other classes I never thought I’d be able to take in High School. Our students are ambitious and have brought forth many changes over the years, such as changing the grading system to something that was unfair and predictive instead of reflective to a system that was more realistic to the real world through respectful protest and discussion. This school is pretty great in comparison to others around the country.... Read 150 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 908

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• South Portland, ME•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.8 out of 5  5 reviews

Alum: I attended GPCS from K-12th grade and now am 4 years out of high school and still incredibly thankful for the education I received through attending this school. You won't find another school in the Portland, Maine area with such a family culture and teachers who are always willing to give you the shirt off their back. I plan to send my own kids to school here in the future. I could write a 10 page paper on all the blessings I have received in my life as a result of my parents sacrifice to send me to GPCS. The value of the education I received far surpasses the cost of sending your children to school here.... Read 5 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 140

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Regional School Unit No. 05 (MSAD 05), ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.56 out of 5  169 reviews

Senior: Freeport High School is a great school to attend. It offers anything from great sports teams to and very fortunate theater program. At Freeport, I enjoy the ability to have independent studies for whatever you want to do, I did one in film photography and had a great time. I also am pleased in the amazing guidance office and how supportive they are whenever you need anything. This high school is right in the middle of Freeport so having a job in town is very convenient. This school is usually very good about support people that need support, but their consequences also come very quick sometimes when it comes to little things that are usually over looked at other school. The staff is mostly excellent at the school and are usually always willing to help you out and meet with you to get grades up when you ask for the help or if they see you grade starting to drop. For the most part the environment at this school is welcoming and great and I very much enjoyed my experience at this school.... Read 169 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 606

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Portland Public Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.84 out of 5  108 reviews

Senior: Deering is an incredibly diverse and welcoming high school, with students from many backgrounds. Everyone is friendly and open, and it won't be hard to find your people. Some teachers are not great, and some teachers are the best mentors you will ever have; it really depends. While most people complain about the facilities and there have been issues with difficult admin, the community (ramily) is probably the best part of Deering. Academics are good, too, especially the AP classes!... Read 108 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 749

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Gorham Public Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  206 reviews

Freshman: What I liked most about Gorham High school, it would have to be the amount of variety between classes. They expand on topics in the real world and prepare us with real world problems and solutions. Gorham High School is all about being inclusive to everyone that comes through the doors and is always trying to raise awareness and have even events to have inclusiveness. One example is that we had a day just for saying that we accept all and by having students make pins for everyone to wear. Overall, I say Gorham High School is a great place to grow up and learn!... Read 206 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 854

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Portland, ME•

• Public School•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.66 out of 5  58 reviews

Senior: My experience at Baxter has been a good one, especially in comparison to my time attending public schools. I feel that their advertisement of being a "rigorous, college-preparatory high school" is a bit of a stretch- the teachers are passionate about the subjects they teach, though with this dedication comes a readiness to adapt the curriculum to leave no students behind, sometimes missing out on parts of courses entirely. The level of these courses is also comparable to any other high school, however there is much more freedom and opportunity for individuality. The real learning from Baxter comes more from getting to explore and learn about who you are as a person, forming connections with others, and developing skills and habits that can stick with you through your lifetime.... Read 58 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 390

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Regional School Unit No. 01 (MSAD 01), ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.75 out of 5  159 reviews

Senior: Morse High School has a great community for both current and previous students who choose to spend any of their four years here in the 826 building. With many different clubs, classes, and volunteer opportunities, Morse High School is nothing short of a perfect school environment for kids of any background. One things that could be improved about Morse High School would be teachers following through with 504 plans. Many students have had issues (especially since the Covid-19 pandemic) with their teachers and faculty following these extra learning plans. While the last few years have been difficult for everyone, it's important to allow all students the chance to thrive, and that's what these plans have been put in place to do.... Read 159 reviews

• grade B

• Students 623

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Regional School Unit No. 75 (MSAD 75), ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.52 out of 5  184 reviews

Senior: Great building, faculty, leaders and sports! There are a lot of opportunities to get involved with a variety of activities. Students are very relaxed and accepting. Teachers go the extra mile.... Read 184 reviews

• grade B

• Students 742

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Biddeford Public Schools, ME•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.6 out of 5  91 reviews

Senior: With the assistance of the wonderful teachers and people at this school, I have prepared for the next significant step in my life. However, there is a lack of parental support for the high school and that the school struggles to get students involved in clubs. However, they compensate for it with their resources and teachers. Although the school is rarely mentioned when it comes to resources, it has many resources and programs that can help you get ready for the future.... Read 91 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 738

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1