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2020 Best Public High Schools for STEM in the Portland, ME AreaAbout this List

The 2020 Best Public High Schools for STEM ranking is based on rigorous analysis of key statistics and millions of reviews from students and parents using data from the U.S. Department of Education. Ranking based on math state test scores, enrollment in advanced math and science courses, math SAT/ACT scores, alumni interest in STEM majors and colleges, and STEM school ratings. STEM stands for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math. Read more on how this ranking was calculated.

1 – 15 of 15
Best for STEM
15 results

  1. Cape Elizabeth High School

    • Cape Elizabeth Public Schools, ME
    • 9-12
    • 67 reviews
    #1 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: Both of my parents and all of their siblings went to CEHS, and my brother, my cousins, and I followed. For my personal experience, CEHS has been a great high school experience, despite all the stereotypes about my town. It’s a gorgeous, coastal town with lots of big houses, so you’d assume that all the kids are stuck-up, rich, spoiled brats, but everyone is friendly and kind!
    Read 67 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 515 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  2. Falmouth High School

    • Falmouth Public Schools, ME
    • 9-12
    • 70 reviews
    #3 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: For the most part, Falmouth is great. The academics are terrific, except in some classes. The teachers are personable, except for a few. The clubs and activities are fun, except when there's no room for creativity. It's a great school but it's not perfect. The administration is wonderful about addressing an issue, but only if it comes to their attention. Often times, they don't even know there is an issue until a student or another faculty member informs them. However, as a student, I feel extremely safe in the school and feel as if I can talk to majority of my teachers if I need advice or just a minute to blow off some steam. There are so many opportunities that Falmouth offers it's students and if in ten or twnety years, if I end up living in Maine, I will most likely send my kids to Falmouth.
    Read 70 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 704 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  3. Yarmouth High School

    • Yarmouth Schools, ME
    • 9-12
    • 125 reviews
    #4 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: I've been in Yarmouth my entire school career and I can say that I am so lucky because of the education and support I received throughout. The teachers in the district genuinely care about their students. I am close with the majority of the teachers that I have had in the last four years. They treat students more than just a student by being flexible when needed and very relatable. The academics are rigorous and there are many to choose from. There are requirements but, students really get to customize which classes they want to take. Yarmouth has a very good English and History department but a declining Math and Science department. However, outside help/getting help from other teachers is very accessible at Yarmouth. Students do not get left behind if they are struggling and they get the support they need especially if they reach out to teachers.
    Read 125 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 502 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  4. Greely High School

    • Regional School Unit No. 51 (MSAD 51), ME
    • 9-12
    • 143 reviews
    #5 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: I think Greely is an accepting place for unique individuals, it offers an environment where authenticity is encouraged and I would like to think that there is less concern about what others think of you that there is at nearby schools. This is definitely my favorite aspect of Greely, but in terms of academics, I feel very prepared for college and alumni have expressed that they felt more prepared than their peers in college. I do think that there is a lack of diversity, which hinders the social scene at Greely and perhaps creates more of a uniform mindset. I think that is one of the improvements I would make, is to incorporate people from all kinds of backgrounds in order to create a more well-rounded environment. Another improvement I would make is to the food, there has been a major improvement in terms of healthier options but there is still a very limited amount of food for people with dietary restrictions such as vegetarian, vegan, and gluten-free alternatives.
    Read 143 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 632 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  5. Kennebunk High School

    • Regional School Unit No. 21 (MSAD 21), ME
    • 9-12
    • 104 reviews
    #6 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: Kennebunk high school has offered me the best four years of my education. From supportive teachers to interesting classes, there's something for everyone here. Students are able to excel at their choice of an IB or AP curriculum, allowing students who may not fit a standard role of education to succeed and learn in their own comfort. The school was renovated in 2017 giving the students access to state of the art facilities to help with anything from engineering to studio art. The guidance counselors are incredibly supportive throughout the college process, giving Kennebunk the privilege of having sent students nearly every year to Ivy League schools, pursuing majors to change their world. I could not have imagined a better place to learn and grow.
    Read 104 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 670 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  6. Scarborough High School

    • Scarborough Public Schools, ME
    • 9-12
    • 171 reviews
    #7 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: Scarborough High School is full of great teachers who are passionate about their students and what they are teaching. The AP classes are difficult but often taught by the best teachers who work hard to ensure that the students are being given every chance to succeed. This is a high school and as such there the common culture of popularity exists. Yet even those in the top tier don't meet the common stereotype of being self righteous and judgemental. On the contrary they are often welcoming and helpful. Scarborough students in general are told to be the best. Not only in one aspect of their life, but all. They are expected to be both exceptional athlete and outstanding students. This is typically due to unreasonable requests by faculty members such as Mr. Legage. In general this is a great place to go to school. Just be sure of who you are and be confident enough to know that you don't need to do everything otherwise you will drive yourself crazy.
    Read 171 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 996 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  9. Brunswick High School

    • Brunswick Public Schools, ME
    • 9-12
    • 129 reviews
    #11 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: Brunswick High School offers a wide array of classes. The high school has a very strong music program and athletics. The track, however, is falling apart and as a result the high school can no longer host track meets. The science department is also very strong and the teachers love what they teach. In the spring, there are school trips to different countries that can be taken which are very fun. The school also is outstanding in its academics and has several National Honor Societies. The building is well built and it is a large school. Classes are easy to get to.
    Read 129 Reviews

    • A
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 735 Students
    • 10:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  10. Baxter Academy for Tech & Sciences

    • Public School
    • Portland, ME
    • 9-12
    • 43 reviews
    #12 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: Not only do I get encouragement from all the staff and teachers, but I am surrounded by many motivated intellectuals who encourage me to do my best. The classes are set up so that we are challenged and have hands-on experiences. The teachers are always happy to help. The students are encouraged to think outside the box and solve problems. We dedicate 20% of our school year (Every Friday) on a project that we choose. Some people will do internships, start school clubs, plan abroad trips, etc. This is a great encouragement for students to solve problems on their own or with groups. It teaches teamwork, problem-solving, and encourages students to think independently.
    Read 43 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 343 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  11. Freeport High School

    • Regional School Unit No. 05 (MSAD 05), ME
    • 9-12
    • 152 reviews
    #13 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: I think Freeport High School has an amazing humanities department. The history, sociology, and political science classes here are consistently outstanding, and taught by intelligent and entertaining teachers. The English department is similarly outstanding, and the theatre, band, and arts departments are well-liked across the board. However, it should be noted that math and science are far more of a mixed bag in my experience. In those fields, it very much depends on which teacher you get, and some of the classes are quite underwhelming. There are sparks of greatness, and the engineering department is actually fine, but the stricter sciences and lower-level math classes are consistently weaker than others in the school.
    Read 152 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 513 Students
    • 12:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  12. South Portland High School

    • South Portland Public Schools, ME
    • 9-12
    • 139 reviews
    #14 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: South Portland High School has offered me a safe place to learn and obtain information. Unlike other high school students, our aesthetically pleasing building does not make me feel like I am sitting in a jail all day long, and also provides me with a safe and functioning facility. The administration and faculty care about the success of the students and offer as many resources as they can. They introduce multiple styles of learning to appeal to each student and to each brain. The students bare open minds and accept each student in our widely diverse school, educating themselves on social topics they might not understand instead of discriminating against them. The one fault within the school that I am passionate about is the grading system. The state recently required the district to move into proficiency based grading, creating a 1-4 scale. I have found that the teachers have not been trained properly on how to use it, which is frustrating for students who are paying the price.
    Read 139 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 887 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  13. Mt. Ararat High School

    • Regional School Unit No. 75 (MSAD 75), ME
    • 9-12
    • 168 reviews
    #15 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Senior: The school has mostly good teacher who care about the students and what they are learning. They also try to get on the good side of students and the students will usually try to do the same with the teacher to make the classroom a fun learning environment. However, there is a new school being built and the old school has fake walls everywhere so a class will be able to hear another class next door. Also, since there is a new school in construction the last few classes (like the class of 2019 and 2020) are losing some of the benefits that older classes had. The parking lot is smaller and the sports field is gone so teams have to find somewhere else to practice and have their games. On the other hand, administration is trying their best to give the students something in return for taking away some of the older benefits. The graduation of the class of 2019 had their graduation at Bowdoin College which ended up being very nice. Student senior also get the priority of parking spots.
    Read 168 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 730 Students
    • 11:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  14. Casco Bay High School

    • Portland Public Schools, ME
    • 9-12
    • 49 reviews
    #16 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    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 49 Reviews

    • A-
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 378 Students
    • 14:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  15. Morse High School

    • Regional School Unit No. 01 (MSAD 01), ME
    • 9-12
    • 136 reviews
    #17 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Alum: The spirit and attitude of the faculty and staff at Morse High School made me feel as though Morse was my home. There are diverse classes offered, including many advanced placement courses, thus giving students the opportunity to challenge themselves academically and receive college credit. Teachers go above and beyond to offer support outside of class in order to make sure their students are successful. The culture of Morse makes everyone proud to be a Shipbuilder and attributes to MHS having one of the largest alumni base in the country. This alumni support allows hundreds of thousands of dollars in scholarships to be given to the graduating class every year. Morse truly goes above and beyond to make sure their students can achieve their dreams, during and beyond high school.
    Read 136 Reviews

    • B
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 611 Students
    • 15:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  16. Deering High School

    • Portland Public Schools, ME
    • 9-12
    • 88 reviews
    #18 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Junior: DHS proves that in a world of division, that we can all learn simultaneously. I have learned so much at Deering that I wouldn't have learned at a suburban high school, both in and out of the classroom. Teachers and coaches all care about your well being, and the student body is on your side too. My only reservations are the administration and lack of funding. Having kids from all different backgrounds, including socio-economically speaking, doesn't leave copious resources for extracurriculars. However, this doesn't stop us from competing at the highest levels. It only means we have to do a little more fundraising!
    Read 88 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 908 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  17. Portland High School

    • Portland Public Schools, ME
    • 9-12
    • 107 reviews
    #20 Best High Schools for STEM in Portland, ME Area

    Parent: The staff and faculty go the extra mile for my kids. The academic rigor and diversity of clubs and activities is excellent. Students have many opportunities to join groups and athletics and a lot of support from the school. I feel that the students are ready for the independence of college and life as an engaged citizen when they graduate. There is a lot of student input and student voice is taken to heart, therefore a lot of changes to the age-old systems have taken place in recent years. The art department is always doing cool things and the math team consistently wins. The High School Quiz Show team has made it to the final rounds on MPBS for years! It's a well-rounded school where there is a place for all types of kids and interests. That's been our experience.
    Read 107 Reviews

    • B+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 740 Students
    • 13:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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  18. Sponsored

    L'Ecole Française du Maine

    • Private School
    • South Freeport, ME
    • PK, K-5
    • 43 reviews

    Niche User: L’ecole française du Maine has always impressed me with their friendliness and know-how. I began my relationship with the school when I was a volunteer face painter at their incredibly fun summertime carnival. I then went on to be an extra hand or substitute as needed during my breaks from college. All the children seem so happy and the teachers were nothing but kindness. The sense of community was strong and although I was new, I was warmly welcomed. I was impressed by all the children who were able to masterfully switch from speaking to their parents in English to their teachers in French, especially those who began to learn the language! I love this schools unique ability to create bilingualism and knowledge of other cultures at such a young age, while still keeping up with their maths and creative abilities that they would be doing in an English speaking classroom. If I could give L’ecole française Du Maine 6 stars I would! Wonderful place to work and learn.
    Read 43 Reviews

    • A+
      Overall Niche Grade
    • 72 Students
    • 8:1 Student-Teacher Ratio
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