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#421 of 542 schools in ME

South Portland High School

High School · South Portland Public Schools

637 Highland Avenue, South Portland, ME 04106

Enrollment

995

Student-Teacher

12.4:1

Score

5.2

Grades

9th – 12th

Updated 2022-23

How this school compares

In South Portland

#2 of 6

public schools

Maine high schools

#98 of 112

In district

#2 of 6

South Portland Public Schools

About South Portland High School

South Portland High School serves 995 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 12.4:1, supported by 80 full-time equivalent teachers. Located on Highland Avenue in South Portland, Maine, the school operates as a regular public high school with significant room for academic growth. While the school faces academic challenges with a state ranking of 528th out of 542 Maine high schools, there are some bright spots in student performance.

Math proficiency stands out with 82% of students achieving proficient or above levels across grade levels, significantly exceeding typical expectations. Reading and English Language Arts show 67% of students performing at proficient or above levels, indicating areas where continued support and development could benefit students. The school serves a stable community in Cumberland County, where the median household income reaches $81,551 and nearly half of residents hold bachelor's degrees or higher.

The neighborhood maintains a low poverty rate of 5.3%, with median home values around $357,900, reflecting a middle-to-upper-middle-class area of over 26,000 residents. South Portland High School sits in a small city setting that combines suburban amenities with coastal Maine charm, providing students with both educational opportunities and a strong community foundation.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress3.0Fair25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change+8.54 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendImproving
Academics3.0Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency82%
Reading/ELA Proficiency67%
Overall Proficiency75%
Expected (poverty-adj.)84%
vs. Expected-9.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile12th
College Readiness9.3Exceptional30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
AP Participation29%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment4.7Below Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio12.4:1
Per-Pupil Spending$16,364

South Portland High School — Students at South Portland High School score 74% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 84%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

36.3%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores ME EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 69.3%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 72.7%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from ME state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↑ Improving

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2019
Math
39%
ELA
64%
2021*
Math
87%
ELA
87%
2022
Math
82%
ELA
67%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 3.0/10.

How South Portland High School Compares

See how South Portland High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
5.2/10
23th percentile in ME
Academic
3.0/10
3.0/10
Growth
3.0/10
Below average
Environment
4.7/10
Below average

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
36%
Teaching Staff
12:1 student-teacher ratio
80 teachers

Location

637 Highland Avenue, South Portland, ME 04106

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering South Portland High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. Cape Elizabeth High School (rated 6.9/10, 2.9 miles away, in nearby Cape Elizabeth), which scores notably higher. Another option is Baxter Academy for Tech & Sciences (rated 6.3/10, 2.7 miles away, in nearby Portland), which scores notably higher. Additionally, Portland High School (rated 5.4/10, 2.6 miles away, in nearby Portland), with a very similar rating. For more schools in South Portland, see our South Portland schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.5 mi
School Distance Rating
Dyer Elementary School South Portland 0.3 mi 4.5
James Otis Kaler Elementary School South Portland 0.5 mi 5.1
GREATER PORTLAND CHRISTIAN SCHOOL South Portland 1.1 mi 7.0
AUCOCISCO SCHOOL Cape Elizabeth 1.1 mi
Frank I Brown Elementary School South Portland 1.3 mi 4.8
WAYNFLETE SCHOOL Portland 1.7 mi 7.5
HOLY CROSS SCHOOL South Portland 1.4 mi 6.0
Howard C Reiche Community Sch Portland 2.0 mi 4.3
King Middle School Portland 2.5 mi 4.9
Waldo T Skillin Elementary School South Portland 1.9 mi 5.2
Portland High School Portland 2.6 mi 5.4
Baxter Academy for Tech & Sciences Portland 2.7 mi 6.3
Dora L Small Elementary School South Portland 2.2 mi 4.8
Arthur R. Gould Sch--LCYDC South Portland 2.4 mi
Pleasant Hill School Scarborough 2.8 mi 7.2
Cape Elizabeth Middle School Cape Elizabeth 2.6 mi 6.6
Pond Cove Elementary Cape Elizabeth 2.6 mi 5.8
LEVEY DAY SCHOOL Portland 3.1 mi 7.3
Cape Elizabeth High School Cape Elizabeth 2.9 mi 6.9
East End Community School Portland 3.5 mi 3.6

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 04106 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$83,744

Median Home Value

$403,500

Median Rent

$1,642/mo

Population

26,966

College Educated

49%

Homeownership

60.4%

Avg Commute

17.9 min

Poverty Rate

6.2%

Median Age

41

Community Profile

The community surrounding South Portland High School has a median household income of $83,744. It is a well-educated community where 49% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $403,500, with a median rent of $1,642/month. The local poverty rate of 6.2% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Bonny Eagle High School Standish, ME 5.4
Marshwood High School South Berwick, ME 5.0
Mt Blue High School Farmington, ME 5.0
Portland High School Portland, ME 5.4
Massabesic High School Waterboro, ME 4.9
Sanford High School Sanford, ME 4.9

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about South Portland High School

What grades does South Portland High School serve?

South Portland High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.

How many students attend South Portland High School?

South Portland High School has an enrollment of approximately 995 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at South Portland High School?

The student-teacher ratio at South Portland High School is 12.4:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does South Portland High School rank in ME?

South Portland High School is ranked #421 out of 542 schools in ME.

What is South Portland High School's MySchoolScout rating?

South Portland High School has a composite rating of 5.2 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at South Portland High School?

Based on the most recent state assessment data, South Portland High School has 69.3% math proficiency and 72.7% reading/ELA proficiency.

Is South Portland High School a charter school?

No, South Portland High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is South Portland High School a Title I school?

No, South Portland High School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for South Portland High School?

36.3% of students at South Portland High School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
22 Car-Dependent
Transit Score
27 Some Transit
Bike Score
42 Somewhat Bikeable
City Safety
Elevated (1,444/100K)

Powered by Walk Score

FBI UCR 2024. City-level (South Portland). Data >1 year old.

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
995
Student-Teacher Ratio
12.4:1
Teachers (FTE)
80
Free/Reduced Lunch
36.3%
Type
regular
Setting
Small City
County
Cumberland County
Data Year
2023–2024

How We Rate Schools

Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.

Read our full methodology

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