Orginially published on Parents For School Options – May 3rd, 2024
Maine has some great high schools, and 10 of the best are surprising.
WMTW reported that a new study from U.S. News & World Reports ranked the best public high schools across the country. It looked at over 17,000 schools, and 126 from Maine made the list.
They use six different areas a school must excel in to qualify:
- College Readiness
- State Assessment Proficiency
- State Assessment Performance
- Underserved Student Performance
- College Curriculum Breadth
- Graduation Rate
Here are the top 10 high schools in Maine that made the list.
10. Maine Virtual Academy – Augusta, Maine
This is one of two virtual schools named best in the state. At Maine Virtual Academy (MEVA), they promote that your kid (7-12 grades) can learn in the ways that are right for them, whether that’s at home, on the road, or wherever there’s an internet connection.
To learn more about Maine Virtual Academy, please visit https://meva.k12.com.
9. Ashland District School – Ashland, Maine
The student population of Ashland District School is 244, and they serve PK-12. At Ashland District School, 82% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 87% scored at or above that level for reading.
8. Freeport High School – Freeport, Maine
Freeport High School is an above-average, public school. It has 597 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. According to state test scores, 95% of students are at least proficient in math and 95% in reading. With statistics like that, can you imagine what the number one school in Maine is?
7. Maine Connections Academy – Scarborough, Maine
Maine Connections Academy is a tuition-free 7–12 online public charter school that students attend from home. Authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission, Maine Connections Academy is state-certified and open to students throughout Maine. Wild.
6. Gray-New Gloucester High School – Gray, Maine
Gray-New Gloucester High School is ranked sixth in Maine. Students have the opportunity to take International Baccalaureate coursework and exams. The IB participation rate at Gray-New Gloucester High School is 24%. The total minority enrollment is 9%, and 22% of students are economically disadvantaged.
5. Casco Bay High School – Portland, Maine
According to their website: Casco Bay High School is a small and rigorous public high school that reflects the increasing diversity of Portland, Maine. Founded in 2005, CBHS is a school of choice for about 400 students. For three of our first graduating classes, 100% of the graduates were accepted to college.
4. Rangeley Lakes Regional School – Rangeley, Maine
At Rangeley Lakes Regional School, 92% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 87% scored at or above that level for reading. The school’s minority student enrollment is 6%. The student-teacher ratio is 8:1.
3. Katahdin Middle/High School – Stacyville, Maine
The student population of Katahdin Middle/High School is 148, and the school serves 6-12. At Katahdin Middle/High School, 87% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 92% scored at or above that level for reading. The school’s minority student enrollment is 4%. The population of Stacyville, Maine, in Penobscot County is 384.
2. Kennebunk High School – Kennebunk, Maine
Kennebunk High School is a four-year public high school with an enrollment of approximately 760 students, 70 teachers (70% hold advanced degrees), and nearly 50 additional staff members. Students who live in Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport have the opportunity to attend this amazing school.
1. Greely High School – Cumberland Center, Maine
Greely High School is ranked first in Maine. Students have the opportunity to take International Baccalaureate coursework and exams. The IB participation rate at Greely High School is 50%. The total minority enrollment is 8%, and 3% of students are economically disadvantaged. According to the bible of school rankings, U.S. News & World Report, Greely is also ranked #566 in the national rankings out of over 17,000 schools.
To learn more about Maine Virtual Academy, please visit https://meva.k12.com.
