Portland High School

Learning Model:

Johns Hopkins University’s Talent Development Secondary includes a freshman academy that provides dedicated counselors and interdisciplinary teams of teachers. Grade-level teams in grades 10-12 provide curricula and engaging learning activities that promote active learning, career exploration and acquisition of 21st century skills. Extended Learning Opportunities are available to all students.

9th Grade Academics

English: Honors English 9, College Prep English 9, English 9, ELL English (recommendation of 8th grade teacher)

Math: Pre-Algebra, College Algebra, Honors Algebra, AMP 1 (recommendation of 8th grade teacher)

Science: Honors Earth Science, College Prep Earth Science (recommendation of 8th grade teacher)

Social Studies: Honors Big History, College Prep Big History (recommendation of 8th grade teacher)

Available Electives: Art I, Intro to Coding, Creative Writing, Journalism, Public Speaking, Musical Theatre, Drama Workshop, Orchestra, Concert Band, Chorus, Intermediate Guitar/Piano, Guitar Fundamentals, Piano Fundamentals, Ukulele, Steel Pan Drums, Percussion, PE 1, or 2, First Aid, Engineering (multiple), French, Spanish, Latin, and American Sign Language.

***Other courses offered based on recommendations of a student’s Individualized Education Plan (IEP) or students needing English language support


Academic and Social/Emotional Support for 9th Graders

Freshman Academy: Led by a Freshman Academy Leader, teams of 9th grade teachers meet weekly to discuss students and plan for interventions and support in the transition from Middle School to High School.

Freshman Seminar: A year-long course for all 9th graders to support the social and academic transition to high school.

Bulldog Block: A period of the day where students can schedule time to get extra help from their teachers.


Supports and Enrichment Opportunities

Portland High Graduation 2019

English Language Learner (ELL) Supports

ELL English

ELL Foundations for Social Studies, Science, Math

ELL Language Acquisition for Science & Social Studies

Reading/Writing Academics

Strategies for Literacy

Your College Voice


Special Education Supports

Functional-- English, Math, Social Studies

Functional Life Skills Program (district)

Academic Support Center/Intensive Support Center

Baxter School for the Deaf


Alternative Education Program



Co-Curricular Athletics, Clubs, and Opportunities

Athletics: Golf (boys), tennis, wrestling, cross country, field hockey (girls), football, eSports, soccer, volleyball, alpine skiing, basketball, ice hockey, indoor/outdoor track & field, Nordic skiing, swimming, cheerleading, baseball, softball, lacrosse.


Clubs/Activities: Art Club, Black Student Union (BSU), Civil Rights Team, Drama and Shakespeare Club, Environmental Club, Executive Board (at each grade level) Gender and Sexuality Alliance (GSA), International Club, Key Club, Mock Trial, Newspaper, Peer Leaders, Math Team, Seminar Leadership Committee, Ski and Snowboard Club, Student Council, Yearbook, Women’s Rights, Photography Club,


Other Opportunities: Peer Tutoring, Portland Mentoring Alliance Program, Teacher Aide Program, Make It Happen, Embark, Internships.


Portland High School team at the Maine Academic Decathlon meet in 2019.

School Contact Information


Website: https://phs.portlandschools.org/

Principal: Sheila Jepson

Assistant Principals: Jade Costello, Kimberly Holmes

Guidance Counselors: Johannah Burdin, Victoria Caron, Marisa Emerson, Laurie Medeiros

ELL: Ann Murray, Kirsten McWilliams, Andres Llorente, Rohan Henry, Thomas Talarico, Bobby Carroll

Special Education: Michael Beam, Terry Linehan, Michael Kennedy, Matt King, Mark Bay

Co-Curricular Director: Lance Johnson