Portsmouth High School’s core values of Excellence, Community, Commitment, and Leadership provide the cornerstones we strive for as a community of learners.  With these core values firmly in place, Portsmouth High School graduates are well positioned to take on challenges and opportunities in our global society. At Portsmouth High School we believe:

Students are important and must be challenged in rigorous and relevant ways in order to reach their highest potential.

• Students will strive for excellence in an environment that fosters a strong sense of belonging and creates partnerships between students and adults.

• Students learn best when they explore and contribute to their own education.

• Students are able to achieve in a safe and caring environment where student success is celebrated.

• Students will become lifelong learners when taught to think critically, to effectively analyze information, and to be respectful of others.

• Students should have exposure to a rich and broad program of studies, have learning experiences outside of the classroom, and have an understanding of an individual’s place in the global environment.

The term "21st Century Skills" is often used to describe core competencies such as collaboration, communication, critical thinking, and problem-solving; skills that crossover all content areas and are excellent indicators of college and career readiness. In order to succeed in an increasingly complex, interconnected and rapidly changing world our students must be highly adaptable and develop the problem-solving and communication skills to navigate the rapidly shifting sands of the 21st Century. Courses at Portsmouth High School strive to combine content knowledge with opportunities to demonstrate and develop these essential skills.

Communicate effectively

Be critical thinkers and problem solvers

Initiative and self-direct

Be creative and innovate

Work collaboratively

Be responsible citizens

At PHS we strive to engage, challenge and develop the whole learner, including the skills they’ll need to meet the complex demands of the future. For additional information on 21st Century Skills visit:

• The Critical 21st Century Skills Every Student Needs and Why

• P21: Partnership for 21st Century Learning

• Framework for 21st Century Learning

• What 60 Schools Can Tell Us About Teaching 21st Century Skills