Skip To Main Content

Close trigger menu ( Don't delete )

Find It Fast

Main Navigation

Schools Nav

Mobile Utility

Mobile Translate

Header Holder

Header Right

Schools Navs

Header Utility

Translate

Search Container

Mobile Menu Trigger ( don't delete )

Landing Nav

Breadcrumb

Home

Hero

Inclement Weather Plan

Wondering what to do in case of inclement weather? The district will use up to three snow days, with makeup days in June. Additional closures will switch to remote learning.

Learn more

High School Preference

The time has come for 8th grade students and families to decide which high school you'd prefer to attend in September 2025.

Learn more

Computer Science Teaching Excellence Award

Jonathan Graffius, Deering High School computer science and technology teacher/building technology coordinator, is the New England Region winner of a Computer Science Teaching Excellence Award.

Read More

Fiona Hopper, Bridgid Neptune receive award from Bowdoin Professor Doris Santoro
2024 Education for the Common Good Award

The award honors Fiona Hopper and Bridgid Neptune for their work to create the district’s new Wabanaki Studies curriculum.

Read more

Lifetime Recognition Award

Dr. Grace Valenzuela, the district’s director of communications and community partnerships, has been honored for her contributions to bilingual education/language immersion in Maine.

Read more

PPS Community Newsletter

Want the latest news and upcoming events? Read our latest newsletter!

Read Now

Strategic Plan

The Portland Public Schools' five-year Strategic Plan has five strategic priorities with specific initiatives aligned to each one. The priorities are: Equity at the Center, Achievement, Whole Student, People and Systems.

Learn More

Icons Navigation

News/Announcements

District News & Calendars

Learn about the latest news and events for the Portland Public Schools.

DEFAULT IMAGE

Update your news here

CBHS students on City Hall steps at College March 2023

The higher education goals of students at Casco Bay High School (CBHS) will be on public display on Friday, Dec. 13, when CBHS seniors hold the school’s annual “College March” down Congress Street to the downtown post office. The 2024 College March will mark the 12th year that students have held a parade to showcase students’ educational aspirations. The entire senior class of nearly 100 students will participate in the event, mailing college applications or letters to a significant adult in their life who has supported their educational journey. The community is encouraged to come and cheer the students on!

  • Casco Bay High School
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about CBHS’ 12th ‘College March’ Dec. 13
Rowe School student on climbing wall

Rowe Elementary School physical education teacher Rene Custeau said students in grades 3 through 5 recently had an exciting opportunity to push their limits, build confidence, and experience the thrill of adventure—all thanks to the support of the FPPS Equity and Innovations Grant Program. This year, the grant, titled Empowering Students Through Outdoor Adventure: A Partnership with Ripple Effect, made it possible for all students in these grades to participate in a high ropes course challenge led by Ripple Effect, a nonprofit organization dedicated to outdoor education.

  • Portland Public Schools
  • Rowe Elementary School
Read More about A Ripple Effect at Rowe Elementary
Rowe students participate in recess running program

At Rowe Elementary School physical education teacher Rene Custeau shared this report on a running initiative at the school this fall: “September and October were filled with energy, enthusiasm, and a sense of community thanks to the Recess Runners Program. Kicking off on September 24th, this month-long initiative encouraged students to get moving, challenge themselves, and raise funds to support their school. And when the program culminated in a Walk-a-Thon fundraiser on October 25th, it was clear that this was more than just a fitness event—it was a celebration of student health, school spirit, and the power of working together as a community.

  • Portland Public Schools
  • Rowe Elementary School
Read More about Rowe Students Run for Fitness, Fun
Flyer announcing closure of Fitzgerald Stadium for construction December 2024

Construction kicked off again the week of Dec. 2 at historic Fitzpatrick Stadium, according to an announcement from Portland Hearts of Pine (“Hearts”), the new professional USL soccer club that will begin play in March 2025. Hearts said in a press release that it is coordinating with the Portland Public Schools and the City of Portland’s Parks, Recreation, and Facilities Department to ensure that the construction goes smoothly and with minimal disruption.

  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Fitzpatrick Closed for Construction
Update on Boundaries Committee

The fourth monthly meeting of the district’s new Community Advisory Committee on Attendance Boundaries for PreK-8 Schools took place on Nov. 21. The committee’s agenda called for defining neighborhoods, identifying hazard zones and reviewing and assessing the district’s walking guidelines.

  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Update on Boundaries Committee
Hayley Didriksen. Senior Director of Data & Assessment. August 2024

One returning Board member, two new members and five student representatives were sworn in at the Portland Board of Public Education’s Dec. 3 Inauguration Ceremony. The Board also voted for Sarah Lentz to serve for the third consecutive time as Board chair for the coming year and for Abusana “Micky” Bondo to be vice chair for a third year.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about School Board Inauguration 2024
Lobster buoys painted as flags display

Flags painted on lobster buoys by multicultural students to resemble the flags of their birth countries formerly were exhibited at the Portland Jetport, but now are on display at PPS – just in time for Portland’s Dec. 6 First Friday Art Walk. The brightly colored “Flags on Lobster Buoys” display in the window of the district’s Multilingual & Multicultural Center sends a message of welcome and inclusion to Portland’s diverse students and families.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about MLMC Art Display Celebrates Diversity
Fiona Hopper, Bridgid Neptune receive award from Bowdoin Professor Doris Santoro

Bowdoin College’s Education Department recently presented Fiona Hopper and Bridgid Neptune with its 2024 Education for the Common Good Award. Hopper is PPS’ Wabanaki Studies and Black History coordinator, who led the development of the district’s new Wabanaki Studies curriculum. Neptune, a citizen of the Passamaquoddy Nation and a former PPS parent, served as a key advisor in the development process. The award honors educators who have created positive change and dedicated themselves to the community.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Wabanaki Curriculum Creators Honored
Flyer for the 112th Turkey Day Football game between Portland and Deering high schools

The traditional Turkey Day football game between Portland and Deering high schools is scheduled for Thanksgiving Day, Thursday. Nov. 28, at Fitzpatrick Stadium. Kickoff is at 10:00 a.m. this year for the 112th edition of the game. The Portland Public Schools looks forward to seeing the Portland community come out to celebrate this tradition and cheer on our students while enjoying the game. It’s also an opportunity to reconnect with former classmates and friends, while working up an appetite for the Thanksgiving meal!

  • High Schools
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about 112th Turkey Day Game Nov. 28!
Snow Day Plans 2024-2025

In cases of inclement weather, the Portland Public Schools will use up to three traditional "snow days." Our schools will be closed and students will not be expected to go to school in person or learn remotely. No school meals will be provided on snow days. 

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Snow Day Plans 2024-2025
Newcomers, Incumbent Win Board Seats

Three Board of Public Education seats were up for election on Nov. 5: an at-large seat and the District 1 and 2 seats. Newcomers to elected office, Maya Lena and Abdulkadir Ali, who prefers to be known as Ali Ali, won the at-large and District 2 seats, respectively. Incumbent Abusana “Micky” Bondo, the current Board vice chair, was re-elected to her District 1 seat. Also, current at-large Board member Ben Grant won a City Council seat so will be resigning his Board seat by December. 

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Newcomers, Incumbent Win Board Seats
A Lyseth student gives a fellow student an "I Voted" sticker after he votes in the Maine State Mock Election Oct. 29

Over the past few weeks, students at Lyseth Elementary School practiced being engaged citizens as they learned about the Nov. 5 election. They learned about the Maine state ballot, including the referendum question on whether Maine should have a new state flag, and about the presidential candidates and candidates for Congress. Then, on Oct. 29, the entire school participated in the Maine State Mock Election.

  • Lyseth Elementary School
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Lyseth Students Learn about Voting
PSO principal cellist Brent Selby speaks to PPS orchestra students

World-famous cellist Yo-Yo Ma performed at Portland’s Merrill Auditorium on Oct. 10 and Portland Public Schools high school orchestra students had a unique opportunity to attend as Ma rehearsed with the Portland Symphony Orchestra that day – thanks to the efforts of their enterprising music teachers.

  • High Schools
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Students Watch Yo-Yo Ma Rehearse
Photo of Deering High School exterior

On Oct. 25, Deering High School will host Laurent Bili, Ambassador of France to the U.S.; Noel Nelson Messone, Ambassador of the Gabonese Republic to the U.S. and Martial Ndoubou, Ambassador of the Central African Republic to U.S. This event will celebrate the French language and heritage in Maine and provide a unique opportunity for students, educators, and community members to engage with high-level diplomats.

  • High Schools
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about DHS to Host High-Level Diplomats
Flyer for Oct. 29 PAE local issues forum

Portland Adult Education (PAE) invites community members to attend a special forum hosted by ESOL (English for Speakers of Other Languages) students. With election day fast approaching, this timely event will provide an opportunity for PAE students to engage with state and local leaders on pressing issues such as housing, immigration, gun violence, and transportation. This free event will take place on Tuesday, October 29, from 10:30 - 11:30 a.m. at the Rines Auditorium at the Portland Public Library. Reserve your spot!

  • Portland Adult Education
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about PAE Students to Hold Issues Forum
Ed Tech Contract Approved!

The Board of Public Education has voted to approve a new three-year collective bargaining agreement with the union representing the district’s educational technicians. The new contract recognizes the important work of these valued employees and makes the Portland Public Schools more competitive with other districts.

  • Elementary Schools
  • High Schools
  • Middle Schools
  • Portland Public Schools
Read More about Ed Tech Contract Approved!

Circle Slider

Change your gallery here

Enhancing academic preparedness for college and career and instilling a joy of learning in our students by delivering a universally accessible, rigorous, and equitable curriculum.

Learn More

Cultivating inclusivity and connecting community through partnering with families and community organizations to nurture supportive, inclusive school communities that promote belonging and engagement.

Learn More

Elevating recruitment, retention, and staff development practices focused on ensuring instructional excellence and cultivating an inclusive work environment that supports collaboration and staff well-being.

Learn More

books

Streamlining operations for equity, efficacy, and accountability through developing and implementing consistent and clear operational procedures and systems.

Learn More

The Portland Public Schools strives to be an anti-racist, inclusive district by vigilantly supporting each student to achieve their potential and rooting out systemic inequities. 

Learn More

Charting a Course To Success, Together

The district's Strategic Plan serves as a roadmap for Maine’s largest and most diverse school district.

The Strategic Plan has five strategic priorities with specific initiatives aligned to each one. The priorities are: Equity, Achievement, Whole Student, People and Systems.

 

Testimonials

What our alumni have to say about Portland Public Schools.

All of my teachers went out of their way to make sure I had the resources I needed to achieve my goals. The extracurricular programs allowed me to find my passion in helping others.

  • Alexandra Kiladjian
  • Portland High

PHS provided me with a strong foundation of cultural understanding, willingness to lead, and intellectual curiosity that have allowed me to fulfill my ambitions.

  • Aren Kiladjian
  • Portland High

All of the teachers in the ELL department went out of their way to help me learn. I had the resources I needed in school and outside the school to achieve my goals.

  • Zehra Abukar
  • Portland High & PATHS

Portland Public Schools

Fast Facts About Our District

View More Facts

6632

Students

Our students come from a wide variety of culturally rich backgrounds. We believe that learning in diverse groups prepares students to thrive.

53

Languages Spoken

Top 10 most spoken languages in the district includes: English, Somali, Arabic, Lingala, Khmer, Portuguese, Spanish, French, Vietnamese and Kinyarwanda

88%

Graduation Rate

The Portland Public Schools’ goal is that every student will graduate prepared and empowered for college and career. 

49%

Free and Reduced Lunch

Free-and-reduced lunch paperwork is low due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Federal and state funding has enabled every student to receive free meals without requiring income verification.

161.4M

2024-2025 Budget

The budget is grounded in equity, centers students, supports our staff and schools and is aligned to our Strategic Plan.

1425

Employees

We strive to attract and retain the most talented and diverse staff and are committed to ensuring that our staff members have the skills and support that they need to realize expectations.