Portland Public Schools – Portland, ME

Portland Public Schools Overview

Portland Public Schools (PPS) is the largest and most diverse school district in the State of Maine, serving approximately 6,500 students from pre-kindergarten through grade 12. Headquartered at the Central Office on Cumberland Avenue, the district is dedicated to preparing students for college, career, and civic life through a rigorous and inclusive educational environment. The system comprises multiple elementary schools, middle schools, and three high schools, including the historic Portland High School and Deering High School.

Administration and Governance

• Office of the Superintendent: Provides executive leadership, oversees district-wide operations, and implements strategic initiatives adopted by the Board.
• Board of Public Education: The elected governing body responsible for policy-making, budget approval, and community engagement.
• Multilingual and Multicultural Center: specialized support for the district’s diverse student body, where over 60 languages are spoken.
• Operations: Manages essential services including student transportation, food services, facilities maintenance, and information technology.

Community Services and Enrollment

The Central Office serves as the primary hub for family resources, including student enrollment, transfer requests, and adult education registration. The district also operates the Portland Adult Education program, which offers workforce training and academic courses to thousands of adult learners annually. Committed to equity, PPS provides robust special education services and social-emotional learning support to ensure every student succeeds.