School Profile
Mission
The mission of Deering High School is to graduate students who are college and career-ready and globally competent. Our students gain the knowledge, skills, and habits of mind necessary to succeed and contribute in the 21st century global environment. We succeed together because everyone is valued, challenged, and empowered.
Community and School Enrollment
The city of Portland, incorporated in 1786, has a rich historical tradition and diversified economy. Portland is Maine’s largest city with 69,104 residents and is located 100 miles north of Boston on the rocky coast of Casco Bay. Portland is well known state-wide for its extensive commitment to strong public education and a vibrant arts and theater community.
Student Demographics
- Total Enrollment 2025-2026: 929
- Class of 2025 Size: 275
- English Language Learners: 30%
- Economically
Disadvantaged: 64.66% - Identified with a Disability: 20%
Deering is a comprehensive public high school (one of three in the Portland Public Schools System) in an urban location. with 100 teachers and professional staff. Deering is the most diverse high school north of Boston (enrollment nearly 929 students grades 9-12).
Points of Pride
- Deering provides students the opportunity to learn in a diverse environment where equity is considered, taught, practiced, and reinforced.
- Deering’s Advisory Program gives every student a sub-community with a curriculum focused on developing social-emotional well-being, supporting positive behavior, advancing equity, and building community. Advisory groups meet daily.
- Every senior completes an independent capstone project.
- All 10th graders take Global Issues, a course based on the Model United Nations curriculum.
- Deering offers 18 Advanced Placement courses.
- 24 seniors in the class of 2025 earned the new Seal of Biliteracy.
- 12 seniors in the class of 2025 earned the STEM endorsement.
- Students take part in over 25 athletic teams and over 40 co-curricular activities.
Diploma Requirements & Schedule
In order to earn a diploma, students will need to show proficiency on a set of Graduation Standards. These standards will be the same, no matter which Portland Public Schools high school the student attends.
The Portland School Committee has established that each student must earn a total of forty-one (41) credits/twenty-one (21)Units of Proficiency (UPS) and meet a computer proficiency standard to participate in graduation exercises and receive a high school diploma. The 41 credits are typically earned over a four year period, barring extenuating circumstances such as serious illness or academic failure. The computer proficiency standard is typically met by the end of middle school. All course credits and requirements must be completed in order for a student to participate in graduation exercises.
Students will need to earn 41 credits/21 Units of Proficiency (UPS) in order to graduate. In order to earn a credit/UP in a class or alternative pathway, students must earn a grade of at least a 70 (on a 0-100 scale ).
For a complete review of our building schedule and courses, please consult the Deering Course Selection Guide on the Deering School website:
Early College & Dual Learning
Deering offers one dual enrollment course, Calculus A, with the University of Southern Maine. Students with an 85 or better cumulative average may enroll in tuition-free college courses through the University of Maine system and Maine's Community Colleges. All students are able to take online Advanced Placement courses through Maine’s AP4ME program.
Race-Ethnicity
- American Indian/ Alaskan Native 0.5%
- Asian 5.65%
- Black/African American 37.77%
- Hispanic/ Latino 12%
- Pacific Islander 0%
- Two or more races 2.7%
- White 41.34%
Higher Education
Members of the Class of 2025 were accepted to institutions of higher education such as: Arizona State University, Assumption University, Bates College, Beal University, Boston College, Bowdoin College, Brown University, Colby College, College of the Atlantic, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dickinson College, Drexel University, Emory University, Georgetown University, Hampshire College, Husson University, Manhattan University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Merrimack College, Mount Holyoke College, Muskingum University, New York University, Plymouth State University, Rochester Institute of Technology, Saint Joseph's College, Salem State University, Smith College, Southern Maine Community College, University of Connecticut, Univ. of Maine, Univ. of Manchester, Univ. of Massachusetts, Univ. of NE, Univ. of NH, Univ. of SM, U - Texas, U - Tulsa, U - Vermont, U - Wisconsin, Villanova University, Wesleyan University, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, Yale University
Seal of Biliteracy
The Seal of Biliteracy is awarded to students who have demonstrated proficiency in English and another world language. Proficiency in English is typically met through the completion of high school graduation requirements. Proficiency in another language is demonstrated by scoring at an Intermediate Level 1 or higher in all domains on the ACTFL standards. For Arabic and Chinese, a score of Novice Level 4 or higher is required.
STEM Endorsement
The STEM endorsement honors students who have deeply explored the field during their high school years. This endorsement is awarded when a student has earned 20 credits in STEM courses including Pre-Calculus and a college or Advanced Placement course. Students must also complete 50 hours of work in at least two of the following three categories: Extended Learning Opportunities (minimum 30 hours), Internship(s) (minimum 10 hours), Senior Capstone Project (minimum 20 hours).
Honors & Advanced Placement Courses
30 Honors Courses
- English 1, 3, and 4; Pre-AP English 2
- US & the Modern World History; African American History (HR)
- French IV (HR); Spanish V (HR)
- Algebra II; Geometry; Accelerated Math I and II; Pre-Calculus
- Environmental Science; Biology; Physics; Chemistry; Anatomy & Physiology
- Studio Art; Orchestra
18 AP Courses
- US Government & Politics; Human Geography; United States History; World History
- English Literature & Composition; English Language & Composition
- Calculus BC; Computer Science; Statistics
- Biology; Chemistry; Environmental Science; Physics; Psychology
- Spanish Language and Culture
- Studio Art
2025 Grade Scale
2025 Advanced Placement Scores
Students sat for 184 AP exams. 47.28% of Deering’s AP exams were scored with a three or higher.
Postsecondary Plans Class of 2025
- 4-Year Institutions 45%
- 2-Year Institutions 23%
- Work 13%
- Military 2%
- Other/Unknown 17%
Class of 2025 Average SAT Score Data
| SAT 1 | EWR | Math | Total |
| Deering | 459 | 425 | 884 |
| Maine | 538 | 496 | 1035 |
| National | 494 | 470 | 965 |