1. Greely High School
U.S. News Ranking: #542 nationally, #1 in Maine
Location: Cumberland and North Yarmouth, ME
Greely High School stands as one of Maine’s premier public high schools, combining exceptional academics with strong International Baccalaureate (IB) programming. As an IB World School since 2009, it offers a wide range of diploma subjects designed to cultivate critical thinking, global awareness, and interdisciplinary learning. Most notably, Greely has earned the highest rate among Maine’s top schools with a 48% IB participation rate, meaning nearly half of its students participate in the demanding International Baccalaureate program.
Beyond IB, Greely places value in a personalized educational experience, as they provide both Advanced Placement courses and diverse academic pathways that support students in achieving at their highest level. This commitment extends to its partnership with the University of Maine System through dual enrollment (Early College) programs, allowing students to take college courses for both high school and college credit.
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2. Gray-New Gloucester High School
U.S. News Ranking: #3,647 nationally, #2 in Maine
Location: Gray, ME
Serving the two distinct communities of Gray and New Gloucester, the school successfully created a regional identity that brings together families from both towns. With over 600 students, the school strikes a balance between comprehensive programming and the personalized attention characteristic of Maine’s public schools.
3. Kennebunk High School
U.S. News Ranking: #4,246 nationally, #3 in Maine
Location: Kennebunk, ME
Kennebunk High School has emerged as one of Maine’s top public schools for its strong academic support systems and International Baccalaureate programming. With a student population of nearly 800, Kennebunk is among the largest featured schools, offering a wider range of academic and extracurricular opportunities than many smaller institutions.
The school supports more expansive athletic programs, extensive clubs, and activities, giving learners multiple avenues to explore their interests beyond the classroom.
4. Cape Elizabeth High School
U.S. News Ranking: #4,309 nationally, #4 in Maine
Location: Cape Elizabeth, ME
Cape Elizabeth High School is one of six schools in Maine to have been named a National Blue Ribbon School multiple times by the U.S. Department of Education. As the only high school in Cape Elizabeth, the school has no competition for funding, facilities, or administrative attention. This helps more enrolled students benefit from receiving the district’s focus and resources.
5. Telstar High School
U.S. News Ranking: #4,576 nationally, #5 in Maine
Location: Bethel, ME
Bethel sits in a town best known as a four-season resort destination, home to Sunday River Ski Resort, and surrounded by the White Mountain National Forest. This outdoor recreation economy creates a unique cultural environment where families who choose Bethel often prioritize mountain sports, environmental conservation, and close-knit community values. Students at Telstar High School grow up with immediate access to world-class skiing, hiking, kayaking, and outdoor recreation, shaping both their lifestyle and learning.
What sets Telstar apart is how deeply this environment is integrated into the school’s academic experience. Through programs like Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) and the Local Ecology and Aspirations Pathway (LEAP), students engage in hands-on, community-based learning through internships, job shadowing, and real-world projects tied to local industries such as tourism and forestry. These initiatives allow students to connect classroom concepts with practical applications, from working with local businesses to contributing to sustainable community projects.
6. Camden Hills Regional High School
U.S. News Ranking: #6 in Maine (2025-2026); #4,824 nationally
Location: Rockport, ME (Coastal Midcoast – Five Towns Region)
Camden Hills Regional High School serves five midcoast towns and proudly stands among the top 15 schools in Maine. With consistent rankings, excellent graduation outcomes, distinctive cycling program, and strong athletic traditions, Camden Hills delivers solid college preparation with a genuine community culture. Its location between Portland and Acadia National Park also provides unique access to Maine’s natural wonders for students and their families who are keen to explore outdoor recreation.
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7. Scarborough High School
U.S. News Ranking: #7 in Maine (2025-2026); #4,971 nationally
Location: Scarborough, ME (Greater Portland Area – Southern Maine Coast)
With an impressive 90%+ math proficiency, 26 varsity teams (#1 ranked for athletes in Maine), strong graduation rates, and diverse student population, Scarborough High School offers a well-rounded, high-performing academic environment to its students.
Serving nearly a thousand students, Scarborough balances the resources of a larger school with a cohesive, community-driven culture. For students in southern Maine seeking a school that combines strong college preparation with standout athletic development, Scarborough presents a compelling and well-supported path forward.
8. Falmouth High School
U.S. News Ranking: #8 in Maine (2025-2026); #5,217 nationally
Location: Falmouth, ME (Greater Portland Area)
Falmouth High School ranks among Maine’s top public schools, distinguished by its exceptional STEM offerings and consistently high academic performance. The school’s competitive academic culture creates high expectations and strong outcomes, as it provides students with advanced studies across science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. Falmouth is an excellent choice for highly motivated students seeking rigorous academics in the Greater Portland area.
9. Shead High School
U.S. News Ranking: #9 in Maine; #6,457 nationally
Location: Eastport, ME
Shad High School is among the most rural and economically challenged school contexts among Maine’s top schools, yet it continues to stand out for its deeply personalized approach to education. While the school struggles with proficiency rates below state averages and high chronic absenteeism, its exceptional personalized instruction and dedicated teachers nevertheless provide genuine support for students. Hence, it’s 9th rank statewide.
Shead’s philosophy,“We make education personal,” is reflected in its commitment to tailored instruction, extended learning time, and strong mentorship from faculty who work closely with each student. The school is best suited for families seeking small-school intimacy and personalized attention in Downeast Maine.
10. Ashland District School
U.S. News Ranking: #10 in Maine; #6,635 nationally
Location: Ashland, ME (Aroostook County – Remote Rural North-Central Maine)
Last but not least, Ashland District School ranks among Maine’s public schools and stands out for its distinctive PK-12 school model. The school’s unique configuration, where all students from pre-K through 12th grade attend the same building, sets up an exceptionally tight-knit community and distinguishes it from traditional high schools.
Serving a small rural population in northern Maine, the school emphasizes highly personalized instruction, supported by low student–teacher ratios and a faculty deeply invested in each student’s growth. Older students often take on leadership and mentorship roles, contributing to a collaborative culture that reinforces both academic and social development. This setting allows educators to closely monitor progress over time and tailor support to individual needs.
Unlock Full Academic Excellence with Aralia Education
Aralia connects students with instructors from top U.S. universities who bring deep expertise in college preparation, research, and academic writing. Whether you’re navigating Maine’s IB programs, preparing for AP exams, or developing research projects for college applications, Aralia provides expert guidance tailored to your needs so you can perform your best in school and excel in the track that you want to pursue.
