Portland Schools Celebrate 2025 Graduates and Unveil Summer Learning Programs

Graduation celebrations took center stage at the Portland Board of Public Education meeting on June 17, 2025, highlighting the impressive achievements of the Class of 2025. With over 50% of graduates from Casco Bay High School earning college credits through Advanced Placement courses and early college attendance, the school showcased its commitment to academic excellence. Notably, 13 students received STEM diploma endorsements, while 11 earned seals of biliteracy in multiple languages.

Deering High School also celebrated its graduates, with three national merit scholarship finalists and students accepted into prestigious institutions like MIT, Yale, and Columbia. The class secured approximately $3.5 million in scholarships, demonstrating their academic prowess and community contributions, including teaching swim lessons to students with special needs.

Portland High School's graduates achieved similar accolades, with four national merit finalists and significant scholarship awards. The class not only excelled academically but also made history by winning the Class A championship in swimming for the first time in 22 years.

Transitioning from celebrations to summer programs, the board discussed various summer school initiatives aimed at helping students strengthen skills and recover credits. Programs include a summer bridge for incoming ninth graders, credit recovery for those falling behind, and specialized classes for multilingual students. The summer school will run primarily in July, with specific programs tailored to meet the needs of students.

Board members emphasized the importance of communication with families regarding these programs, ensuring that students are aware of their options. Transportation will be provided for middle school students participating in certain programs, while high school students will utilize public transit.

As the school year wraps up, the board's focus on both graduation achievements and summer learning opportunities underscores a commitment to fostering student success in Portland's educational landscape.