Maine has some great high schools, and 10 of the best are surprising.

WMTW reported that a new study from U.S. News & World Reports ranked the best public high schools across the country. It looked at over 17,000 schools, and 126 from Maine made the list.

They use six different areas a school must excel in to qualify:

  • College Readiness
  • State Assessment Proficiency
  • State Assessment Performance
  • Underserved Student Performance
  • College Curriculum Breadth
  • Graduation Rate

Here are the top 10 high schools in Maine that made the list.

10. Maine Virtual Academy - Augusta, Maine

Maine Virtual Academy Facebook
Maine Virtual Academy Facebook
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This is one of two virtual schools named best in the state. At Maine Virtual Academy (MEVA), they promote that your kid (7-12 grades) can learn in the ways that are right for them, whether that's at home, on the road, or wherever there’s an internet connection.

9. Ashland District School - Ashland, Maine

Ashland District School Facebook
Ashland District School Facebook
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The student population of Ashland District School is 244, and they serve PK-12. At Ashland District School, 82% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 87% scored at or above that level for reading.

8. Freeport High School - Freeport, Maine

Freeport High School
Freeport High School Google Maps
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Freeport High School is an above-average, public school. It has 597 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 13 to 1. According to state test scores, 95% of students are at least proficient in math and 95% in reading. With statistics like that, can you imagine what the number one school in Maine is?

7. Maine Connections Academy - Scarborough, Maine

Maine Connections Academy Facebook
Maine Connections Academy Facebook
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Maine Connections Academy is a tuition-free 7–12 online public charter school that students attend from home. Authorized by the Maine Charter School Commission, Maine Connections Academy is state-certified and open to students throughout Maine. Wild.

6. Gray-New Gloucester High School - Gray, Maine

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MSAD15.org
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Gray-New Gloucester High School is ranked sixth in Maine. Students have the opportunity to take International Baccalaureate coursework and exams. The IB participation rate at Gray-New Gloucester High School is 24%. The total minority enrollment is 9%, and 22% of students are economically disadvantaged.

5. Casco Bay High School - Portland, Maine

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GoogleMaps
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According to their website: Casco Bay High School is a small and rigorous public high school that reflects the increasing diversity of Portland, Maine. Founded in 2005, CBHS is a school of choice for about 400 students. For three of our first graduating classes, 100% of the graduates were accepted to college.

4. Rangeley Lakes Regional School - Rangeley, Maine

Rangley Lakes Regional School - Facebook
Rangeley Lakes Regional School - Facebook
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At Rangeley Lakes Regional School, 92% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 87% scored at or above that level for reading. The school's minority student enrollment is 6%. The student-teacher ratio is 8:1.

3. Katahdin Middle/High School - Stacyville, Maine

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GoogleMaps
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The student population of Katahdin Middle/High School is 148, and the school serves 6-12. At Katahdin Middle/High School, 87% of students scored at or above the proficient level for math, and 92% scored at or above that level for reading. The school's minority student enrollment is 4%. The population of Stacyville, Maine, in Penobscot County is 384.

2. Kennebunk High School - Kennebunk, Maine

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GoogleMaps
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Kennebunk High School is a four-year public high school with an enrollment of approximately 760 students, 70 teachers (70% hold advanced degrees), and nearly 50 additional staff members. Students who live in Arundel, Kennebunk, and Kennebunkport have the opportunity to attend this amazing school.

1. Greely High School - Cumberland Center, Maine

Greely High School Facebook
Greely High School Facebook
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Greely High School is ranked first in Maine. Students have the opportunity to take International Baccalaureate coursework and exams. The IB participation rate at Greely High School is 50%. The total minority enrollment is 8%, and 3% of students are economically disadvantaged. According to the bible of school rankings, U.S. News & World Report, Greely is also ranked #566 in the national rankings out of over 17,000 schools.

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