Ocean Avenue Elementary School

Our school carries the name of Amanda C. Rowe, who served Portland Public Schools for 30 years as a health teacher and school nurse. Amanda C. Rowe Elementary serves about 468 students from pre-K through 5th grade on Orono Road, and our families speak 19 languages. Every student takes visual arts, performing arts and library alongside literacy, math and science. Our teacher-librarians run First Chapter Friday read-alouds, and 4th graders take field trips such as Mackworth Island. We are a Title I school, with literacy and math interventionists, English language teachers and special education staff who join parent conferences. Social-emotional learning follows the Second Step program, and our counselor and social workers lead social groups. As a PBIS school, we hand out Mile Tiles for meeting expectations, and each filled board earns a schoolwide celebration. Portland Recreation runs a Before and After the Bell program in our building for kindergarten through 5th grade, with homework help, games, crafts and snacks. Our PTO organizes events such as the Walk-a-thon, RoweFest, community dinners and student clubs.

Baxter Academy for Technology and Science, located in Portland, Maine, stands as the state's only public charter high school dedicated exclusively to STEM education for students in grades 9 through 12. The school's core mission is to foster student ownership of learning through a rigorous, college-preparatory curriculum that emphasizes science, technology, engineering, the arts, and mathematics. At Baxter Academy, students engage with complex, real-world problems, collaborating with professionals from diverse fields such as engineering, the arts, and architecture. This hands-on approach not only cultivates critical thinking and creativity but also allows students to earn transferable college credits at no cost, enhancing their educational journey. The educational philosophy at Baxter Academy encourages students to select projects that ignite their passions, enabling them to innovate and persevere through challenges. This environment nurtures curiosity and creativity, equipping students with essential skills that are highly sought after in the workforce. The school's commitment to developing these competencies has garnered recognition from industry leaders, highlighting the relevance of its curriculum in preparing students for future success. What sets Baxter Academy apart is its low student-teacher ratio, which fosters personalized attention and strong relationships between educators and students. The school also emphasizes strong partnerships with families, ensuring that parents are integral to the educational experience. Unique community events further enrich the school culture, creating a vibrant and supportive atmosphere where students can thrive both academically and personally.

We see children as individuals with different developmental levels and learning styles. Our approach uses hands-on, multi-sensory experiences, with opportunities to learn individually, in small and large groups, and through indoor and outdoor free play. We work with families, staff, and therapists to shape each child’s experience.