Mount Desert Island High School is a public high school in Bar Harbor, Maine, United States. It was established in 1968 and is part of the Mount Desert Island Regional School District.
Serving 474 students in grades 9-12, Mt Desert Island High School ranks in the top 20% of all schools in Maine for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 50-54% (which is higher than the Maine state average of 49%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 90-94% (which is higher than the Maine state average of 84%).
The student-teacher ratio of 9:1 is lower than the Maine state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 12% of the student body (majority Black and Hispanic), which is lower than the Maine state average of 14% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 474 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 12%
- Graduation Rate: 85-89% (Top 50% in ME)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 20%
- Math Proficiency: 50-54% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 90-94% (Top 10%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 10%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Mt Desert Island High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maine for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Most improved public schools
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Science Proficiency
Student Attention
School Overview
Mt Desert Island High School's student population of 474 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 54 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
474 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
54 teachers
Year Founded
1968
Colors
White, Green
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. Jun 15, 2026
School Motto
Knowledge, Responsibility, Respect
School Rankings
Mt Desert Island High School ranks within the top 20% of all 500 schools in Maine (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Mt Desert Island High School is 0.22, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.26. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#97 out of 500 schools
(Top 20%)
(Top 20%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
50-54%
49%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
90-94%
84%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
3%
1%
Hispanic
3%
3%
Black
3%
5%
White
88%
86%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
3%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
85-89%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
12%
33%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
3%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Troy The Trojan
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Mt Desert Island High School's ranking?
Mt Desert Island High School is ranked #97 out of 500 schools, which ranks it among the top 20% of public schools in Maine.
What schools are Mt Desert Island High School often compared to?
Mt Desert Island High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Ellsworth High School, Hampden Academy, Bucksport High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
50-54% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 49% ME state average), while 90-94% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 84% ME state average).
What is the graduation rate of Mt Desert Island High School?
The graduation rate of Mt Desert Island High School is 85-89%, which is lower than the Maine state average of 86%.
How many students attend Mt Desert Island High School?
474 students attend Mt Desert Island High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
88% of Mt Desert Island High School students are White, 3% of students are Asian, 3% of students are Hispanic, 3% of students are Black, and 3% of students are Two or more races.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Mt Desert Island High School?
Mt Desert Island High School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Maine state average of 11:1.
What grades does Mt Desert Island High School offer ?
Mt Desert Island High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Mt Desert Island High School part of?
Mt Desert Island High School is part of MT Desert Community School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
My names is James Doughty. I grew up in Somesville when there were many high schools on the island. Somesville in the town of Mt. Desert. Our whole high school had about 15 boys and basketball was very important to us. I rermember the day when Carlo Nimfi, charles leland and I decided we should have a mascot, Carlo had seen newsreels of a California team who were called Trojans. We decided that would be appropiate. So that' how you got your nickname. What I really want to know is why has the prunounciation of Mt. Desert changed? By the way I'm 88 years old.
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