Penobscot Valley High School is a 9–12 school serving approximately 140 students in Howland, Maine, United States. PVHS also employs approximately 28 teachers. PVHS is the only 9-12 school in SAU 31.
Serving 131 students in grades 9-12, Penobscot Valley High School ranks in the bottom 50% of all schools in Maine for overall test scores (math proficiency is bottom 50%, and reading proficiency is bottom 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 21-39% (which is lower than the Maine state average of 49%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is ≥80% (which is lower 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 8% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is lower than the Maine state average of 14% (majority Black).
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 131 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Minority Enrollment: 8%
- Graduation Rate: ≥90% (Top 30% in ME)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: 21-39% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≥80% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 40-59% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
School Overview
Penobscot Valley High School's student population of 131 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 14 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
131 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
14 teachers
Colors
White, Green
School Rankings
Penobscot Valley High School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 500 schools in Maine (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Penobscot Valley High School is 0.15, 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
#438 out of 500 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
21-39%
49%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥80%
84%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-59%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
11:1
American Indian
4%
1%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
2%
3%
Black
1%
5%
White
92%
86%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
n/a
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥90%
86%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
41%
33%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Penobscot Valley High School's ranking?
Penobscot Valley High School is ranked #438 out of 500 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maine.
What schools are Penobscot Valley High School often compared to?
Penobscot Valley High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mattanawcook Academy, Bangor High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
21-39% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 49% ME state average), while ≥80% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 84% ME state average).
What is the graduation rate of Penobscot Valley High School?
The graduation rate of Penobscot Valley High School is 90%, which is higher than the Maine state average of 86%.
How many students attend Penobscot Valley High School?
131 students attend Penobscot Valley High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
92% of Penobscot Valley High School students are White, 4% of students are American Indian, 2% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Penobscot Valley High School?
Penobscot Valley High School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Maine state average of 11:1.
What grades does Penobscot Valley High School offer ?
Penobscot Valley High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Penobscot Valley High School part of?
Penobscot Valley High School is part of RSU 31/MSAD 31 School District.
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