The Howard C. Reiche Community School is an elementary school in the West End of Portland, Maine. The school building was constructed in the 1970s and opened in 1973. It replaced the nearby Butler School, which had been in operation since 1879.
Serving 467 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Howard C Reiche Community 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 40-44% (which is lower than the Maine state average of 49%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 70-74% (which is lower than the Maine state average of 84%).
The student-teacher ratio of 10:1 is lower than the Maine state level of 11:1.
Minority enrollment is 71% of the student body (majority Black), which is higher than the Maine state average of 15% (majority Black and Hispanic).
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 467 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 10:1
- Minority Enrollment: 71%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in ME
- Math Proficiency: 40-44% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 70-74% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Howard C Reiche Community School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Maine for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School Overview
Howard C Reiche Community School's student population of 467 students has grown by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 45 teachers has grown by 18% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
467 students
Total Classroom Teachers
45 teachers
Year Founded
1973
School Calendar
School Rankings
Howard C Reiche Community 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 Howard C Reiche Community School is 0.67, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.28. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#431 out of 500 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
49%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
70-74%
84%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
37%
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
11:1
American Indian
n/a
1%
Asian
1%
1%
Hispanic
21%
4%
Black
45%
5%
White
29%
85%
Hawaiian
n/a
n/a
Two or more races
4%
4%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
52%
39%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
20%
7%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), ME Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Howard C Reiche Community School's ranking?
Howard C Reiche Community School is ranked #431 out of 500 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Maine.
What schools are Howard C Reiche Community School often compared to?
Howard C Reiche Community Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Presumpscot School, Gerald E Talbot Community School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
40-44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 49% ME state average), while 70-74% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 84% ME state average).
How many students attend Howard C Reiche Community School?
467 students attend Howard C Reiche Community School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
45% of Howard C Reiche Community School students are Black, 29% of students are White, 21% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Howard C Reiche Community School?
Howard C Reiche Community School has a student ration of 10:1, which is lower than the Maine state average of 11:1.
What grades does Howard C Reiche Community School offer ?
Howard C Reiche Community School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Howard C Reiche Community School part of?
Howard C Reiche Community School is part of Portland School District.
In what neighborhood is Howard C Reiche Community School located?
Howard C Reiche Community School is located in the West End neighborhood of Portland, ME.
School Reviews
Review Howard C Reiche Community School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
AI Report Cards: Should Schools Evaluate AI Use?
Explore whether schools should assess student AI use, the benefits, risks, and what responsible AI report cards could look like in 2026.
The Parent’s Guide to School Cell Phone Bans in 2026
Learn how school cell phone bans work in 2026, why districts are adopting them, and what parents should expect.
Parental Involvement in Public Schools: 2026 Update
Explore the latest 2026 trends, research, and strategies shaping parental involvement in public schools and student success.
