The School
Mount Desert Island High School is a comprehensive 4 year public high school with an enrollment of approximately 571 students, 70 faculty members, and 20 support staff. It is a Regional Community High School serving not only Mount Desert Island, but also 5 surrounding mainland communities and 4 outer island communities. It is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and by the State of Maine.

Mission Statement
The mission of the Mount Desert Island High School community is to provide a safe, supportive environment in which all members are held to high academic and ethical standards. The faculty staff, and administration, supported by the community, guide students as they acquire the knowledge and skills necessary to become responsible, self directed learners and healthy, productive citizens.

THE COMMUNITY

Mount Desert Island encompasses four towns on the Northern Coast of Maine. Although the communities' traditions are tied to the sea through boat building and fishing, there is a varied socio-economic, rural population of 10,000, which swells to over 25,000 during the summer tourist season. Mount Desert Island is the home of Acadia National Park, the Mount Desert Island Biological Laboratory, the College of the Atlantic and the Jackson Laboratory, an internationally known center for genetics research.

THE SCHOOL

Mount Desert Island High School is a comprehensive 4-year public high school with an enrollment of approximately 550 students and 55 faculty. It is a Regional Community High School serving not only Mount Desert Island, but also 5 surrounding mainland communities and 4 outer island communities. Mount Desert Island High School is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges and by the State of Maine.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

Graduation Requirements for the Class of 2012

English…………….............. 4 credits

Social Studies………......... 3 credits (includes 1 credit of U.S. History)

Mathematics………........... 3 credits

Science………………........... 3 credits

Physical Education…….... 1 credit

Health………………............ .5 credit  (Should be 1 credit)

Fine Arts……………........... 1 credit

Life Skills……………........... 1 credit

ADD Civics .................... .5 credit

Earn a total of 23 credits

Demonstrate computer proficiency

Demonstrate achievement of the Maine State Learning Results

Complete a senior exhibition

Complete 20 hours community service

GRADING & CLASS RANK

Cumulative average and rank in class are computed on an unweighted 4-point scale. Only classes taken at MDIHS are included in GPA calculations.

Class rank is computed for students completing four semesters at MDIHS without regard to program of study. All subjects, except courses graded Pass/Fail, are included in the GPA computations. All courses except those labeled as Compass Rose (our alternative school), correspondence, independent study and HCTC (Hancock County Technical Center) are taught under a 4X4 schedule.

THE CURRICULUM

Advanced placement, honors, college preparatory, and special education programs are offered. With the exception of math, honors level courses are not offered at the freshman level as all classes are heterogeneously grouped. Honors level courses are available by application starting in the second year. A 4x4 block schedule was implemented in 2000-01. Most one credit classes meet 80 minutes each day for 90 days. Our technology program allows students to take courses at the high school and advanced vocational programs are available at the Hancock County Technical Center. The Jackson Laboratory and M.D.I. Biological Lab internship programs are unique and allow our students to gain extensive laboratory experience while being mentored by world-renowned research scientists. A growing number of students are able to take courses at the College of the Atlantic, University of Maine, University of Maine Augusta and Eastern Maine Community College during their junior and senior years. Our traditional internship and Co-op programs prepare students for the workforce and allow for career exploration. AP courses are offered in English, Chemistry, Physics, Biology, Calculus, Statistics, US History, Government and Politics, French and Spanish

POST-SECONDARY DATA

Graduates from the classes of 2008 to 2011 have enrolled at the following colleges and Universities: