Sumner Memorial High School

I am a student at Sumner and I think that the school is making considerable changes. Portfolio is no longer required - there is a Capstone project where you can create a project that you're interested in and have it meet the guiding principles. If you do decide to do the Portfolio, there is also the option of presenting in November if the student is ready. The teachers are moving to a Standards Based curriculum, so there isn't passing with grades; the student has to show that he or she knows what is being taught, not just having the right answer. The school year is just starting with a new principle but she seems have a grasp on what the situation is. There's more challenging and varied courses such as AP Biology, Molecular Biology, and Leadership. Pathways is a great program the school offers for students who want an alternative way to earn credits outside the classroom setting. The teachers are easy to talk to, but still provide challenges to learning. While there are still changes to be made, Sumner is on the path to improvement!
—Submitted by a student

I am a student currently at Sumner High and I am not afraid to say that this school is horrible. I'm not the only one to say this either. Teachers simply can't teach, and the curriculum is horrible. Kids are miserable, and seems like some teachers are too. Also things like Cognitive tutor are just ridiculous, and shouldn't even be a requirement. The portfolio is another ridiculous requirement simply because all it does is prove that the teachers did their jobs. The staff says the portfolio proves we did our job when obviously we must have if we are graduating. Also the school is just dirty and old. The water doesn't taste right. Although these are small things they add up.
—Submitted by a student

I was a Sumner student and had the best time o my live. Cross country team member,coach: Mr.Sargent. GO TIGERS!!
—Submitted by a student

Have sent exchange kids here the last 2 years & it is a caring, wonderful school!
—Submitted by a parent

It would seem that very little has changed since last attending. If the faculty spent as much time and effort in cirriculum advancment as they do patroling the restrooms, this would be a top notch establishment.
—Submitted by a student

this school is dicipline happy and we could have a better school if they actually gave the chance for kids to have an oppinion in what goes on there and maybe people would like to go to a a school that they can be involved in as far as decisions.
—Submitted by a student

Sumner is a backwards, obsolete school with an administration that thoroughly lacks any interest in working with its students. Students are discouraged to attempt any kind of independent study and are steered away from any universities outside of Maine. The focus of the school is on administration, not education, and punishments for a certain crime vary depending on the sport the child plays. There are several excellent teachers, but the utter lack of administrative interest in the students' success keeps this school down.
—Submitted by a parent

A great school is a school where students are challenged (academically & socially) in a comfortable yet challenging atmosphere. Sumner Memorial High School is anything but a great school. Renovations and an ever expanding eastern Maine population have rendered this school useless since the mid 80's. The funding is inadequate as is the teaching; although as with most schools the exceptions in faculty do exist. This schools lacks versatility and given an alternative I suggest you seek it.
—Submitted by a former student

It's a backwoods school that needs lots of improvements. Not on the way it teaches or the teachers, but funding would definatly help and alot of rebuilding and modernizing. As far as a great school, the building is crying for help. Yet, the student teacher relationship is probably the best. When you feel more comfortable confiding in your teachers than your school counselor you know they are doing a great job. Each teacher takes their time with each student to help develop potential on an individual level, something large schools cannot do. It's because of the teachers and staff that I believe this is the best school to attend.
—Submitted by a former student