Deer Isle-Stonington High School

What Deer Isle-Stonington High School does

Deer Isle-Stonington High School (DISHS) is a public high school serving grades 9-12 in Deer Isle, Maine, operating under Consolidated School District 13 (CSD 13) and School Union 76 in Hancock County. The school delivers a comprehensive college-preparatory and career-preparatory curriculum across core academic departments (English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Health & Physical Education) along with specialized programs including the Eastern Maine Skippers Program (EMSP) for maritime and environmental education, Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) internships with more than 40 local organizations, dual enrollment college credit courses delivered through the University of Maine Augusta and Thomas College, an Honors-by-Contract differentiation track, Special Education (including a Life Skills program), and a Senior Exhibition capstone requirement in place since 2010. Its technology stack centers on the statewide Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) iPad deployment for students, Google Workspace for Education, and PowerSchool as the student information system; the school's public web presence runs on Google Sites.

DISHS does not operate a commercial revenue model. As a government entity, funding flows through state education appropriations and local property tax apportionments administered by CSD 13; tuition is not charged, and the school operates under the federal Community Eligibility Provision (CEP) so breakfast and lunch are provided to all enrolled students at no cost for the four-year certification cycle. Student enrollment is geographically constrained to families within the Deer Isle-Stonington and surrounding island communities of the Blue Hill Peninsula, with student transportation provided under a contract awarded to Brown's Busing LLC effective July 1, 2026. The school is accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges (NEASC), FERPA-compliant, and led by Principal Rebecca Gratz with a documented leadership team spanning administration, counseling, athletics, food services, and a teaching faculty spanning all academic departments.

The strategic differentiators of DISHS relative to peer small rural Maine high schools lie in its unusually dense partner ecosystem: dual enrollment for free college credit, the EMSP maritime track which extends across nine coastal eastern Maine schools, ELO-linked workforce exposure to local employers (farms, healthcare, legal, arts), community-based programming through Healthy Island Project, Island Heritage Trust, and Haystack FabLab, plus co-curricular arts through Reach Performing Arts Center. Athletic teams compete as the Mariners in cross country, soccer, basketball, cheering, softball, baseball, and e-sports. Total enrolled families, while not disclosed in the input, are concentrated in a single small geographic catchment.

Name

Deer Isle-Stonington High School

Legal name

Deer Isle-Stonington High School

Website

https://dishs.org

Company type

Private

Operating status

Operating

Headcount range

11–50 employees

Short description

Deer Isle-Stonington High School is a public high school in Deer Isle, Maine serving grades 9-12 under School Union 76 and CSD 13, offering college-prep and career-prep curriculum with dual enrollment, maritime EMSP, ELO internships, and Senior Exhibition.

Ownership category

akta.pro rank

Headquarters

HQ city

Deer Isle

HQ country

United States

HQ region

North America

Offices1 record

Markets served

GTM type

B2C

Offering type

Services

Cost components

Personnel, Operations, Technology or R&D, Supply Chain, Infrastructure

Distribution channels1 record

Marketing channels5 records

Core offering

DISHS is a public grades 9-12 high school delivering a comprehensive college-preparatory and career-preparatory curriculum across English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, Health and Physical Education, and Special Education. Distinctive offerings include the Eastern Maine Skippers Program for maritime/fisheries education, dual enrollment college credit courses with University of Maine Augusta and Thomas College, Extended Learning Opportunities internships, and a Senior Exhibition capstone graduation requirement. Meals are provided free to all students under the federal Community Eligibility Provision.

Product overview

Deer Isle-Stonington High School (DISHS) is a public high school offering a comprehensive educational program across multiple academic departments including English Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Fine Arts, and Health & Physical Education. The school provides specialized programs such as the Eastern Maine Skippers Program (EMSP) focused on maritime education, Extended Learning Opportunities with over 40 internship partnerships, and dual enrollment college credit courses through University of Maine Augusta and Thomas College. DISHS also offers Special Education services, Athletics programs (the Mariners), Adult Education, and career preparation through Project Launch. Technology integration includes MLTI iPad deployment and PowerSchool for student information management. Graduation requirements include 28 credits, Senior Exhibition completion, and 40 hours of community service.

Differentiator

Problem solved

Functional benefit

Products and services

• English Language Arts Program Comprehensive ELA curriculum for grades 9-12 covering literature analysis, composition, and digital literacy. Includes dual enrollment courses ENG 101 and ENG 102 offered in partnership with University of Maine Augusta.
• Mathematics Program Mathematics curriculum including Pre-Algebra through AP Statistics, with dual enrollment courses in Pre-Calculus (University of Maine Augusta) and College Algebra (Thomas College).
• Science Program Science curriculum covering Earth & Space Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics, STEM, Marine Biology, Forensics, and Plants & Animals. Marine Biology class utilizes local coastal resources of Deer Isle, Stonington, and Blue Hill Peninsula.
• Social Studies Program Social Studies curriculum including World Studies (9th grade), Civics & Government, US History (state graduation requirement), Psychology, War War War, and History's Mysteries. All classes incorporate current events discussions.
• Fine Arts Program Fine Arts offerings including Theater, Film, Art Studio 1 & 2, Ceramics, Painting & Murals, Drawing & Sketching, Stage & Set Design, Fashion Photos & Textiles, Wood/Metals/Clay, Band, Spanish, French, and American Sign Language.
• Health and Physical Education Program Health and Physical Education including Personal Fitness, Team Sports, PE 1, and Health classes taught by certified instructors.
• Special Education Services Special Education program with IEP case management, modified courses for students with designated IEPs, and Life Skills program preparing students for independence and adulthood. Supported by Educational Technicians throughout the school.
• Athletics Program Athletics department offering Varsity Cross Country, Girls and Boys Varsity Soccer (cooperative), Boys and Girls Varsity Basketball, Varsity Cheering, Varsity Softball, Junior Varsity Baseball, and E-Sports. School teams are called the Mariners.
• Adult Education Adult Education program offering construction classes, homebuyer advice, money management programs, and various community education opportunities in partnership with Maine Adult Education.
• Eastern Maine Skippers Program (EMSP) Collaborative experiential education program implemented in nine high schools across coastal eastern Maine, empowering students grades 9-12 with maritime, environmental, and fisheries-related skills. Includes safety-at-sea training, marine ecology, navigation, business, and policy education.
• Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Internship and experiential learning program connecting students with over 40 local businesses and organizations for real-world work experience. Partnerships include Yellow Birch Farm, Bucksport Regional Health Center, local businesses, and community organizations.
• Senior Exhibition Capstone graduation requirement where students independently design, implement, and exhibit learning on a topic of genuine interest. Students present projects to panels and must pass to earn a DISHS diploma.
• Dual Enrollment Courses Dual enrollment program allowing students to earn both high school and college credits simultaneously. Partnerships with University of Maine Augusta (ENG 101, ENG 102, MAT 121) and Thomas College (College Accounting, College Algebra). Courses are free for students and can earn up to 12 credits per year.
• Honors by Contract Differentiated instruction program allowing students to earn honors credit within regular classroom settings. Students work with teachers on additional projects, essays, readings, or presentations beyond standard curriculum.
• Community Service Program Graduation requirement of 40 hours of community service from at least three different organizations. Hours must be pre-approved and documented with supervisor signatures. Service opportunities include fire department volunteering, coaching, animal shelter work, and partnerships with local nonprofits.
• Scholarship Services Guidance services for scholarship applications including Local Scholarship Packets, Google Classroom for online scholarships (local, statewide, and nationwide), and Scholarship Workshop support.
• Technology Program (MLTI iPad Initiative) Maine Learning Technology Initiative (MLTI) provides iPads to students for educational use. School maintains appropriate use policies, iPad care guidelines, and computer use expectations.
• Transportation Services Student transportation services managed through School Union 76. Current contract awarded to Brown's Busing LLC starting July 1, 2026. CSD13 approved purchase of 35-passenger bus for FY 2027.

Segments1 record

Ideal customer profiles1 record

Technology focussed No

API detail

Has API

No

API docs

API detail

Core technology

AI maturity

App detail

Integration16 records

Feature1 record

Partnerships

15 partnerships are on record, tiered core and minor.

• Maine Center for Coastal Fisheries (MCCF)coreStrategic or Co-development PartnerMCCF makes the Eastern Maine Skippers Program (EMSP) available at DISHS. The program empowers students in grades 9-12 with maritime, environmental, and fisheries-related skills while strengthening community connections. MCCF is located in Stonington, providing regular access for DISHS students. EMSP is implemented in nine high schools across coastal eastern Maine.
• Project LaunchcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerProject Launch is a college and career transitioning program at the high school with a group called Pathfinders. It navigates students through career and college aspects and provides continued support after graduation. Every high school senior has access to this program as a resource for transitioning.
• Island Heritage TrustminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIsland Heritage Trust partners with multiple areas within the school, facilitating field trips and off-campus learning for science classes. They have also collaborated on school-wide events such as 'Designing the Future' and community service opportunities. Their connection to the community brings real-world scenarios into classrooms.
• Healthy Island ProjectminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHealthy Island Project has partnered with the high school for many years, specializing in food sustainability. They provide various items for the school food pantry and facilitate free produce monthly at the school from the Great Shepherd Food Bank. They have been an invaluable resource for students, families, and staff.
• Haystack Mountain School of ArtsminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerHaystack provides various opportunities for DISHS students including conferences, studio-based learning, and field trips to the FabLab. The FabLab has given students opportunities to learn through internships, field trips, and paid summer work opportunities.
• Reach Performing Arts CentercoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerThe Reach Performing Arts Center is an integral part of the school community, providing endless opportunities to students both in the theater program and the whole student community. DISHS is partnered with them on many events including theatrical productions.
• Deer Isle Adult and Community EducationcoreStrategic or Co-development PartnerDeer Isle Adult and Community Education helps facilitate shop classes through the high school. The partnership allows shop programming to run through the Adult Education program, with Mr. Beachy teaching courses such as PACT, Introduction to Industrial Arts, and Independent Projects that extend to the student body.
• Island Education FoundationminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerIsland Education Foundation is a local organization that supports school personnel, parents, students, and other citizens to develop educational activities and new programs to enhance and create more educational opportunities.
• Opiate-Free Island PartnershipminorStrategic or Co-development PartnerOpiate-Free Island Partnership has been a constant partner with the high school for years. The organization provides education around substance use and harm reduction tools and strategies. They have partnered on many events including mental health workshops, Black Balloon Day, and Red Ribbon Week.
• Brown's Busing LLCminorOthersBrown's Busing LLC is a locally owned and operated school bus company in Sedgwick and Sargentville, Maine. They provide local student transportation. At the Union Meeting on March 9th, Brown's Busing was awarded the transportation contract for School Union 76, starting July 1, 2026. Located at 249 Caterpillar Hill Rd, Sargentville, ME 04673. Phone: (207) 359-8053.
• Extended Learning Opportunities (ELO) Internship SitesminorOthersDISHS has partnered with numerous local employers and organizations to provide internship opportunities for students. Partners include Yellow Birch Farm, Bucksport Regional Health Center, Rabbit Hill Farm, Haystack FabLab, Town of Stonington, Blue Hill Vet Clinic, Healthy Acadia, Hancock County DA Office, and many others across diverse industries.
• University of Maine AugustacoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDISHS collaborates with University of Maine - Augusta to offer dual enrollment classes. Available courses include ENG 101 (College Composition), ENG 102 (College Literature), and MAT 121 (Pre-Calculus). Students can earn both high school and college credit by passing these classes, free of charge.
• Thomas CollegecoreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorDISHS collaborates with Thomas College to offer dual enrollment classes. Available courses include College Accounting and College Algebra. Students earn both high school and college credit free of charge through this partnership.
• Hancock County Technical Center (HCTC)coreChannel Partner/ Reseller/ DistributorHCTC offers technical courses including healthcare, automotive, and culinary programs through its programs, along with the Bridge Academy. DISHS students can attend HCTC as part of their education, and HCTC students are required to pass a Senior Exhibition project at DISHS.
• Maine Camp OutfittersminorOthersMaine Camp Outfitters provides the high school with uniforms, Mariner gear, and athletic apparel through their retail store.

Scale indicators5 records

Recent moves6 records

Expansion highlights5 records

Direct peers

• Sedgwick School: K-8 public school in School Union 76 located in Sedgwick, Maine. Co-governed with DISHS under the same union structure and feeds the same high school catchment.
• Hancock County Technical Center: Regional technical high school serving multiple Maine districts, including DISHS, offering healthcare, automotive, and culinary programs alongside a Bridge Academy. DISHS students attend HCTC and complete Senior Exhibitions at DISHS — direct academic and administrative partnership.
• Deer Isle-Stonington Elementary School: Sister K-6 school in the same Consolidated School District 13 / School Union 76, sharing the same superintendent, board, transportation contract, and CEP meal program. Operates as the feeder pipeline to DISHS for grades 9-12.
• Brooklin School: K-8 public school in School Union 76, located in Brooklin, Maine. Shares the same union governance, board representation, and is geographically co-served with DISHS, providing overlapping student pipelines.
• Deer Isle Adult and Community Education: Adult and community education program co-located with DISHS, sharing staff (e.g., Mr. Beachy teaches shop/industrial arts through this program) and facilities. Operates as a sister educational program under the same union governance.

Regional players

• Mount Desert Island High School: Public high school in Bar Harbor, Maine serving Mount Desert Island communities. Comparable coastal Maine regional high school with similar demographic profile and comparable programmatic breadth in a competitive geographic region.
• George Stevens Academy: Independent private high school in Blue Hill, Maine serving the same Blue Hill Peninsula / coastal Hancock County region as DISHS. Competes for tuition-paying families from the same geographic catchment but as a private, broader-curriculum alternative.
• Washington Academy: Independent private high school in East Machias, Maine, serving Downeast and Washington County communities. Comparable private coastal Maine secondary option with boarding programs, competing in the broader eastern Maine secondary market.
• Ellsworth High School: Larger public high school in Ellsworth, Maine, the regional hub for Hancock County. Operates as a broader-incumbent alternative for Maine coastal families, including those within the DISHS catchment who seek a more comprehensive course catalog.

Others

• Maine Department of Education: State regulatory and funding authority governing all Maine public K-12 schools, including DISHS. Sets curriculum standards, administers NSLP/CEP federal pass-through funding, and oversees accreditation frameworks that shape DISHS operations.

Market position

Strengths4 records

Weaknesses4 records

Competitive moat4 records

Key risks5 records

Key highlights7 records

Customer concentration

• Facebookfacebook.com/deerislestoningtonhigh
• LinkedInlinkedin.com/school/deer-isle-stonington-high-school

Compliance3 records

Revenue estimate

Valuation estimate

Number of profiles

Profiles10 records

Funding overview

Funding rounds

Investors

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M&A

Investments

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Frequently asked questions about Deer Isle-Stonington High School