Portage’s public schools outscore 84% of Michigan districts
Math proficiency in Portage’s districts is 45%, above the Michigan average (34%). The grade covers the public school district serving Portage, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Michigan, not nationally.
From Michigan state tests taken in spring 2022, when 98% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Portage’s schools, in brief
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 59% and math 45% in spring 2022, against 45% and 34% statewide; 91% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 82%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $14,396 per student, against $16,528 across Michigan (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
Eight elementary schools, then three middle and two high schools
Which school depends on the address at every step. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Oakland Academy, St. Michael Lutheran School (private) and Kalamazoo Country Day School (private) are in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Portage’s grade
A−: better than 84% of Michigan school districts, #146 of 699 Michigan towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Michigan average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Portage, with each school’s own grade.
6th grade in Portage · depends on your address
Portage Central Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 719 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Portage West Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 717 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Portage North Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 609 students · 16:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Portage · depends on your address
Portage Central Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 719 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Portage West Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 717 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Portage North Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 609 students · 16:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Portage · depends on your address
Portage Central Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 719 students · 17:1 students per teacher
Portage West Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 717 students · 18:1 students per teacher
Portage North Middle School
Grades 6–8 · 609 students · 16:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Portage · depends on your address
Portage Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,391 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Portage Northern High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,194 students · 19:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Portage · depends on your address
Portage Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,391 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Portage Northern High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,194 students · 19:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Portage · depends on your address
Portage Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,391 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Portage Northern High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,194 students · 19:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Portage · depends on your address
Portage Central High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,391 students · 21:1 students per teacher
Portage Northern High School
Grades 9–12 · 1,194 students · 19:1 students per teacher
Portage’s public schools are run by Portage Public Schools. Parts of Portage (6% and 4% of its land) are served by Schoolcraft and Vicksburg instead. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well above the state in reading
Portage vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Michigan towns that share Portage’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Portage | A− | Portage |
| Kalamazoo | C | Kalamazoo Public |
| Pavilion | B+ | Vicksburg PK–12 · Climax-Scotts PK–12 |
| Texas | A | Mattawan Consolidated School |
| Schoolcraft | A− | Vicksburg PK–12 · Schoolcraft PK–12 |
Every school in Portage
18 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Michigan’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Questions about Portage’s schools
Are Portage’s schools good?
By Michigan’s own tests, yes: the public schools Portage children attend outscore 84% of Michigan’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #146 of 699 Michigan towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 88%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Portage in?
Portage Public Schools, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 8,479 students in 14 schools (2024–25). Small parts of Portage are served by Schoolcraft and Vicksburg.
Where do Portage kids go to high school?
One of 2 high schools, depending on your address: Portage Central High School and Portage Northern High School.
What is Portage’s graduation rate?
91% of the class of 2023 in Portage Public Schools graduated in four years, against 82% across Michigan.
How much does Portage spend per student?
$14,396 in Portage Public Schools (FY2024), against $16,528 across Michigan. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Are there private schools in Portage?
Yes: St. Michael Lutheran School (religious, grades PK–8, 198 students) and Kalamazoo Country Day School (nonsectarian, grades PK–8, 95 students). Portage also has 1 charter school, free and open by application.
Parents talk
What Portage families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Portage → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Michigan. Stars are from neighbors.