Portage Central High School

MY school isn't the best, there are druggies and pot heads in in, freely talking about it and when teachers here, the don't do ANYTHING. So besides that and the fights and bullying that you just have to put up with a any high school, my school does have good musical side to it. If your kids a music person, this is the school for them!
—Submitted by a student

Made the 2009 list of Top 500 schools in the nation, and is one of the few public schools on that list. Excellent teaching and counseling staff. Administration not flawless but above average. Nationally recognized Debate, Drama, Soccer programs, one of the only 4 schools in Michigan that offers the prestigious International Baccalaureate Program. Higher graduation rate than nearly every other school in the state. This school truly does ensure a student's success in not only academics, but life in general.
—Submitted by a student

I am a parent of a 2007 grad. Our child received an education equal to any world class private school, all within this wonderful school district. Our child graduated with an IB Diploma and received 30 college credits at U of M for the diploma work - all for free - public education at its finest!
—Submitted by a parent

Portage goes beyond offering just the basics and has interesting and challenging elective courses too. In addition they have a wide variety of extracurricular activities for the kids to participate in. It is a coomunity that cares about the education of their children and supports the schools.
—Submitted by a parent

Despite some interesting reviews on this site- This is one of the top school in the state and top 5% in the nation. International Curriculum is outstanding, 41 state championships and counting, national recognition for band, debate, theatre, ect... If someone has troubles with this school then they need to move on because no school will make them happy!

This school doesn't even deserve one star. We have had nothing but troubles with this school. Drugs, sex, and violence on school grounds, and what is the principal doing? Trying to be friends with the students while overlooking all of the problems. Everybody in the administration either hates students and/or their jobs, or are lacking intelligence overall. The new school will hopefully take minds off of the horrible staff quality and inability to provide classes that are needed, but after I'm through with this school, I'm moving faaaaaaar, far away from Portage, MI.
—Submitted by a student

Great school. Will be moving into a fabulous new building in a few years that will finally match the quality of the staff, students and programs. All top notch.
—Submitted by a parent

Your child is safe and secure when he or she enters this high school. The staff is wounderful and all know what they are doing
—Submitted by a parent

Communication with parents is poor. The only form of information sent home is through the newsletter. They do have a great website, however finding information quickly is difficult. PIV is a good idea, but teachers don't keep it updated and grades may not accurately reflect real-time. Parents are not notified of detentions until after they are served. Teachers are not very proactive. Counselors are excellent and really want to help students. A very frustrating experience so far.
—Submitted by a parent

I cannot say enough about this school. The staff is professional yet personable. Everything from their websites and newsletters to their curriculum and extra curricular activities are done with excellence. Opportunities for higher learning, college classes in the junior and senior year and State championships in band are some of my highlights of this school. The school counselors are effective in communicating with parents and steering students to achieve their academic requirements. I am glad to have my children attend this very fine school. - Olga
—Submitted by Olga Ortiz-Button, a parent

This is really a great school, excellent parent involvement in fundraisers and programs to help the students. All of the teachers are really high quality and give this school a great education. If I could suggest any school in Kalamazoo County it definitely would be this one.
—Submitted by Mick, a student