Points of Pride:
An Extraordinary Reputation

The District’s vision statement is “Portage Public Schools will shape the future by empowering every student to contribute intelligently and ethically in an information rich, global society.”

Portage Schools has long-enjoyed an extraordinary reputation as a place for outstanding teachers and involved parents to help their students discover the magic of learning and graduate with the education necessary for happy and productive lives and successful careers.

Recent Highlights for 2007-08

- Central and Northern High Schools made the 2008 Newsweek "Best High Schools" national ranking. The Huskies and Mustangs are the only schools in the area to make the list, joining the ranks of 29 other Michigan high schools in the listing of the top 1,300 nationwide. All of the high schools making the list are in the top 5% of high schools in the country, according to the criteria based on Advanced Placement, IB, and/or Cambridge tests.

- Northern's Varsity Forensics Team just won its 7th straight state title, bring the total of District state championships to 45.

- Northern's Varsity Debate team took the State Championship title.

- Central's novice debate team won the Novice National Legislative Debate Championship held in Iowa City.

- Students from the Northern Wind Ensemble were only one of 15 high school groups nationwide selected to perform at Carnegie Hall in New York City.

A Tradition of Excellence

- Certificate of Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Association of School Business Officials, 3rd year in a row.

- Cerfificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting by the Government Finance Officers Association, 2nd year in a row.

- First district in Michigan to have its high schools accredited with International Baccalaureate programs. We are currently in the early stage of investigating the adoption of the IB Middle Years Program (grades 6-10).

- First area school district offering online education, Parent Internet Viewer, and wireless connections throughout its schools.

- Perfect Bus Inspection by the Michigan State Police, 6 years running, and Transportation Manager of the Year by the Michigan Association for Pupil Transportation.

Shaping the Future

- Our students, grades 3-12, continue to achieve high marks in standardized testing programs, ranking above state and national averages at each grade level and in each subject area.

- We're proud of our graduates, with anywhere from 90-93% pursuing college immediately following graduation.

- Our faculty wins state and national "Teacher of the Year" awards, earn national certification, present papers at state and national conferences, win a variety of grants, and publish articles.

Updated: August 25, 2008