[fruitnut]

We have two children and are moving to the Kalamazoo/Portage area soon. I have researched to my heart's content online but I really need to get a good "feel" from other parents on what the schools are like in that area particularly the public middle and high schools. My children are used to small sized classrooms with low teacher/student ratios in a private school with individualized attention and I am afraid to throw them into a large public school where they might feel overwhelmed in such a different environment. Please let me know what your children's experiences have been in the public schools and also if anyone has had experience with the private schools. Thanks!

[3boys]

we just moved here as well two weeks ago from the east coast and felt the same way. We chose Kalamazoo Country Day School and have really liked the teachers and head of school who we met during the past week. School starts next week, but so far, so good!

[perfectplace]

Hi. Our family is moving to Portage within the next month and I am also researching schools. I noticed that your post was from the Spring and wondered if you would mind telling me if you ended up in the Portage public schools? If so, how has your experience been? It is so much easier to get thoughts from other moms who have experienced the schools.
Thank you for taking the time to help!

[inPortageMi]

We have children at Kakamazoo Country School (Portage, MI), for over eight years now. Although Portage schools are ranked very well, we are unaware of any local public school to meet the highest standards of KCDS. However, KCDS is grade 1 - 8 and had NO hesitation starting our children at Portage Central High School and is also very advanced. Economically, the area held solid ground and even expanded during national recession! Meet with people transferring into the area and almost always Portage Schools and area fare better than their origination.

[leadsquirter]

Just talked to a lady who recently moved from Lansing to Portage for a job change. Schools weren't mentioned, but she said she loved living in Portage and liked the whole Kalamazoo area much better than Lansing.

[Softballfan]

I'd think you'd be happy in the Portage school district. The 2 high schools (Central and Northern) are completely new or renovated. Nice looking middle schools and elementary school in nice neighborhoods too. These schools hve very competitive athletics too if your family is into that.

Kalamazoo Christian is a private school system in town. Enrollment is down from what I read due to economy issues.