Portage Public Education System
Portage is recognized statewide for its outstanding public education system. The Portage Community School District administration is committed to helping students achieve educational goals and formulate future plans. The mission of the Portage Community School District is "to inspire and empower students to attain their full potential as lifelong learners and productive members of a global community. Therefore, we will provide excellent instruction, family and community partnerships, and diverse learning experiences to enable students to be effective communicators, make responsible choices, possess high ethical standards and positive self-esteem, and respect our rich heritage.
Five elementary schools serve students in grades K-6 and an outstanding junior high school emphasizes a progressive core curriculum accentuated by advanced classes for 7th and 8th graders.
Two elementary level parochial K-8 schools, St. Mary's Catholic School and St. John's Lutheran School, provide an excellent educational alternative for students as well. Working parents with busy schedules have access to many licensed and/or certified day care providers. A before and after school program provides supervised activities for preschool children.
Portage was one of the first communities in the state to establish a non-profit educational foundation not supported by tax dollars and in 1996, raised nearly $1 million for the special programs to complement the new high school, including the furnishings and technology in the auditorium. The new high school, completed in 1997, has a varied curriculum that caters to student interests. Many advanced placement and honors classes challenge students to prepare them for college. Students who desire to enter the workplace directly take advantage of the school-to-work program that gives them an opportunity to gain experience in the workforce while still attending school.
A wealth of indoor and outdoor athletic programs give students at all levels an opportunity to participate in competitive events around the state. Portage High School also has excellent music, drama and fine arts programs. The 650-seat auditorium, with its state-of-the-art technology, provides an extraordinary facility for performing arts.