Average
#1937 of 3,192 schools in MI
Central Elementary School
Elementary School · Portage Public Schools
8422 SOUTH WESTNEDGE AVE, Portage, MI 49002
Enrollment
447
Student-Teacher
17.2:1
Score
5.9
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Enrollment
447
Student-Teacher
17.2:1
Score
5.9
Grades
Pre-K – 5th
Data vintage
2022-23
Data vintage2022-23
How this school compares
Michigan schools
#1,937 of 3,192
In Portage
#13 of 16
public schools
In district
#12 of 14
Portage Public Schools
School environment
7.1 / 10
Very Good
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Central Elementary School
Elementary School in Portage · grades Pre-K – 5th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.
Portage Central Middle School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
Portage Central High School
0.3 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.
About Central Elementary School
Central Elementary School is a public elementary school in Portage, MI, part of Portage Public Schools. Central Elementary School serves approximately 447 students, and covers grades Pre-K-5th, and has a 17.2:1 student-teacher ratio. Central Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10 and ranks #1,937 of 3,192 schools in MI.
Structured state assessment records for Central Elementary School show 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
- This school 5.9 · Average
- District avg 6.3
- MI avg 6.1
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 3/3 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Central Elementary School — Students at Central Elementary School score 40% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 52%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
35.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 34 test records from MI state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
↓ DecliningAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.
Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 5.6/10.
How Central Elementary School Compares
See how Central Elementary School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Location
8422 SOUTH WESTNEDGE AVE, Portage, MI 49002
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Central Elementary School may also want to explore other elementary schools in the area. Moorsbridge Elementary School (rated 7.4/10, 2.1 miles away), which scores notably higher. Another option is 12th Street Elementary (rated 6.9/10, 3.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Woodland Elementary School (rated 6.8/10, 1.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Portage, see our Portage schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 3.4 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Portage Central Middle School Portage | 0.3 mi | 6.7 |
| Portage Central High School Portage | 0.3 mi | 7.8 |
| Woodland Elementary School Portage | 1.4 mi | 6.8 |
| ST MICHAEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Portage | 1.7 mi | 6.4 |
| Haverhill Elementary School Portage | 2.0 mi | 5.3 |
| Lake Center Elementary School Portage | 2.0 mi | 6.5 |
| Portage Community High School Portage | 2.6 mi | 6.5 |
| Oakland Academy Portage | 2.5 mi | 5.4 |
| Portage North Middle School Portage | 2.7 mi | 6.2 |
| Moorsbridge Elementary School Portage | 2.1 mi | 7.4 |
| Portage West Middle School Portage | 2.2 mi | 7.4 |
| Portage Northern High School Portage | 2.8 mi | 7.6 |
| Amberly Elementary School Portage | 2.5 mi | 6.2 |
| WoodsEdge Learning Center Portage | 2.8 mi | 7.7 |
| HACKETT CATHOLIC PREP Kalamazoo | 3.5 mi | 8.4 |
| Loy Norrix High School Kalamazoo | 3.5 mi | 6.9 |
| PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Kalamazoo | 3.7 mi | 6.0 |
| Angling Road Elementary School Portage | 3.7 mi | 5.1 |
| Paramount Charter Academy Kalamazoo | 4.2 mi | 2.4 |
| 12th Street Elementary Portage | 3.4 mi | 6.9 |
Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 49002 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$71,621
Median Home Value
$223,000
Median Rent
$910/mo
Population
19,444
College Educated
43%
Homeownership
70.2%
Avg Commute
19.1 min
Poverty Rate
8.2%
Median Age
38.6
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Brewer Academy Detroit, MI | 5.9 |
| Brookwood Elementary Grand Rapids, MI | 5.9 |
| Chestnut Hill Elementary School Midland, MI | 5.9 |
| Detroit Achievement Academy Detroit, MI | 5.9 |
| Elva Lynch Elementary School Lapeer, MI | 5.9 |
| Grandville Grand View Elementary School Wyoming, MI | 5.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Central Elementary School
What grades does Central Elementary School serve?
Central Elementary School serves students in grades Pre-K through 5th.
How many students attend Central Elementary School?
Central Elementary School has an enrollment of approximately 447 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary School?
The student-teacher ratio at Central Elementary School is 17.2:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Central Elementary School rank in MI?
Central Elementary School ranks #1,937 of 3,192 schools in MI.
What is Central Elementary School's MySchoolScout rating?
Central Elementary School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 5.9 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Central Elementary School?
Based on loaded state assessment records, Central Elementary School has 48% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 58% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).
Is Central Elementary School a charter school?
No, Central Elementary School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Central Elementary School a Title I school?
No, Central Elementary School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Central Elementary School?
35.8% of students at Central Elementary School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.
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Neighborhood Context
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Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 5th
- Enrollment
- 447
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 17.2:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 26
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 35.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Kalamazoo County
- Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
- 19.7%
- Phone
- (269) 323-6100
Resources & Links
District
Portage Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 8,514
- Schools in District
- 14
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,805
- District Rank
- #12 of 14
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