Very Good
#1056 of 3,190 schools in MI
Top 33% in state
Portage Central High School
High School · Portage Public Schools
8135 SOUTH WESTNEDGE AVE, Portage, MI 49002
Enrollment
1,385
Student-Teacher
21.6:1
Score
7.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Enrollment
1,385
Student-Teacher
21.6:1
Score
7.0
Grades
9th – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Portage
#4 of 15
public schools
Michigan high schools
#196 of 812
In district
#3 of 14
Portage Public Schools
Equity
9.0 / 10
Exceptional
About Portage Central High School
Portage Central High School serves 1,385 students in grades 9-12 in Portage, Michigan, a community in Kalamazoo County. With 64 full-time equivalent teachers, the school maintains a student-teacher ratio of 21.6 to 1, providing a substantial high school environment for its sizable student body. The school currently ranks in the 11th percentile statewide, placing at #2855 out of 3,204 Michigan high schools with a MySchoolScout rating of 3.8 out of 10.
While these rankings indicate significant room for academic growth, the school continues to serve its diverse student population as they work toward graduation and post-secondary goals. Portage Central draws from a stable community where the median household income reaches $68,498 and home values average $195,900. The surrounding neighborhood demonstrates strong educational values, with 41% of residents holding bachelor's degrees or higher, while maintaining a relatively low poverty rate of 7.4%.
This suggests families in the area prioritize education and maintain economic stability. Located on South Westnedge Avenue, Portage Central High School sits in a small city setting that offers students both community connection and access to broader educational and cultural opportunities in the greater Kalamazoo area.
What Parents Should Know
The student-teacher ratio at Portage Central High School is 21.6:1, which is higher than the national average. This may mean larger class sizes, so parents should ask about classroom support, teaching assistants, and how the school differentiates instruction for students who need extra help.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
Portage Central High School — Students at Portage Central High School score 64% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 65%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
14.8%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores MI EDFACTS (2020-21)
Based on 4 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: 5.5/10.
How Portage Central High School Compares
See how Portage Central High School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Programs & Offerings
Data as of 2020-21 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has declined from 61% (2019) to 53% (2021). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 77% (2019) to 76% (2021).
Location
8135 SOUTH WESTNEDGE AVE, Portage, MI 49002
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Portage Central High School may also want to explore other high schools in the area. HACKETT CATHOLIC PREP (rated 8.4/10, 3.3 miles away, in nearby Kalamazoo), which scores notably higher. Another option is Portage Community High School (rated 7.5/10, 2.4 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Portage Northern High School (rated 6.6/10, 2.6 miles away), with a comparable rating. For more schools in Portage, see our Portage schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 4.1 mi| School | Distance | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Portage Central Middle School Portage | 0.1 mi | 5.9 |
| Central Elementary School Portage | 0.3 mi | 4.8 |
| Woodland Elementary School Portage | 1.3 mi | 4.9 |
| ST MICHAEL LUTHERAN SCHOOL Portage | 1.7 mi | 6.4 |
| Haverhill Elementary School Portage | 1.9 mi | 5.2 |
| Lake Center Elementary School Portage | 2.1 mi | 4.2 |
| Portage Community High School Portage | 2.4 mi | 7.5 |
| Portage North Middle School Portage | 2.5 mi | 4.7 |
| WoodsEdge Learning Center Portage | 2.5 mi | 7.2 |
| Oakland Academy Portage | 2.3 mi | 8.1 |
| Portage Northern High School Portage | 2.6 mi | 6.6 |
| Moorsbridge Elementary School Portage | 2.2 mi | 5.9 |
| Portage West Middle School Portage | 2.3 mi | 5.7 |
| Amberly Elementary School Portage | 2.4 mi | 6.5 |
| Loy Norrix High School Kalamazoo | 3.2 mi | 6.5 |
| HACKETT CATHOLIC PREP Kalamazoo | 3.3 mi | 8.4 |
| PROVIDENCE CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Kalamazoo | 3.5 mi | 6.0 |
| Paramount Charter Academy Kalamazoo | 3.9 mi | 3.3 |
| KALAMAZOO COUNTRY DAY SCHOOL Portage | 3.4 mi | 7.9 |
| Kalamazoo Innovative Learning Program Kalamazoo | 4.1 mi | 6.5 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Portage Central High School has a median household income of $71,621. It is a well-educated community where 43% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $223,000, with a median rent of $910/month. The local poverty rate of 8.2% is relatively low. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 19 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Jenison High School Jenison, MI | 7.0 |
| Plymouth High School Canton, MI | 7.0 |
| Rochester Adams High School Rochester Hills, MI | 7.0 |
| St Joseph High School Saint Joseph, MI | 7.0 |
| Byron Center High School Byron Center, MI | 7.1 |
| Eastern High School Lansing, MI | 6.9 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Portage Central High School
What grades does Portage Central High School serve?
Portage Central High School serves students in grades 9th through 12th.
How many students attend Portage Central High School?
Portage Central High School has an enrollment of approximately 1,385 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Portage Central High School?
The student-teacher ratio at Portage Central High School is 21.6:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Portage Central High School rank in MI?
Portage Central High School is ranked #1056 out of 3,190 schools in MI.
What is Portage Central High School's MySchoolScout rating?
Portage Central High School has a composite rating of 7.0 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Portage Central High School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Portage Central High School has 57.0% math proficiency and 76.5% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Portage Central High School a charter school?
No, Portage Central High School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Portage Central High School a Title I school?
No, Portage Central High School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Portage Central High School?
14.8% of students at Portage Central High 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- 9th – 12th
- Enrollment
- 1,385
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 21.6:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 64
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 14.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Small City
- County
- Kalamazoo County
- Phone
- (269) 323-5200
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Portage Public Schools- District Enrollment
- 8,514
- Schools in District
- 14
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $13,805
- District Rank
- #3 of 14
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
Read our full methodologyRelated reading
Get school insights in your inbox
New rankings, best-schools lists, and parent guides — delivered free. No spam, unsubscribe anytime.
We respect your privacy. Unsubscribe at any time.