Portage Public Schools

Building Pathways for Every Student, Every Future

Academic Rigor, Career Readiness, and Deep Community Collaboration Position Portage as a Model District for the Modern Economy

In an era when public education is being asked to do more than ever before, Portage Public Schools stands out for its clarity of purpose and its ability to translate vision into action. Serving a diverse and growing community in southwest Michigan, the district has established itself as a place where academic excellence, career readiness, and student wellbeing are not competing priorities, but interconnected commitments.

Under the leadership of Superintendent Johnny Edwards, Portage Public Schools has embraced a simple but powerful belief: students thrive when they are offered meaningful choice, strong support, and clear pathways to success. Whether a student’s goal is a four-year university, a two-year degree, a skilled trade, or direct entry into the workforce, the district is structured to meet them where they are—and to help them move forward with confidence.

A District Defined by Opportunity and Choice

What distinguishes Portage Public Schools is not a single program, but the breadth and depth of opportunity available across the K–12 system. Students progress through a continuum of options that includes International Baccalaureate, Advanced Placement coursework, a regional Math and Science Center, Early Middle College, dual enrollment, and a robust Career and Technical Education pathway.

“We offer a rigorous buffet of choices,” Edwards explains. “Our goal is to prepare students for the path they choose, not the path we assume they should take.”

That philosophy reflects the values of the broader Portage community. While many students come from families with college experience, others will be first-generation college students, and still others may choose to enter the workforce directly after graduation. The district’s role is to ensure that each of those paths is viable, respected, and supported.

Education as an Economic Driver

From the city’s perspective, the strength of Portage Public Schools is inseparable from the region’s economic health. Pat McGinnis, City Manager for Portage, views the district as a critical asset in attracting and retaining investment.

“When companies evaluate locations, one of the first things they look at is the school system,” McGinnis says. “Strong schools elevate our entire community.”

Portage is home to major multinational employers such as Pfizer and Stryker, along with a network of advanced manufacturing and technology firms. These employers depend on a workforce with strong foundational skills and advanced technical preparation. The district’s alignment with those needs has become a competitive advantage, not only for business attraction, but for workforce retention.

As McGinnis notes, many families hope their children will one day return to Portage after completing post-secondary education. Ensuring that students are well prepared—and that the community offers housing, amenities, and employment opportunities when they return—requires sustained collaboration between city leadership and the school district.

Starting Early with STEM and Social Development

That preparation begins in the earliest grades. In Portage’s elementary schools, students are introduced to STEM learning through Project Lead the Way and hands-on experiences delivered through media specialists and classroom collaboration. By fifth grade, students are engaging in robotics challenges that require problem-solving, teamwork, and applied learning.

Beyond structured curriculum, the district has prioritized experiential learning opportunities that remove barriers to access. A standout example is the partnership with the Air Zoo Aerospace & Science Center. Through a district-supported after-school program, fourth-grade students from all eight elementary schools are transported to the Air Zoo for multi-session STEM experiences—at no cost to families.

Transportation, supervision, and programming are fully covered, ensuring that opportunity is not limited by logistics. Feedback from families has been overwhelmingly positive, reinforcing the district’s belief that equity begins with access.

Equally important is the development of social and emotional skills. Each elementary school includes an engagement specialist who works alongside administrators and teachers to support social-emotional learning. Through morning meetings, structured communication activities, and collaborative discussion models, students learn how to express ideas, regulate emotions, and work effectively with others.

“These skills are just as important as academic content,” notes Kelly Jensenius, Director of Elementary Education. “We want students to be able to communicate, collaborate, and advocate for themselves from a very young age.”

Community Partnerships That Extend Learning

Portage’s approach to education extends well beyond classroom walls. Strong partnerships with community organizations, employers, and city leadership reinforce learning and provide real-world relevance.

One example is the district’s collaboration with the City of Portage on a kindergarten Strider bike program. With support from the city, students learn bike safety and riding skills during physical education classes, blending wellness, confidence-building, and community engagement in a tangible way.

STEM nights and community events bring local employers into schools, allowing students to interact directly with professionals from organizations such as Stryker, Pfizer, MDOT, and other regional employers. These experiences help students see how classroom learning connects to future careers and introduce them to opportunities they may not otherwise encounter.

Pathways Through Secondary Education

As students advance into middle and high school, Portage Public Schools expands the menu of pathways available to them. The district’s International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement programs provide rigorous academic preparation for students pursuing selective universities, while dual enrollment options allow students to earn college credit during high school with district financial support.

Early Middle College takes that concept further. Through a five-year high school experience, students can graduate with both a high school diploma and up to an associate degree—at little to no cost to families. The financial and academic impact of that opportunity is significant, particularly for students who may otherwise face barriers to post-secondary education.

Career and Technical Education plays an equally vital role. Portage students participate in a countywide CTE center housed in a new, state-of-the-art facility opened this fall. The $80 million center was made possible by a transformational $100 million anonymous donation, underscoring the community’s belief in career readiness and skilled trades.

Students attending the CTE center split their day between their home high school and the technical campus, gaining hands-on experience, industry credentials, and exposure to high-demand fields. Many programs include co-op placements and employer partnerships, allowing students to earn credentials that lead directly to livable-wage employment.

Preparing for the Future of Work

As industries evolve, so too must education. Portage Public Schools has taken a proactive approach to technology integration, including the rapid emergence of artificial intelligence in education.

Rather than ignoring AI or reacting to it defensively, district leadership has focused on professional development and policy discussion. Teachers, administrators, and support staff receive ongoing training to understand how AI can be used responsibly as a tool—while maintaining academic integrity and authentic student work.

“We don’t want technology replacing teaching,” Edwards emphasizes. “We want to enhance instruction and help students learn how to use these tools wisely.”

Investing in Facilities That Support Learning

Portage’s educational strategy is supported by significant capital investment. The community has passed two major bond proposals, one in 2021 and another in 2025, enabling the district to modernize facilities across the system.

Two new elementary schools—Haverhill and Central—opened this fall, designed explicitly for collaborative, flexible learning. A third elementary school, Woodland, is currently under construction, with additional replacements planned for aging facilities.

The district is also investing in a new early childhood center and upgrades to its alternative education program at Community High School. When current projects are completed, every school building in the district will have been replaced or renovated within a 20-year span—an achievement that reflects extraordinary community support.

Safety and security have been central to these investments, with modern access controls, visibility design, and building systems integrated into every new facility. Technology infrastructure has likewise been upgraded to ensure classrooms remain adaptable as instructional tools continue to evolve.

A Shared Commitment to Students and Community

What emerges from Portage Public Schools’ story is not just a portrait of a high-performing district, but a model of alignment. City leadership, school administrators, teachers, families, and community partners share a common understanding that education is both a public good and an economic imperative.

For Edwards, the next phase of leadership is about maintaining momentum while raising expectations.

“We’re a high-achieving district,” he says, “but we always believe there’s room to grow. Our focus is creating urgency around student achievement—so every student, in every classroom, is challenged and supported to reach their full potential.”

As Portage continues to grow and evolve, its schools remain a foundation—preparing students not only for their next step, but for a future shaped by choice, opportunity, and community strength.

AT A GLANCE

Who: Portage Public Schools

What: A district that focuses on each student’s academic success and career pathway, while looking to innovate its educational offerings

Where: Southwest Michigan

Website: www.portageps.org