Sizing up School Options for Your Children
No question about it, as parents we want to provide our children with the academic foundation for success in life.
Luckily, greater Kalamazoo offers a thriving network of educational options to best serve your family and your family lifestyle.
Find your child’s learning home with the comprehensive Kalamazoo, Portage, and Surrounding Area Schools Guide.
Get started with a full list of Southwest Michigan school options for every family – private, secular, religious, public, charter, online, language immersion and more.
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Kalamazoo Public Schools
1220 HOWARD ST KALAMAZOO, MI 49008
💬 Our family is forever grateful to Kalamazoo Public Schools and the Kalamazoo Promise. Our daughter Megan is a proud, 2016 graduate of Loy Norrix High School. Her education and the staff from K-12 for her were exceptional. Kalamazoo Public Schools laid the foundation for Megan’s first of many post-education accomplishments.
-Ray L
Kalamazoo Public Schools is a vibrant and progressive school district. The district consists of over 12,000 diverse learners.
The district operates 25 schools: 17 elementary (Pre-K – grade 5), four middle schools (grades 6-8), and four high schools plus a virtual option for grades 3-12.
KPS educators are a dedicated and enthusiastic team, always striving to create a safe, supportive, and engaging environment where every child can thrive.
KPS offers a rich curriculum to challenge students and promote high academic achievement. Programs for gifted and talented students are offered from third grade through high school.
The district is committed to providing the best opportunities for all students. Our mission is to empower students and nurture their dreams. We foster a student-centered environment that values inclusivity as well as collaboration with families and community partners.
KPS graduates are the only scholars eligible to receive The Kalamazoo Promise, a scholarship that provides up to 100 percent of post-secondary tuition and fees.
Greater Kalamazoo Area School Guide
Southwest Michigan parents, you have options. A schooling experience for your child that is designed for your family’s needs. You can find all of the pertinent information in one easy place: the KZOO Kids Schools Guide.
Today, Southwest Michigan parents have a vast number of options when it comes to making important choices about your child’s education. Whether you are looking for Kalamazoo, Portage, or outlying communities, we have them listed for you.
Want a language immersion school, a charter school, or a school to help a child with learning differences? There are tons of choices. Each public and private school across Southwest Michigan has something different to offer.
Start with this guide as you research your K-12 options and find your child’s learning home.
Have little ones? Our Preschools Guide can help get them started with school.
Charter Schools
Charter schools are publicly funded schools, which are held to the same standards as other public schools but are usually allowed flexibility in regard to some rules and regulations. You do not pay tuition at a charter school.
Charter schools in Michigan operate independently and often have curricular and educational philosophies which may differ from other public schools.
A high level of parent involvement is required at many charter schools, and some charter schools are theme focused.
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- Endeavor Charter Academy Parent
At National Heritage Academies (NHA), preparing kids for college starts on day one.
We set high standards, make expectations clear, personalize teaching, and as a result, our students thrive. Success means creating endless opportunities for our students to become their best.
Our goal is to help them build the knowledge, skills, and character they need to excel in school and in life. Our college-prep program and moral focus curriculum help your child reach their full potential.
Be part of a school community that's safe, challenging, and committed to your child's success.
Apply today, limited seats available:
Paramount Charter - Kalamazoo
Endeavor Charter - Springfield
We set high standards, make expectations clear, personalize teaching, and as a result, our students thrive. Success means creating endless opportunities for our students to become their best.
Our goal is to help them build the knowledge, skills, and character they need to excel in school and in life. Our college-prep program and moral focus curriculum help your child reach their full potential.
Be part of a school community that's safe, challenging, and committed to your child's success.
Apply today, limited seats available:
Paramount Charter - Kalamazoo
Endeavor Charter - Springfield
GRADES: Young 5 - 8th
TUITION: Free
TUITION: Free
All Charter Schools
| CALHOUN | |
| FBR Public School Academies Arbor Academy | 55 Arbor St Battle Creek, MI 49015 269-963-5851 |
| Battle Creek Montessori Academy | 399 20th St N Springfield, MI 49037 269-339-3308 |
| Calhoun Community High School | 765 Upton Ave Springfield, MI 49015 269-565-2460 |
| National Heritage Academies Endeavor Charter Academy | 380 Helmer Rd N Battle Creek, MI 49037 269-962-9300 |
| KALAMAZOO | |
| FBR Public School Academies Forest Academy | 5196 Comstock Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49048 269-488-2315 |
| FBR Public School Academies Oakland Academy | 6325 Oakland Dr Portage, MI 49024 269-324-8951 |
| Kalamazoo Covenant Academy | 400 W Crosstown Pkwy Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-888-2700 |
| National Heritage Academies Paramount Charter Academy | 3624 S Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-552-6400 |
Private Religious Schools
Private schools are established, maintained, and supported by private individuals or a corporation.
This structure allows these schools to operate independently, choose their own curriculum, and offer specialized programs or those geared toward particular religious beliefs if they desire.
Since they are independently run, private schools are not required to accept all applicants and may be selective in their acceptance procedures.
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As the only Christian school in Portage, St Michael Lutheran School has been exceeding academic standards for nearly 20 years!
We build compassionate relationships in the classroom and the greater community, where all are welcome, regardless of faith affiliation. With Christ as the center of our education, we are committed to providing private quality education at an affordable price.
Our high academic standards provide individualized attention from outstanding teachers. Our specially formulated curriculum offers the greatest diversity of programming among area private schools.
• Technology integration supports meaningful learning
• Sports, Music and Visual Arts Programs encourage students to discover their passions
• Tuition Assistance Programs for qualifying families
• Year-round Mission Projects further cultivate compassionate leaders of the future
• Certified Michigan Green School
• Portage School’s bus pickup and drop-off point for childcare
Accreditations: National Lutheran Schools Accreditation (NLSA), Michigan Non-Public Schools Accrediting Association (MNSAA), National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations (NFNSSAA)
We build compassionate relationships in the classroom and the greater community, where all are welcome, regardless of faith affiliation. With Christ as the center of our education, we are committed to providing private quality education at an affordable price.
Our high academic standards provide individualized attention from outstanding teachers. Our specially formulated curriculum offers the greatest diversity of programming among area private schools.
• Technology integration supports meaningful learning
• Sports, Music and Visual Arts Programs encourage students to discover their passions
• Tuition Assistance Programs for qualifying families
• Year-round Mission Projects further cultivate compassionate leaders of the future
• Certified Michigan Green School
• Portage School’s bus pickup and drop-off point for childcare
Accreditations: National Lutheran Schools Accreditation (NLSA), Michigan Non-Public Schools Accrediting Association (MNSAA), National Federation of Nonpublic School State Accrediting Associations (NFNSSAA)
GRADES: Kindergarten - 8
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance
- Matt and Sarah M.
The Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo is a system of three schools making up a strong faith-based community. We are committed to the formation of the entire person—mind, body, and soul—through the cultivation of faith, knowledge, and service.
Our Catholic Schools create a well-rounded child, with a dual emphasis on academics and spiritual development. Students are encouraged to think outside themselves, to better the world around them, and to think critically and creatively.
St. Augustine (PreK - 8)
600 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007
St. Monica (PreK - 8)
530 W Kilgore Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Hackett Catholic Prep (grades 9 - 12)
1000 W Kilgore Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Our Catholic Schools create a well-rounded child, with a dual emphasis on academics and spiritual development. Students are encouraged to think outside themselves, to better the world around them, and to think critically and creatively.
St. Augustine (PreK - 8)
600 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49007
St. Monica (PreK - 8)
530 W Kilgore Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49008
Hackett Catholic Prep (grades 9 - 12)
1000 W Kilgore Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49008
GRADES: Pre-K - 12
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance
OPEN HOUSE INFO
St. Augustine Cathedral School: Tuesday, March 5th
Hackett Catholic Prep: Thursday, March 7th
St. Augustine Cathedral School: Tuesday, March 5th
Hackett Catholic Prep: Thursday, March 7th
All Private Religious Schools
| ALLEGAN | |
| St. Margaret School | 736 S Farmer St Otsego, MI 49078 269-694-2951 |
| CALHOUN | |
| Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools St. Joseph Catholic Elementary School | 47 N 23rd St Battle Creek, MI 49015 269-965-7749 |
| Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools St. Joseph Catholic Middle School | 44 N 25th St Battle Creek, MI 49015 269-963-4935 |
| Battle Creek Area Catholic Schools St. Phillip Catholic Central HS | 20 Cherry St Battle Creek, MI 49017 269-963-4503 |
| Seventh-day Adventist Church Battle Creek Academy | 480 Parkway Dr Battle Creek, MI 49037 269-965-1278 |
| Battle Creek Christian School | 1035 Wagner Dr Battle Creek, MI 49017 269-963-1404 |
| Calhoun Christian School | 20 Woodrow Ave S Battle Creek, MI 49015 269-965-5560 |
| KALAMAZOO | |
| Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo Hackett Catholic Prep | 1000 W Kilgore Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-381-2646 |
| Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo St. Augustine Cathedral School | 600 W Michigan Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-349-1945 |
| Catholic Schools of Greater Kalamazoo St. Monica Catholic School | 530 W Kilgore Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-345-2444 |
| Gift of Grace Montessori | 6339 Atlantic Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49009 269-365-5775 |
| Heritage Christian Academy | 6312 Quail Run Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49009 269-372-1400 |
| Kalamazoo Christian Schools | 2121 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-381-2044 |
| Kalamazoo Junior Academy | 1601 Nichols Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-342-8943 |
| Light of Christ Academy | 12648 E D Ave Augusta, MI 49012 269-203-6808 |
| Prairie Baptist School | 11210 PQ Ave E Scotts, MI 49088 269-626-8101 |
| Reformed Heritage Christian School | 700 N Fletcher Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49006 269-383-0505 |
| St. Michael Lutheran School | 7211 Oakland Dr Portage, MI 49024 269-327-7832 |
| ST. JOSEPH | |
| Immaculate Conception School | 601 S Douglas Ave Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-273-2085 |
| VAN BUREN | |
| Gobles Junior Academy | 32110 6th Ave Gobles, MI 49055 269-628-2704 |
| St. Mary’s Catholic School | 500 E Paw Paw St Paw Paw, MI 49079 269-657-3750 |
| Trinity Lutheran School | 725 Pine St Paw Paw, MI 49079 269-657-5921 |
Secular Private Schools
Secular Private Schools are established, maintained, and supported by private individuals or a corporation, but do not have a religious affiliation.
Families pay tuition, but schools may offer scholarships and/or other financial assistance.
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-H.Tennimon
At Kalamazoo Country Day School, we are reimagining what is possible. Our teachers practice a learner-centered, inclusive approach that supports and challenges students according to their individual needs.
Students are allowed to pursue their passions through a wide variety of innovative learning methods. Because we recognize that identity, development, and personal growth thrive in the context of community, KCDS fosters relationships of trust, caring, and mutual respect among students, parents, and staff. Our small classes and unique approach give students a comfort level they may not feel in a larger setting, allowing them to build confidence in themselves as learners.
A nonprofit, independent school, Kalamazoo Country Day provides a supportive, challenging, and creative academic environment for talented and motivated students to prepare them for lifelong achievement.
Kalamazoo Country Day School seeks a wide range of talented students: those with diverse learning aptitudes, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds.
Students are allowed to pursue their passions through a wide variety of innovative learning methods. Because we recognize that identity, development, and personal growth thrive in the context of community, KCDS fosters relationships of trust, caring, and mutual respect among students, parents, and staff. Our small classes and unique approach give students a comfort level they may not feel in a larger setting, allowing them to build confidence in themselves as learners.
A nonprofit, independent school, Kalamazoo Country Day provides a supportive, challenging, and creative academic environment for talented and motivated students to prepare them for lifelong achievement.
Kalamazoo Country Day School seeks a wide range of talented students: those with diverse learning aptitudes, ethnicities, and socio-economic backgrounds.
GRADES: PK3 - 8
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance
- Steve A
The Montessori School is a vibrant and warm educational home designed to foster a love of learning and help all children reach their fullest potential at their own unique pace. We strive to educate the whole child and inspire them to be caring, socially responsible participants in their community and world.
Our carefully prepared classrooms are staffed with highly qualified, Montessori-certified Lead Guides and specially trained staff. Multi-aged classrooms allow the children to learn from one another and be valued contributors to the community and the classroom community.
Our carefully prepared classrooms are staffed with highly qualified, Montessori-certified Lead Guides and specially trained staff. Multi-aged classrooms allow the children to learn from one another and be valued contributors to the community and the classroom community.
GRADES: Toddler - Sixth
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance
OPEN HOUSE INFO
Tours available upon request.
Tours available upon request.
All Secular Private Schools
| Gagie School | 615 Fairview Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-342-8008 |
| Kalamazoo Country Day School | 4221 E Milham Ave Portage, MI 49002 269-329-0116 |
| Kazoo School | 1401 Cherry St Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-345-3239 |
| The Montessori School | 710 Howard St Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-349-3248 |
Public Schools
Southwest Michigan is fortunate to have exceptional public schools. Public schools are often close to home and have the advantage of being tuition-free.
Graduates of the Kalamazoo Public School (KPS) district are eligible to receive scholarships for post-secondary education through The Kalamazoo Promise, a program launched in 2005 and funded by anonymous donors.
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Comstock Public Schools strives to serve our community by empowering, inspiring, and challenging every person within the school district to reach their full potential, and to ensure all students learn and thrive in a safe and healthy environment.
We offer innovative Pre-K and STEM programs, and provide a variety of learning opportunities through high school and beyond! It's a great day to be a Colt!
We offer innovative Pre-K and STEM programs, and provide a variety of learning opportunities through high school and beyond! It's a great day to be a Colt!
GRADES: Pre-K - 12
TUITION: Free
TUITION: Free
All Public Schools
| ALLEGAN | |
| Allegan Public Schools | 550 5th St Allegan, MI 49010 269-673-5463 |
| Otsego Public Schools | 400 Sherwood St Otsego, MI 49078 269-694-7900 |
| Plainwell Community Schools | 600 School Dr Plainwell, MI 49080 269-685-5823 |
| CALHOUN | |
| Battle Creek Public Schools | 3 Van Buren West Battle Creek, MI 49017 269-965-9500 |
| Harper Creek Community Schools | 7454 B Dr North Battle Creek, MI 49014 269-441-6550 |
| Lakeview School District | 15 Arbor St Battle Creek, MI 49015 269-565-2400 |
| KALAMAZOO | |
| Comstock Public Schools | 3010 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048 269-250-8911 |
| Galesburg- Augusta Community Schools | 1076 N 37th St Galesburg, MI 49053 269-484-2000 |
| Gull Lake Community Schools | 10100 E D Ave Richland, MI 49083 269-548-3400 |
| Kalamazoo Public Schools | 1220 Howard St Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-337-0100 |
| Parchment School District | 520 N Orient St Parchment, MI 49004 269-488-1050 |
| Portage Public Schools | 8107 Mustang Dr Portage, MI 49002 269-323-5000 |
| Schoolcraft Community Schools | 551 E Lyon St Schoolcraft, MI 49087 269-488-7350 |
| Vicksburg Community Schools | 301 S Kalamazoo St Vicksburg, MI 49097 269-321-1000 |
| ST. JOSEPH | |
| Three Rivers Community Schools | 851 Sixth Ave Three Rivers, MI 49093 269-279-1100 |
| VAN BUREN | |
| Gobles Public Schools | 409 N State St Gobles, MI 49055 269-628-9390 |
| Mattawan Consolidated Schools | 56720 Murray St Mattawan, MI 49071 269-668-3361 |
| Paw Paw Public Schools | 119 Johnson Rd Paw Paw, MI 49079 269-415-5200 |
Bilingual Education Schools
Select schools around Kalamazoo provide opportunities to learn a second language in the classroom.
Chinese and Spanish are introduced to students through differing techniques: language immersion, bilingualism or preschool instruction are all options locally.
Language immersion programs foster learning by teaching the majority of classwork in a second language. Bilingualism encourages learning by splitting teaching equally between the two languages.
Admission to these programs may require residency in public school districts. Check with the schools you’re interested in for more details.
| SPANISH | |
| Battle Creek Public Schools Fremont International Academy | 115 E Emmett St Battle Creek, MI 49017 269-965-9715 |
| Adventures Learning Center (Preschool) | 4295 Bishop Ave Portage, MI 49002 269-323-3600 |
| Kalamazoo Christian Schools | 2121 Stadium Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-381-2044 |
| Kalamazoo Public Schools El Sol Elementary School | 604 W Vine St Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-337-0230 |
| CHINESE | |
| Comstock Early Learning Academy (Preschool) | 6171 East MN Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49048 269-250-8960 |
| Kalamazoo Chinese Academy | Western Michigan University 4th Floor Sangren Hall 1903 W Michigan Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-598-2068 |
Tutoring and Enrichment Programs
All of our kids have different strengths and different challenges. Academic support programs and tutoring options can give a child extra tools to master their skills.
One of the first places parents can start when considering a tutor is by asking at their child’s school. Also, online searches and local college websites may be avenues to find tutoring assistance.
You’ll need to invest the time to find the right match – contact, interview, and thoroughly review the background of the tutor to ensure the right fit. Sometimes the best tutor may be a qualified neighbor or family friend.
Questions You Might want to Ask a Prospective Tutor
• What kind of teaching experience do you have, and what are your credentials?
• How do you evaluate each student’s needs?
• Where does the tutoring take place (library, in-home) and how often?
• How much does it cost?
• How do you measure results? What if my child doesn’t improve?
Tutoring & Enrichment Programs
| CALHOUN | |
| Harvey’s Nest Learning Center | 131 Columbia Ave E Ste 103 Battle Creek, MI 49015 269-969-7772 |
| Kumon Math and Reading Center | 90 S 20th St Unit 91 Battle Creek, MI 49015 269-963-8088 |
| SLD Read | 50 Jackson St W Battle Creek, MI 49017 269-964-3395 |
| Sylvan Learning Center | 4625 Beckley Rd Battle Creek, MI 49015 269-355-6839 |
| KALAMAZOO | |
| Kalamazoo Institute of Arts | 314 S Park St Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-349-7775 |
| Math from the Mitten | 3500 Stolk Dr Kalamazoo, MI 49004 269-345-2416 |
| Nazareth Reading Center – Portage | 126 E Kilgore Rd Portage, MI 49002 269-349-1525 |
| Nazareth Reading Center – Richland | 8653 N 32nd Richland, MI 49083 269-629-8049 |
| SLD Read | 5250 Lovers Ln Ste LL100 Kalamazoo, MI 49002 269-345-2661 |
| Sylvan Learning Center | 1350 W Centre Ave Portage, MI 49024 269-512-6245 |
| Thompson Tutoring | 251 N Rose St Ste 200 Kalamazoo, MI 49007 269-329-0730 |
School Support
If your child needs a little extra support to succeed in school, Kalamazoo has several options.
From ADHD screenings to autism support, there are services available to supplement instruction and learning in a positive environment.
| Allegan Area Educational Service Agency (AAESA) | 310 Thomas St Allegan, MI 49010 269-512-7700 |
| Calhoun County ISD | 17111 G-Dr N Marshall, MI 49068 269-781-5141 |
| Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment & Research | 9616 Portage Rd Portage, MI 49002 269-250-8200 |
| Kalamazoo Autism Center | 4200 S Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 269-459-7821 |
| Kalamazoo Regional Education Service Agency (KRESA) | 1819 E Milham Ave Portage, MI 49002 269-250-9200 |
| Kalamazoo Youth Development (KYD) Network | 4000 Portage St Suites 204-206 Kalamazoo, MI 49001 meg@kydnet.org |
| Lawrence Autism Center | 1800 S 35th St Galesburg, MI 49053 269-250-8200 |
| Lighthouse Autism Center | 2314 Helen Ave Ste 200 Portage, MI 49002 269-248-5239 |
| St. Joseph County ISD | 62445 Shimmel Rd Centreville, MI 49032 269-467-5400 |
| Van Buren ISD | 490 South Paw Paw St Lawrence, MI 49064 269-674-8091 |
STEM Programs
STEM is rapidly gaining ground in today’s schools, and after-school programs. Educators are working to prepare children with concepts on understanding and using science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM).
For tweens and teens who want to be on a traveling robotics league or preschoolers who want to learn about the layers of the ocean, Kalamazoo is full of opportunities for building those science and math skills.
| Air Zoo (Sky Kids Club) | STEM classes for ages 6-12 |
| FIRST Robotics | Robotics leagues for grades 9-12 |
| Kalamazoo Public Library | Little Scientists Class for Preschoolers |
| Kalamazoo Robotics | Robotics leagues for grades K-12 |
| Kazoo School | Chess, cooking, LEGO® Club |
| Portage District Library | STEM classes, LEGO® Club |
| Sylvan Learning Center in Portage | Robotics, science, coding, and engineering classes |
Homeschool
Homeschool is a growing community in Kalamazoo and surrounding areas. With the resources available to families today, parents are choosing to educate their kids at home and enjoy a strong community atmosphere with other homeschooled families.
An extensive list of resources is available in the Kalamazoo Homeschool Resource Guide.
Virtual Online Schools
Virtual schools offer education and instruction primarily through online methods.
They can be publicly or privately funded and therefore, depending on the school can be categorized as public, private, or charter schools. This means that some virtual schools are free, and others require tuition.
| Comstock K-12 Virtual Academy | Grades: K-12 269-250-8949 |
| Gull Lake Virtual Partnership | Grades: K-12 269-548-3411 |
| Kalamazoo Public Schools Virtual Program | Grades: 3-12 269-337-0540 |
| Michigan Virtual Charter Academy | Grades: K-12 855-399-3113 |
| Virtual Learning Academy Consortium | Grades: K-12 888-638-8949 |
More to Explore
