Southwest Michigan Schools Guide: Private, Public, Charter, and Religious Schools for 2024-2025

Schools Guide 2024

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

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.

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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.

School Classroom

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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Charter School in Kalamazoo + Springfield

3624 S Westnedge Ave Kalamazoo, MI 49008 - (877) 223-6402
380 Helmer Rd N Springfield, MI 49037
📧 info@nhaschools.com

💬 Endeavor provides a great smaller school setting with more one-on-one time for students. My kids love going to school every day!
- 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


GRADES: Young 5 - 8th
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 Academy399 20th St N
Springfield, MI 49037
269-339-3308
Calhoun Community High School765 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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Private Religious School in Portage
7211 Oakland Dr Portage, MI 49024 - (269) 327-7832
📧 info@mightymessengers.org

💬 My son has been attending St Michael for two years; both its academic and value systems are to be commended. My son has made great progress academically through the individual attention each teacher provides.

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)


GRADES: Kindergarten - 8
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance

Private Religious School in Kalamazoo

📧 kackerman@csgk.org

💬 Our daughter’s Catholic school truly creates a family environment that provides her the best possible educational experience with a consistent theme of faith and service.
- 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


GRADES: Pre-K - 12
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance

OPEN HOUSE INFO
St. Augustine Cathedral School: Tuesday, March 5th

Hackett Catholic Prep: Thursday, March 7th

All Private Religious Schools

ALLEGAN
St. Margaret School736 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 School1035 Wagner Dr
Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-963-1404
Calhoun Christian School20 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 Montessori6339 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 Academy1601 Nichols Rd
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
269-342-8943
Light of Christ Academy12648 E D Ave
Augusta, MI 49012
269-203-6808
Prairie Baptist School11210 PQ Ave E
Scotts, MI 49088
269-626-8101
Reformed Heritage Christian School700 N Fletcher Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49006
269-383-0505
St. Michael Lutheran School7211 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 School500 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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Private Secular School in Portage

4221 E Milham Rd Portage, MI 49002 - (269) 329-0116
📧 KCDSOffice@mykcds.org

💬 Instead of trying to make the student fit the mold, they have the freedom to be creative to engage the children; I'm grateful for the student and parent support.
-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.


GRADES: PK3 - 8
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance

Private Secular School in Kalamazoo

710 Howard St Kalamazoo, MI 49008 - (269) 349-3248
750 Howard St Kalamazoo, MI 49008
📧 admissions@themontessorischool.org

💬 From the minute we enrolled our two kids, our experience has been second to none and we couldn’t be happier.​
- 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.


GRADES: Toddler - Sixth
TUITION: Fee Based, Tuition Assistance

OPEN HOUSE INFO
Tours available upon request.

All Secular Private Schools

Gagie School615 Fairview Ave
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
269-342-8008
Kalamazoo Country Day School4221 E Milham Ave
Portage, MI 49002
269-329-0116
Kazoo School1401 Cherry St
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
269-345-3239
The Montessori School710 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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Public School in Kalamazoo

3010 Gull Rd Kalamazoo, MI 49048 - (269) 250-8900
📧 info@ComstockPS.org

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!


GRADES: Pre-K - 12
TUITION: Free

All Public Schools

ALLEGAN
Allegan Public Schools550 5th St
Allegan, MI 49010
269-673-5463
Otsego Public Schools400 Sherwood St
Otsego, MI 49078
269-694-7900
Plainwell Community Schools600 School Dr
Plainwell, MI 49080
269-685-5823
CALHOUN
Battle Creek Public Schools3 Van Buren West
Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-965-9500
Harper Creek Community Schools7454 B Dr North
Battle Creek, MI 49014
269-441-6550
Lakeview School District15 Arbor St
Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-565-2400
KALAMAZOO
Comstock Public Schools3010 Gull Rd
Kalamazoo, MI 49048
269-250-8911
Galesburg- Augusta Community Schools1076 N 37th St
Galesburg, MI 49053
269-484-2000
Gull Lake Community Schools10100 E D Ave
Richland, MI 49083
269-548-3400
Kalamazoo Public Schools1220 Howard St
Kalamazoo, MI 49008
269-337-0100
Parchment School District520 N Orient St
Parchment, MI 49004
269-488-1050
Portage Public Schools8107 Mustang Dr
Portage, MI 49002
269-323-5000
Schoolcraft Community Schools551 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 Schools851 Sixth Ave
Three Rivers, MI 49093
269-279-1100
VAN BUREN
Gobles Public Schools409 N State St
Gobles, MI 49055
269-628-9390
Mattawan Consolidated Schools56720 Murray St
Mattawan, MI 49071
269-668-3361
Paw Paw Public Schools119 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 Schools2121 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 AcademyWestern 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 Center131 Columbia Ave E Ste 103
Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-969-7772
Kumon Math and Reading Center90 S 20th St Unit 91
Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-963-8088
SLD Read50 Jackson St W
Battle Creek, MI 49017
269-964-3395
Sylvan Learning Center4625 Beckley Rd
Battle Creek, MI 49015
269-355-6839
KALAMAZOO
Kalamazoo Institute of Arts314 S Park St
Kalamazoo, MI 49007
269-349-7775
Math from the Mitten3500 Stolk Dr
Kalamazoo, MI 49004
269-345-2416
Nazareth Reading Center – Portage126 E Kilgore Rd
Portage, MI 49002
269-349-1525
Nazareth Reading Center – Richland8653 N 32nd
Richland, MI 49083
269-629-8049
SLD Read5250 Lovers Ln Ste LL100
Kalamazoo, MI 49002
269-345-2661
Sylvan Learning Center1350 W Centre Ave
Portage, MI 49024
269-512-6245
Thompson Tutoring251 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 ISD17111 G-Dr N
Marshall, MI 49068
269-781-5141
Great Lakes Center for Autism Treatment & Research9616 Portage Rd
Portage, MI 49002
269-250-8200
Kalamazoo Autism Center4200 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) Network4000 Portage St
Suites 204-206
Kalamazoo, MI 49001
meg@kydnet.org
Lawrence Autism Center1800 S 35th St
Galesburg, MI 49053
269-250-8200
Lighthouse Autism Center2314 Helen Ave Ste 200
Portage, MI 49002
269-248-5239
St. Joseph County ISD62445 Shimmel Rd
Centreville, MI 49032
269-467-5400
Van Buren ISD490 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 RoboticsRobotics leagues for grades 9-12
Kalamazoo Public LibraryLittle Scientists Class for Preschoolers
Kalamazoo RoboticsRobotics leagues for grades K-12
Kazoo SchoolChess, cooking, LEGO® Club
Portage District LibrarySTEM classes, LEGO® Club
Sylvan Learning Center in PortageRobotics, 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 AcademyGrades: K-12
269-250-8949
Gull Lake Virtual PartnershipGrades: K-12
269-548-3411
Kalamazoo Public Schools Virtual ProgramGrades: 3-12
269-337-0540
Michigan Virtual Charter AcademyGrades: K-12
855-399-3113
Virtual Learning Academy ConsortiumGrades: K-12
888-638-8949

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