Best Public Schools in Zip Code 49002

The 49002 zip code area is home to 6 schools, including 2 elementary schools, 1 middle school, 2 high schools, and 1 alternative school, all part of the Kalamazoo Public Schools and Portage Public Schools districts. The data reveals a mix of high-performing and lower-performing schools in the area.

Portage Central High School stands out as a top-performing school, ranking 17th out of 739 Michigan high schools and earning a 5-star rating from SchoolDigger. It boasts strong test scores, with over 65% of 11th graders proficient or better in M-Step Science and Social Studies, and over 80% proficient or better in SAT Evidence-Based Reading and Writing. In contrast, Loy Norrix High School, part of the Kalamazoo Public Schools district, has lower test scores and a higher free/reduced lunch rate, suggesting it may serve a more economically disadvantaged student population.

The elementary and middle schools in the Portage Public Schools district also perform well, with Lake Center Elementary School earning a 4-star rating and high proficiency rates. However, a concerning trend across all schools is the high chronic absenteeism rates, around 29.5%, which likely impacts student learning and achievement. The significant difference in spending per student between the traditional schools and the alternative WoodsEdge Learning Center suggests the alternative school may have specialized programs or services that require more resources.