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Portage Public Schools

Portage Northern High School

#1 in Best Public High Schools in Kalamazoo Area
  • A
    Overall Grade
  • Public
  • 9-12
  • Portage, MI
  • 207 reviews
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Academics
      A-
    2. Diversity
      A-
    3. Teachers
      A
    4. College Prep
      A-
    5. Clubs & Activities
      A-
    6. Health & Safety
      A
    7. Administration
      A
    8. Sports
      B+
    9. Food
      A
    10. Resources & Facilities
      B
    View Full Report Card
    Portage Northern High School is a highly rated, public school located in Portage, MI. It has 1,350 students in grades 9-12 with a student-teacher ratio of 21 to 1. According to state test scores, 52% of students are at least proficient in math and 77% in reading.
    Address
    1000 Idaho Ave
    Portage, MI 49024
    Telephone
    (616) 323-5400
    Website
    portageps.org
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    Portage Northern High School Rankings

    Niche ranks nearly 100,000 schools and districts based on statistics and millions of opinions from students and parents.

    Academics

    Percent Proficient - Reading
    77%
    Percent Proficient - Math
    52%
    Average Graduation Rate
    97%
    Average SAT
    1220
    186 responses
    Average ACT
    28
    122 responses
    AP Enrollment
    15%
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    Living in the Area
    A
    Overall Niche Grade
    How are grades calculated?
    1. Cost of Living
      B+
    2. Good for Families
      A+
    3. Housing
      A-
    Median Household Income
    $60,260
    National
    $55,322
    Median Rent
    $757
    National
    $949
    Median Home Value
    $153,800
    National
    $184,700

    Culture & Safety

    Health & Safety
    A
    Based on chronic student absenteeism, suspensions/expulsions, and survey responses on the school environment from students and parents.
    Poll
    90%
    of students agree that they feel safe at their school.20 responses
    Poll
    85%
    of students agree that they like their school and feel happy there.20 responses
    Poll
    What are your favorite school events or traditions?
    Based on 64 responses
    Report
    • PN vs PC football game
      23%
    • Homecoming events
      20%
    • Talent show
      13%
    • Musicals
      11%
    • Dances
      9%
    • Sporting events
      8%
    • Holiday Collage
      5%

    Students

    Diversity
    A-
    Based on racial and economic diversity and survey responses on school culture and diversity from students and parents.
    Students
    1,350
    Free or Reduced Lunch
    21%
    91%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are competitive.23 responses
    83%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are creative and artsy.23 responses
    96%
    of students and parents agree that students at this school are athletic.23 responses

    Teachers

    Student-Teacher Ratio
    21:1
    National
    17:1
    Average Teacher Salary
    $60,028
    Teachers in First/Second Year
    8.6%
    76%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers give engaging lessons.29 responses
    86%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers genuinely care about the students.29 responses
    93%
    of students and parents agree that the teachers adequately lead and control the classroom.29 responses

    Clubs & Activities

    Clubs & Activities
    A-
    Based on student and parent reviews of clubs and activities.
    Girls Athletic Participation
    Very Low
    Boys Athletic Participation
    Low
    Expenses Per Student
    $10,505/ year
    National
    $12,239
    91%
    of students and parents agree that there are plenty of clubs and organizations for students to get involved in.34 responses
    47%
    of students and parents agree that clubs and organizations get the funding they need.34 responses
    71%
    of students and parents agree that lots of students participate in clubs and organizations.34 responses
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    Portage Northern High School Reviews

    207 reviews
    All Categories
    I am proud to be a Portage Northern Huskie. There are numerous clubs available for people of diverse interests, beliefs, and backgrounds; overall, it is an inclusive environment. Northern is also one of the few schools in Michigan that teach IB Latin as a course. Our school newspaper, the Northern Wipe, is both entertaining and refreshing with its interview, jokes, positive encouragement, and up-to-date news. I feel thoroughly challenged by IB courses, and have maintained a close relationship with my counselor about my future for the past four years. Our media center also provides lots of privileged online resources such as JSTOR for in-depth research. Unfortunately, I have heard average comments about the cafeteria food, and given the circumstances, Northern has a procedure for school-shootings that I wish were not necessary. However, the teachers are role models in life for most of us. Lastly, the grandeur of our school spirit at rallies and sports games would be difficult to beat!
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    Portage Northern High School shaped who I am today with their talented teachers, to the friendships I made while there. Not only do you get top of the line education in all of Michigan, you also get so many opportunities to participate in extra curricular activities, including their top ranked teams, award winning forensics team, and a number of clubs. One thing that I would like to see changed is how they handle sending kids to PCEC (Portage Community Education Center). PCEC is a great opportunity for kids that are running low on credits to graduate. However, it is mostly known for being the school for troubled teens that can be disruptive, failing, or violent. While I do agree with good cause that those types of students should be sent there, I however do not agree with sending kids such as pregnant young women there. The administration of the Portage schools do not need to be alarmed with having a pregnant teen walking through their schools when they are on track to graduate.
    Life at Portage Northern is pretty average. They offer a curriculum that colleges see as challenging, even though it really isn't. The kids at Portage Northern are mostly weird with a few exceptions. Oh ya and join investing club!