2024 Best School Districts in the Kalamazoo Area

• Portage, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  79 reviews

Junior: Portage Central High School has a great environment for students who want to learn and grow. We have great sports programs and opportunities for growth within academics and extracurriculars. I love that my school offers the IB Diploma but I think we lack resources or help for students to navigate the stress and hard work that comes with it. I think that we could also improve on getting students ready for college, we could benefit from college/career fairs because I think many students don't even know where to start when it comes to applying for colleges and planning their future.... Read 79 reviews

• grade A

• Total schools 14

• Students 8,599

• Richland, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.24 out of 5  21 reviews

Junior: There’s lots of educational opportunities at Gull Lake. We have a great curriculum for classes at Gull Lake as well as many opportunities for our futures. Our school offers dual enrollment where they pay for their students to take classes at a community college to earn college credit while still in high school. They also offer many EFE/EFA (Education for Employment/Education for the Arts) opportunities meaning students can enroll in programs that count for high school credits that give them a hands on learning experience for different careers. You can take a welding EFA, a health sciences EFE, construction EFE, etc. Gull Lake also offers lots of AP classes as well and the atmosphere is good. Also, GL is really great at sports.... Read 21 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 7

• Students 3,194

• Mattawan, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.01 out of 5  73 reviews

Senior: My time at Mattawan High School has been a truly life-changing journey of personal development. The instructors are outstanding and have had a big influence on my life. They are skilled, kind, and genuinely interested in their pupils' academic achievement. The district provides kids with a range of extracurricular activities and athletic opportunities in addition to academics. These pursuits range from performing arts to clubs and sports groups. My time at Mattawan High School has been fantastic all around. The school has given me the tools and assistance I need to be successful both academically and personally. Anyone searching for a well-rounded high school experience should definitely choose this institution, in my opinion.... Read 73 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 3,585

• Vicksburg, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.07 out of 5  28 reviews

Senior: The best part about Vicksburg is the relaxing experience that the school has. It doesn’t fill students with dread about going to school. The worst part though, is the lack of attention to supporting diversity. The school does not give attention to kids who have actively gone out of their way to harm others because they are different. I would love to say that Vicksburg is a sweet town tucked away in the country, but I have seen the affect of the carelessness. It is quite harmful, and I hope to see the school do better.... Read 28 reviews

• grade A minus

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,569

• Otsego, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.17 out of 5  36 reviews

Senior: I thought that overall, the experience at Otsego Public Schools is a fantastic one given its size and location. The teachers are all passionate and driven to teach students the content, while also showing how the learning is meaningful and relevant. Even though my school is on the smaller side and in a more rural area, there are still plenty of opportunities not found at schools twice the size because of educators who have been pushing to bring these opportunities into our school. Programs like job shadowing, the local vocational training program, and lab shadowing at the local university are all programs that motivated students can decide to join. Also, a positive culture that encourages hard work and fun has been developed from strong student-teacher relationships and a general want to treat others with respect. While there still are problems, Otsego has done a great job at creating a culture where students aren’t afraid to ask for help, and people are looking out for one another.... Read 36 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,341

• Schoolcraft, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.48 out of 5  23 reviews

Senior: Schoolcraft Schools is located in Kalamazoo County (half way between Chicago and Detroit). It is a small community, which is considered part of Kalamazoo. Our school is small but mighty. We compete well in a wide variety of sports including basketball, wrestling, baseball, softball, tennis, football, volleyball and golf, to name a few. In 2020, the volleyball and football teams made it to the State Semi-Finals (no small adventure considering all of the COVID shut downs and restarts throughout the year). The school administration has been very versatile during 2020, offering various ways to attend school, from face-to-face, to hybrid, to virtual (with both a local and a regional virtual platform to choose from). The teachers live here and have students in the school and many of the parents went to Schoolcraft Schools when they were younger. We openly welcome new students and proudly house 25% of our students under School of Choice, which allows you to attend without living here... Read 23 reviews

• grade B+

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,048

• Kalamazoo, MI•

• School District

• grade B+

• Total schools 5

• Students 1,460

• Three Rivers, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.89 out of 5  28 reviews

Alum: TRCS was our family school of choice for generations. Each following different paths in life, but having the experiences offered encouraged us to seek our interests. My family had diverse interests, but TR allows strong academics, guidance, extra-curricular activities as sports, the arts, and clubs. I am proud to be one of the many success stories of TRCS, with children venturing into the world with confidence to leave the area to live in countries of their choice and build on those strengths first experienced in our little town of TR. Thanks to all of those who guided all of us into adulthood. Community leaders and school administrators/board members are urged to support the teaching staff as they introduce this new world. There is a lot of pressure to deal with the youth of today. Following TRCS I do see changes and would really caution on funding. Funding for all areas equally, not just athletics, and build a true bully-free educational experience for all.... Read 28 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 6

• Students 2,371

• Battle Creek, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.73 out of 5  56 reviews

Alum: I really enjoyed many of my teachers, but I know lots of them are retiring which is sad, but I’m happy for them. We have a lot of new teachers coming in, which can be a good thing. The student community at lakeview is kind of difficult though, there are more students than teachers can handle a lot of the time. I would love to see three lunch periods instead of two because the high school is becoming way too large for only two lunch periods.... Read 56 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 7

• Students 3,971

• Lawton, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Senior: I have gone to Lawton Community Schools for my entire life, 12 years, and overall it is a very friendly and clean environment to be in. The staff and teachers are very knowledgeable and want to help their students succeed in life. The teachers go out of their way to make sure every student is confident in what is being learned that day. They before, during, and after school help to all students that need it. All staff are very friendly and are always open to talk. I have gone to several of my teachers to talk to them about my home and social life. There are multiple clubs and activities for everyone to find their place and their people. The facilities are always cleaned and well maintained. When I go to other schools for sporting events, I am always extra thankful for our clean school compared to other schools in this area.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,009

• Plainwell, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.93 out of 5  14 reviews

Senior: Attending Plainwell Schools my whole life has been extremely beneficial, yet there are areas of improvement. The teaching and administrative staff are very interactive and enthusiastic about the success of the students. There are many ways for everyone to get involved within the schools as much or as little as they please. However, I would like to see a larger variety of higher level classes students can take, as well as more efficient and productive rules and regulations in the student hand book.... Read 14 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 7

• Students 2,667

• Kalamazoo, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.56 out of 5  54 reviews

Alum: It was a memorable experience, that will lead to many more. Thought like every child, school had its good and it’s bad days, with no doubt I would still get that excited “first day of school” feeling all over again when I woke up in the morning! This place made education fun and has taught me how the simple feeling of accomplishment and understand is more fun than anything else could ever be!... Read 54 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 31

• Students 12,376

• Battle Creek, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.91 out of 5  33 reviews

Niche User: Harper Creek Community Schools were great to me. Yes there were some harsh or bad teachers here and there, but all schools never failed to be there for me. They provided a great school system and many amazing people, including my best friends. This is a very welcoming school system that gives everyone many opportunities to grow and be the best version of themselves they can possibly be.... Read 33 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,756

• Paw Paw, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4 out of 5  19 reviews

Junior: Paw Paw is an average public high school. The teachers are normally pretty awesome, but the facilities and opportunities tend to be a little lacking.... Read 19 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,185

• Martin, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.7 out of 5  10 reviews

Alum: Great atmosphere with sports, education is not great considering they do not get you ready for college, they are behind on education compared to other local schools.... Read 10 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 2

• Students 605

• Kalamazoo, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  9 reviews

Senior: The four years I have been at Parchment High School, I have had overall a good experience. Most of the staff is friendly and understanding. I feel safe going to school everyday, because of the atmosphere, and the people I have made friends with, and met.... Read 9 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 6

• Students 1,617

• Gobles, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.86 out of 5  7 reviews

Senior: Gobles public schools has a lot to offer for students, the school has a small, close-knit community and many different personalities. Gobles strives to get students college-ready and achieve the most they can in the 4 short years they have before college. The teachers are amazing, they care for the students as if they are their own children! Great school.... Read 7 reviews

• grade B minus

• Total schools 3

• Students 733

• Climax, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.33 out of 5  6 reviews

Alum: What I have always loved about this high school is the ability to try any sport, group, or club, and the ability to find new ways to learn. For me, I was able to take college classes all through high school and the teachers were willing to help me with my schedule and I was able to be apart of the drama club, band, and softball team.What I would like to see in the future is for our science and math department evolve with new teaching tactics overall.... Read 6 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 3

• Students 533

• Mendon, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.5 out of 5  6 reviews

Alum: Mendon High School is a small community school with nice high-qualified teachers. MHS warmly welcomes every new student and international students too. Kids, who study there, have a chance to accomplish their goals, improve their skills in different kinds of sport, band and other clubs. The most exciting part for me was doing sports. The cheerleading, track and basketball team and couches gave me an opportunity to open up and atart liking sports more and more. Mendon High School has a really high quality of education. Teachers always know the way how to make their lesson interesting for students. They are always ready and happy to help everyone who struggles with certain subjects or has some questions. Although, i think there's not a big diversity of food and school clubs.... Read 6 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 2

• Students 461

• Bloomingdale, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.4 out of 5  5 reviews

Senior: I have been enrolled in Bloomingdale Public Schools my entire life. Throughout the years there have been ups and downs that come with every school. Like a lot of people, I was bullied a lot from grade school until about 8th grade. If you were to approach the administration or staff regarding a problem you are having or experiencing, they will do their best to handle it. Along with a very approachable line of staff, the teachers really love their students. Out in the world there re teachers who aren't the best because they could be mean or not understanding to the students, but not here at Bloomingdale. In every classroom, you'll find a very caring and kind teacher who loves their students.... Read 5 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 3

• Students 1,104

• Galesburg, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.06 out of 5  16 reviews

Parent: I moved to Galesburg so my kids could attend this school. This community is wonderful and our school is great! Are we a perfect school, no. They are continually working to improve. The more support the community can provide, the more the school with thrive. The school has plans to constantly be improving. My children are receiving an excellent education. My oldest is even attending the local Math and Science Center because of the great foundation that G-A has built in her. If you are a Ram, your future looks bright!... Read 16 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 4

• Students 949

• Allegan, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.47 out of 5  32 reviews

Alum: A lot of great teachers that are very understanding. Great sports and great opportunities to excel. Fun and safe learning environments.... Read 32 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 8

• Students 2,226

• Centreville, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 4.21 out of 5  19 reviews

Alum: I loved my educational experience at Centreville Public Schools! I attended K-12 (I graduated in 2019). Great education, great opportunity, great culture, great experience!... Read 19 reviews

• grade C+

• Total schools 3

• Students 869

• Battle Creek, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.76 out of 5  21 reviews

Senior: I had a great time in the pennfield school system, it is a relatively small public school and there are many things that could be changed about it but overall my experience there was amazing! I wouldn’t pick to go anywhere else, I always had the best time making friends with such a small community mostly everyone was really accepting of eachother, the staff is absolutely amazing I loved almost all of my teachers and you could tell they cared a lot about us and our safety.... Read 21 reviews

• grade C

• Total schools 5

• Students 2,023

• Delton, MI•

• School District

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  Rating 3.79 out of 5  28 reviews

Senior: While attending Delton Kellogg High School I have never encountered a situation where I didn’t feel safe or not respected. Each student attending DK schools is offered the same opportunities as those around them. I love the sports atmosphere and all the opportunities that come with participating in the sports. One thing I would change would be the involvement and help when it comes to sharing the information of new and important things or aspects.... Read 28 reviews

• grade C

• Total schools 4

• Students 1,137