Our area is rich in educational opportunities. We have an abundance of choices- public, charter, private-
from preschool through college! Finding the right schools when looking for that perfect new home is
often a critical component of the search. It is important to visit potential schools to find the right fit.
Families have unique needs and sometimes the perfect house may not be in the school district that best
fits your needs. The Schools of Choice program may be an option. And don’t forget the Kalamazoo Promise when considering a school community for your children!
Michigan’s Schools of Choice Programs
There are 57 intermediate school districts in Michigan. Kalamazoo’s district includes several area public school systems: Climax-Scotts, Comstock, Galesburg-Augusta, Gull Lake, Kalamazoo, Parchment,Portage, Schoolcraft, and Vicksburg. Then we have bordering intermediate districts such as Gobles, Lawton, Mattawan, Otsego, Paw Paw, and Plainwell.
All the districts can choose to participate in “Schools of Choice” programs. This allows non-resident students to enroll in a district other than their own (example: Otsego><Paw Paw) or a different school system within their intermediate district (example: Portage><Vicksburg). There may be program or grade availability restrictions. You may have to provide your own transportation, but Schools of choice may be the answer for your family’s needs. Placement is not a guarantee, so contact the school directly to get more information about their participation in the programs.
The Kalamazoo Regional Educational Service Agency is a great source of information about our area’s educational programs and services. (kresa.org)
The Kalamazoo Promise
Kalamazoo made national news in 2005 when a private group introduced an incredible plan- The Kalamazoo Promise. It is a scholarship for Kalamazoo public school resident graduates that provides up to 100% tuition for post-secondary education. Over 60 Michigan institutions participate- including community colleges, universities, colleges, and trade programs. The tuition benefit of up to 145 credits is based on length of continuous attendance and residency in the KPS school system. For example, if your child only attends grades 9-12, the benefit is 65%. If your child attends KPS schools from K-12, the benefit is 100%. Something to consider when you consider a home in Kalamazoo! For more information, visit kalamazoopromise.com