Kalamazoo Public Schools

[Lisa Victoria Johnson]

Hello all,

My husband and I are moving into the neighborhood within the year but are concerned with the school system.  We've heard mixed reviews on the public schools in Kalamazoo.  Does anyone have children that attend Kalamazoo schools and/or can offer some input?  Many thanks!

Lisa

[George Norberg]

I have two kids (6th and 7th grade) and have been very happy with the school system. The schools do have some problems, but not anymore or any worse than any other school system. The problems they do have just seem to be more apparant than other school districts because of the higher media attention. Since the Kalamazoo Promise the attention has become greater.

[Stephanie Somers]

We have been in the neighborhood for ten years, and now have our three daughters at Parkwood-UpJohn.  We love it there.  The teachers are very experienced and professional.  The staff is organized, knowledgeable, and kind.  The girls have many good friends there.  There are lots of neighborhood children in their classrooms.  There are extracurricular opportunities for activities, such as Girls on the Run, ski club, basketball, Global Reading Challenge, Destination Imagination, Girl Scouts, learning about and running a Business.  The very few times that I have had a concern, and chosen to speak up, I have been really happy with the response from Mrs. Steiner (the principal), and from the teachers. 

Before we chose Parkwood-UpJohn we toured a number of schools, both public and private.  When we toured Parkwood the (former) principal spent hours with us--took us in every room (literally) of the school.  We saw every classroom with all its warts and glory, and we were convinced it would be a good place for our family.  The school has more than lived up to our expectations.

Are we happy 100% of the time?  Do we live in Disneyland?  Of course not!  It's still great, though.