Accredited Tuition-Free K–8 and Young 5s Charter School in Portage, Michigan | Oakland Academy

A small, supportive school where students feel safe, known, and set up to succeed.

Taught Here: Character Education|Positive Communication Skills|Freedom of Choice

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Oakland Academy Charter School in Portage, MI

High Expectations and High Achievement for all Students

Oakland Academy is an accredited tuition-free public charter school established in 1998 in Portage, Michigan, serving elementary and middle school students from Young 5s through 8th grade. With small class sizes, personalized instruction, and a close-knit school community, we provide a learning environment where every child is supported and challenged to succeed.

Families from Portage, Kalamazoo, and surrounding communities choose Oakland Academy as a trusted alternative to larger, traditional schools.

Oakland Academy Classroom

Looking for a Learning Option That Balances Flexibility, Support, and Connection?

Oakland Bridge offers the best of both worlds: at-home learning paired with weekly in-person experiences that keep students engaged, supported, and connected.

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Academics

Oakland Academy utilizes research-based instructional strategies to guarantee student learning.

Staff

Our staff is dedicated to your child’s education. We focus on character development, individual learning styles & more.

Small Class Sizes

Smaller class sizes means more 1 on 1 time, more engaged students and more cohesive class environments.

Weekly Progress Reports

Stay on top of academics with weekly progress reports sent home each Friday.

Chartered by GVSU

Each graduating student is eligible for scholarships to attend Grand Valley State University.

Open to All Michigan Residents

Oakland Academy enrollment is open to all Michigan residents.

What Cognia Accreditation Means and Why It Matters for Your Child’s School

by | September 15, 2026 | Parent Resource | 0 Comments

Understanding one of the most important quality indicators families often overlook when choosing a school When parents are researching schools, they usually focus on things they can easily see: Test scores Class sizes Programs and extracurriculars School culture...
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Oakland Academy: Measuring Learning Beyond Seat Time Through NextEdge

by | September 10, 2026 | Parent Resource, School Information | 0 Comments

For generations, schools have measured learning by time spent in a classroom. Oakland Academy is taking a different approach. Through the school's NextEdge learning model, students are encouraged to demonstrate mastery of concepts rather than simply move through...
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What Is the Oakland Bridge Program? Hybrid Learning Explained for Busy Families

by | September 8, 2026 | Parent Resource | 0 Comments

How a hybrid learning model can provide flexibility, accountability, and connection for today's families Have you ever wished there was an option somewhere between traditional school and full-time homeschooling? You're not alone. Many families are looking for more...
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What Is a Young 5’s Program and Is It Right for My Child?

by | September 1, 2026 | Early Childhood Education | 0 Comments

A parent's guide to understanding Young 5's, kindergarten readiness, and making the best decision for your child As your child approaches kindergarten age, you may find yourself facing a difficult question: "My child is eligible for kindergarten, but are they truly...
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Is Oakland Academy Tuition-Free? How Charter School Funding Works in Michigan

by | August 25, 2026 | Enrollment | 0 Comments

Understanding charter school costs, funding, and what Michigan families actually pay As the school year approaches, many Michigan parents are asking an important question: "Is Oakland Academy tuition-free, or will I have to pay for my child to attend?" It's a...
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Charter School Enrollment in Michigan: Deadlines, Lottery, and Residency Rules Explained

by | August 21, 2026 | Enrollment | 0 Comments

What Michigan families need to know before the school year begins If you're researching charter school enrollment in Michigan, you're probably asking some important questions: Is it too late to enroll? Do charter schools have enrollment deadlines? What happens if...
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How Schools Help Students Build Confidence

by | August 11, 2026 | Parent Resource, Uncategorized | 0 Comments

Every parent wants their child to feel capable, valued, and successful. But sometimes, families begin noticing signs that their child is losing confidence. Maybe they stop raising their hand in class. Maybe they become frustrated with schoolwork they once enjoyed....
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What Is the Oakland Bridge Program? A Flexible Learning Option for Michigan Families

by | August 7, 2026 | School Information | 0 Comments

Looking for More Flexibility Without Giving Up School Connections? For some families, a traditional classroom is the perfect fit. For others, life circumstances, learning styles, family schedules, or personal preferences create a need for something different. You may...
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Oakland Academy Earns Cognia Accreditation

by | August 6, 2026 | School Information | 0 Comments

A Recognition of Quality, Growth, and Student Success At Oakland Academy, we believe every child deserves a school where they are known, supported, challenged, and inspired to succeed. That's why we are proud to share an exciting achievement: Oakland Academy has...
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What Parents Mean When They Say, “We Need Something Different”

by | August 4, 2026 | Enrollment, Parent Resource | 0 Comments

There comes a point when many parents find themselves having the same conversation. Maybe it's after another difficult morning getting their child ready for school. Maybe it's after a conference with a teacher. Maybe it's while watching their child slowly lose...
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school hours

M-F: 7:45am – 3:45pm

Email

boriss@oaklandacademy.org

Phone

(269) 324-8951

address

6325 Oakland Drive, Portage MI 49024

Contact Us

Bridge Program

Learning at Home, Connected at School

Oakland Bridge combines the flexibility of at-home learning with weekly on-campus experiences, giving students the support, social interaction, and structure they need to thrive.

Explore Oakland Bridge

Young 5s

Young 5s: The Perfect Start

Not quite ready for Kindergarten? Our Young 5s program provides an extra year of growth, confidence-building, and foundational learning in a supportive classroom environment designed for developing learners.

Learn About Young 5s

Oakland Academy Wellness Policy

Read our policy on physical fitness, student nutrition & available student accommodations

Oakland Academy Title IX Policy

Read our policy, training materials and contact information for Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972.

Upcoming Events

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Oakland Academy is the BEST choice because…

Oakland Academy is a K-8 and Young 5s charter public academy offering small class sizes, weekly progress reports and individualized instruction in a small family like environment. The academy prides itself on high parental involvement, a transparent curriculum and strong core academics.