ABOUT OAKLAND ACADEMY
25 Years of Fundamental Education in Portage, Michigan
What began in 1998 with one building, two staff members, and a handful of K-1 students is now a tuition-free Young 5’s through 8th grade public charter school serving families across Southwest Michigan.
1998
Opened our doors
25+
Years of operation
3
Buildings on campus
$0
Tuition, always
Our Story
Built One Grade at a Time
Opened in the Fall of 1998 with one building, two staff members and just a handful of students in K-1, with an emphasis on the basics; explicit instruction in reading, writing and math and a focus on individualizing instruction for every student.
We expanded one grade level at a time in subsequent years. Opened a second building in the fall of 2007 and continued to expand and grow.
Nearly three decades later, the emphasis has not changed. Small classes, explicit instruction, and individualized attention are still how Oakland Academy teaches — now for Young 5’s through 8th grade, on campus and online through the Oakland Bridge Program.
1998
Oakland Academy opens
One building, two staff members, and a handful of students in K-1 — with an emphasis on the basics.
1999-2006
Growing one grade at a time
Each year added the next grade level, letting the school grow alongside its first families.
2007
A second building opens
Campus expansion made room for continued growth in enrollment and programming.
Today
25 years and counting
Oakland Academy recently celebrated 25 years of operation, serving Young 5's through 8th grade on campus and online.
Our Mission
“The mission of Oakland Academy is to provide the best fundamental education possible in an environment that fosters enthusiasm, competence, appreciation, and responsibility.”
Recognition & Partnerships
Accountable, Recognized, and Rooted Here
Authorized through GVSU
Oakland Academy is authorized and overseen by Grand Valley State University
GVSU School of Excellence
A previous GVSU School of Excellence designee, recognized for performance among the university’s authorized schools.
Twelve Baskets Pantry
A community partnership with Twelve Baskets Pantry helps us support the families we serve beyond the classroom.
25 Years of Operation
We recently celebrated 25 years of serving Portage, Kalamazoo, and Southwest Michigan families.
What Hasn’t Changed Since 1998
- An emphasis on the basics — reading, writing, and math
- Explicit instruction, taught directly and deliberately
- A focus on individualizing instruction for every student
- Small classes where every child is known by name
Come See What 25 Years Built
Tour the campus, meet our teachers, and see whether Oakland Academy is the right fit for your family.