‘The future of learning’: See inside 2 brand new Portage elementary schools

PORTAGE, MI -- Portage Central Elementary School and Haverhill Elementary School don’t look like your typical elementary schools.

For one, architects of the new buildings ditched hallways in favor of “learning commons.”

The new concept separates several classes into one central area connected by a common space where teachers can collaborate and combine their classes, host activities in breakout spaces or teach in a more traditional classroom setup.

“These spaces are an extension of their classrooms,” said new Portage Public Schools Superintendent Johnny Edwards. “All the teachers share all this space.”

The new schools were built as part of a $175 million bond passed in 2021 to rebuild five elementary schools and renovate a sixth with the tagline of building ”the future of learning.”