Director's Message

Welcome to the 2025-26 school year! We are ready for an amazing new year of providing opportunities for all students to succeed. 

This is now my 12th year as Director of Adult, Alternative, and Virtual Education and 21st at Portland Public Schools, and I could not be more proud of what this school has become. We have an amazing and dedicated staff who truly care about every student that comes through our door. We are now offering four different programs to meet the needs of all Portland students and students beyond. We currently offer a classroom-based, alternative high school, a self-paced, virtual school, a home school partnership, and an adult education program. All of these programs are open to all Portland Public School students, Portland residents, Ionia County residents, and the residents of the five counties contiguous to Ionia. 

I earned my undergraduate degrees from Northwood University and the University of Michigan-Dearborn. After school, I began teaching part-time right here at Portland Alternative. While teaching here, I received a Master's in History Education from Grand Valley State University and then received my Master's in Principalship/Administration from Central Michigan University just after taking over the position of Director. 

Our program is continually expanding by offering additional and more diverse educational opportunities for all students. It is my pleasure to be leading such a forward-thinking school with an amazing staff. 

Anthony Deardorff