Director's Message

Welcome to the 2022-23 school year! We are ready for an amazing new year of providing opportunities for all students to succeed. 

This is now my ninth year as Director of Adult, Alternative, and Virtual Education for 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 each an 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
Director, Portland Adult, Alternative, and Virtual Education
Portland Public Schools