VALPARAISO EDUCATION
Providing the foundation for all the years to follow, Valparaiso offers an outstanding selection of state-licensed and private daycares and pre-schools which recognize that the first years of life are an extraordinary time in developing children's cognitive and social skills.
Rated among the best in the state, four public school systems serving the Greater Valparaiso
area connect a nurturing environment with broad-based curriculum, special programs, and extracurricular activities, opening the doors to life-long learning for more than 9,000 K-12 students. In January 2006, Superintendent of Public Instruction Suellen Reed announced the state’s 2004 Four Star School Award. Of the 1,870 Indiana schools, 198 earned the award, the highest state distinction, which is based on overall attendance rates and student achievement on Indiana Statewide Testing for Educational Progress-Plus (ISTEP+). Eight of those awarded were schools located in the Greater Valparaiso area, seven of which are part of the Valparaiso Community School System. An alternative high school, vocational school and a variety of private schools provide diversity, balance and enrich all facets of learning.
Valparaiso is a community which believes in empowering students to achieve their lifelong personal and professional goals through higher education. There are 7 universities/colleges serving the Valparaiso community, including locally based Valparaiso University, consistently ranked one of the best comprehensive universities in the Midwest.
Four School Districts (K-12) Comprise the Greater Valparaiso Public Education System
Valparaiso Community School System
3801 N Campbell St
Valparaiso, IN 46385
(219) 531-3000
www.valpo.k12.in.us
Total Enrollment (K-12) 2005-06: 6,188
Expenditure per pupil, all funds three-year average 2004-05: $10,100
High School Graduation Rate 2004-05: 96.4
ISTEP percent passing both English and Math 2005-06: 80.6%
Union Township School Corporation
599 W 300 N Ste A
Valparaiso, IN 46385
(219) 759-2531
www.union.k12.in.us
Total Enrollment (K-12) 2005-06: 1,664
Expenditure per pupil, all funds three-year average 2004-05: $8,600
High School Graduation Rate 2004-05: 97.6
ISTEP percent passing both English and Math 2005-06: 81.7%
East Porter County School Corporation
502 East College Street
Kouts, IN 46347-0370
(219) 766-2214
www.epcsc.k12.in.us
Total Enrollment (K-12) 2005-06: 2,163 (preliminary data)
Expenditure per pupil, all funds three-year average 2004-05: $10,100
High School Graduation Rate 2004-05: 96.3
ISTEP percent passing both English and Math 2005-06: 78.1%
Porter Township School Corporation
248 S 500 W
Valparaiso, IN 46383-9642
(219) 477-4933
www.ptsc.k12.in.us
Total Enrollment (K-12) 2005-06: 1,646
Expenditure per pupil, all funds three-year average 2004-05: $9,200
High School Graduation Rate 2004-05: 90.6
ISTEP percent passing both English and Math 2005-06: 74.3%
*Statistics taken from Indiana Dept. of Education website www.doe.state.in.us
Vocational/Special Education
Porter County Education Interlocal
750 Ransom Road
Valparaiso, IN 46385-8973
(219) 464-9607
Porter County Career Center
Porter County Vocational School (Level 11-12)
1005 N Franklin Street
Valparaiso, IN 46383
(219) 531-3170
www.valpo.k12.in.us/pccc
www.porterco.org/pcve
Self Summer Enrichment
Summer school for developmentally disabled children ages 3-6,
and for autistic and moderately mentally handicapped children 6-18.
750 Ransom Rd
Valparaiso, IN 46385-8973
(219) 464-9607
Colleges/Universities
Indiana University Northwest
www.iun.edu
Indiana University Northwest, one of eight campuses of Indiana University, serves the seven-county region of northwest Indiana. With over 5,000 students, IU Northwest offers nationally recognized degree programs, award-winning faculty, a diverse student body, a supportive learning environment, and unique cultural opportunities. While Indiana University's history in northwest Indiana dates back to 1922, the present site of the northwest campus was opened in Gary, Indiana, just 20 miles northwest of Valparaiso. Since that time, the campus has grown to 36 acres and 11 academic buildings. With over 21,000 alumni, most IU Northwest graduates remain in northwest Indiana to live and work, and make significant contributions to the economic, social, political and cultural quality of life in the region. Through its Shared Vision, IU Northwest continues to reaffirm its roles in society- to be an excellent regional public university as well as a major participant and educational resource for the development of northwest Indiana.
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana
www.ivytech.edu
Ivy Tech Community College of Indiana Northwest has educated students in Porter, LaPorte, Lake, Pulaski, Jasper, Newton and Starke counties since 1968. Ivy Tech Northwest is part of the 14-region statewide system - the second largest and fastest growing public higher education system in Indiana. Ivy Tech Northwest has campuses in Valparaiso, Michigan City, Gary, East Chicago and in an instructional site in Portage. Ivy Tech has the most affordable tuition of any public supported school in the state and is fully accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
The Workforce and Economic Development (WED) division of Ivy Tech creates and delivers customized training on-site or at one of the four regional campuses. WED instructors provide customized training, professional development and evaluation services.
new Valparaiso Campus is under construction in the Eastporte Industrial Park. Phase I of the 170,000 square foot campus is expected to be completed by the summer of 2006. The new campus will include state-of-the-art technology throughout the building and will house current programs with room to add future programs in accordance with the needs of the community
Purdue University North Central
www.pnc.edu
Purdue University North Central delivers a world-class education to area residents, offering 23 master’s, bachelor’s and associate degrees and courses for professional or personal enrichment. Its 305-acre Westville campus is located 14 miles from Valparaiso, at the junction of the Indiana Toll Road and U.S 421.
The Purdue University North Central-Porter County undergraduate and graduate centers at 600 Vale Park Road, Valparaiso, offer courses ideal for first year students, MBA students and continuing education seekers, bringing Purdue classes directly to Valparaiso residents.
PNC’s 3,500 students can get involved in more than 25 clubs and organizations, student government and intercollegiate sports including men’s basketball, baseball and women’s softball.
Valparaiso University
www.valpo.edu
An independent Lutheran university of 4,000 students, Valparaiso University is uniquely characterized by its integration of liberal arts and professional studies, faith-based learning, and exceptional service and co-curricular opportunities – including NCAA Division I athletics. Academic distinction reigns in 70+ areas of study within the Colleges of Arts and Sciences, Business Administration, Engineering, Nursing, and Christ College – The Honors College, as well as the School of Law, MBA and other graduate programs. With its pulse on today’s interconnected world, Valparaiso University offers 14 study abroad programs on four continents, as well as national and international internships and cooperative programs.
Additional Colleges/Universities near Valparaiso
Calumet College of St. Joseph
www.ccsj.edu
Merrillville Campus
8400 Louisiana St.
Merrillville , IN 46410
Main Campus
2400 New York Ave.
Whiting , IN 46394
(219) 473-7770
Davenport University - Merrillville
www.davenport.edu/du/currentstudents/merrillville/default.htm
Merrillville Location
8200 Georgia St.
Merrillville, IN 46410
(219) 769-5556
Sawyer College
www.sawyercollege.edu
3803 East Lincoln Highway
Merrillville, IN 46410
(219) 736-0436
