The Michigan City Area Schools are committed to excellence as they prepare students to meet the educational challenges of the twenty-first century. By focusing the curriculum, learning environment, and staff development to meet the community’s needs, students’ educational goals are met in a quality setting. MCAS includes 10 elementary schools, two middle schools, a junior high school, senior high school, and an alternative high school.

The A.K. Smith Career Center provides educational opportunities for youths and adults in a modern technical and vocational training center. Its Vocational Trades Program is geared to applied technical and trade skills in math, auto repair and mechanics, building trades, computer applications, food service, secretarial, cosmetology, health occupations, electronics, CNC, CIM, robotics and child care, among others.

Students who are more successful in a non-traditional environment are encouraged to take advantage of various other programs such as Special Education, Vocational Education and the Talent Development Program within the public school system. Michigan City is also home to excellent private schools, more than a dozen preschools, and two Montessori schools.

Catholic schools have been a part of the community since 1886. All are fully accredited by the state and offer comprehensive academic, athletic and extracurricular programs. Four elementary schools offer preschool through eighth grade programs. Students in grades nine through 12 may attend Marquette High School.

LaLumiere College Prep, located on the grounds of an estate outside Michigan City, enrolls day students as well as local and international boarders. Founded in 1963 by Catholic laypersons, it continues that tradition and welcomes a diversity of students.

Higher Education

Those wishing to continue their education past high school have a wide variety of excellent options. Business college and vocational training programs are available nearby.

Just a few minutes south of Michigan City on US 421 is Purdue University North Central, a regional campus in the Purdue system. PNC is a commuter campus offering associate’s and bachelor’s degrees, and a master’s degree in elementary education. Students also may take courses to fulfill the first two years’ requirements for most majors offered at other Purdue campuses and other universities.

The student body of just over 3,500 has nearly equal complements of traditional-age and older students. Both daytime and evening classes are offered, along with off-campus evening courses in Michigan City, LaPorte and six other locations.

The campus is renowned for its attractive setting and friendly, personal service. Classes are small, and all faculty members teach undergraduates. Several instructors have national reputations for expertise in their fields. Since 99 percent of the students are undergraduates, they have unique opportunities to conduct research and interact with faculty — something not often available at larger institutions.

Purdue North Central makes a strong contribution to the community. More than 900 graduates live in Michigan City and another 1,100 reside elsewhere in LaPorte County. Nearly every company or service business in the area has PNC graduates among its employees. In fact, of the 6,000+ graduates since the campus was established in 1967, 85 percent have remained in northwest Indiana. To assist the local business community, EconTrends, an overview of area economic conditions, is distributed free on the campus web site. Also on the site is the Purdue Center for Applications of Steel Housing, linking homebuilders and consumers to the latest on steel-frame home construction.

PNC also offers cultural and educational opportunities such as the Chancellor’s Series programs (free and open to the public). The International Cafe, featuring multicultural cuisine prepared by students planning careers in the hospitality industry, is open weekly during the fall semester. Senior citizens may enjoy Internet sessions, while high-ability grade and middle school students can participate in Super Saturday and Super Summer classes. In October, area runners and walkers take part in the Fall 5K on the rolling terrain of the 275-acre campus.

Commonwealth Business College in Michigan City is dedicated to improving students’ earning power and long-term employment opportunities. It offers two-year degree and certificate programs with day and night classes in Information Technology, Accounting, Paralegal, Medical Assisting and Business. Student services include career placement and financial assistance; class sizes are small with experienced instructors who constantly update their training methods to respond to the ever-changing needs of the business community.

A $400,000 renovation project is nearing completion at Ivy Tech State College’s Michigan City campus. Ivy Tech is the third largest institution in the state, offering classes and continuing education in business, health and human services, and hospitality, as well as customized business training. Students of all ages can take advantage of such services as financial aid programs, career assessment and advisement, and employment placement.

Students venturing farther from home can take advantage of the prestigious programs offered at St. Mary’s College, St. Joseph College, Indiana University at South Bend, Valparaiso University, and, of course, the University of Notre Dame.

Area Colleges & Universities

Institution Location
Indiana Vocational
Technical College (Ivy Tech) Michigan City, Gary,
Hammond, Valparaiso, South Bend
Purdue University North Central Westville
Purdue University Calumet Hammond
Commonwealth Business College Michigan City
Sawyer College Merrillville
Bethel College Mishawaka
Calumet College of St. Joseph Hammond
Indiana University Northwest Gary
Indiana University South Bend South Bend
St. Mary’s College South Bend
St. Joseph College Rensselaer
University of Notre Dame South Bend
Valparaiso University Valparaiso

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