About TCAPS
Mission
TCAPS educates, inspires, and supports all learners to maximize individual excellence and success.
Vision
An educational community providing opportunities and resources to relentlessly support all learners in achieving their full potential.
Values
- Students First
- Excellence
- Integrity
- Inclusive
- Success for All
- Leadership
- Community
Traverse City Area Public Schools (TCAPS) is the largest district in northwestern Michigan and offers the area’s widest variety of high quality academic and extracurricular programs. TCAPS is home to 11 elementary schools, two middle schools, three high schools and a variety of preschool classrooms.
About the District
- Nearly 8,000 Students
- 300 Sq. Mile Boundary Area
- 16 Schools, 4 Support Buildings
- 2,000,000 Sq. Ft. Space
- Over $110 Million Budget
- $370 Million in Assets
- Millage Rate 3.1 Mills (state average is 5.1 mills)
- Area’s 2nd Largest Employer
TCAPS Why Education Video
What Makes TCAPS Great
Great Community, Great Schools
TCAPS’ core curriculum conforms to state guidelines and prepares students to lead successful and fulfilling lives in a rapidly changing and cultural and technological environment. Elementary curriculum focuses on achieving core content expectations and balanced literacy and aligns with Michigan Grade Level Expectations. The secondary curriculum aligns with the Michigan Merit Curriculum graduation guidelines.
Our district goals enhance TCAPS as a destination district. We strive to provide the strongest academic and extracurricular programming. We promise an outstanding learning experience for your child as well as a safe, friendly, and well-equipped environment to nurture your child’s social and academic growth.
TCAPS Offers:
- Nationally Ranked High Schools
- Free, Reduced, and Tuition-Based Preschool Programs
- Montessori Programs
- UpNorth Virtual (K-12)
- Elementary Talented & Gifted
- Middle School Honors and Academically Talented (AT)
- High School Advanced Placement
- Award Winning Music and Performing Arts Programs
- Internationally Recognized Choirs
- Middle and High School Theatre
- World Class Bands & Orchestras
- Elementary School Music and Fine Arts
- Class A Athletics
- Dual Enrollment
- Early College
- Alternate High School Education
- NorthwestEd Career -Tech Center
- K-12 STEM, SCI-MA-TECH and Robotics
- Cultural Exchange Programs
- Extracurricular Offerings: Debate, Newspaper, Yearbook Model United Nations, National Honor Society, and more
- Indigenous Education
- English Learner Program
- Special Education & ECP Programs
- Summer Programs
- World Languages
- LEAP (Over 25 Elementary/Middle School Athletics & Enrichment Programs Offered)
- Extended Day Child Care Programs
- Student Support Network
- Healthy Nutrition / Farm to School Programs