According to the Pennsylvania Budget and Policy Center, 53.9% of the Portage Area School District's pupils lived at 185% or below the Federal Poverty Level [1] as shown by their eligibility for the federal free or reduced price school meal programs in 2012.

The Appalachia Intermediate Unit IU8 provides the district with a wide variety of services like specialized education for disabled students and hearing, background checks for employees, state mandated recognizing and reporting child abuse training, speech and visual disability services and professional development for staff and faculty.

The Portage Area School District offers a wide variety of clubs, activities and an extensive, publicly funded sports program.

The fitness center is used by physical education classes, athletic teams, and students before, during, and after school hours.

According to PIAA directory July 2015[10] The district maintains its baseball and football on Caldwell Avenue, about a half mile east of the former elementary and high schools located in the town center.