Porter and Chester Institute Springfield logo

Porter and Chester Institute Springfield

Trade school · Springfield, MA · reviewed since 2026

How the Experts Score is calculatedEach factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (standing in the category can only raise it), then weighted; problems flagged in review highlights or a recent slide in ratings are subtracted:Satisfaction 64%80+50.8Reliability 28%93+26.3Replies to reviews 8%34+2.8Experts Score= 80Not enough data for value; its weight is shared by the others.Grade A: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39. Needs 10+ reviews.80SCORE
AGradeLetter from the Experts Score: A = 80+, B = 60–79, C = 40–59, D = 20–39, F = under 20.
#8 of 13 vocational & technical schoolsPosition by Experts Score among all companies we track in this category. · better than 42%
4.8 ★★★★★ 14 Google reviews · 1 photos
79%five-star reviews
4.79★last 12 monthsAverage stars on reviews from the last 12 months only.
0%1–2★, last 14 reviewsShare of 1–2★ reviews in the last 24 months — or the 20 newest reviews when the company had fewer than 20 in that time.
0%reviews answered by the owner
Oct 2026latest review

Porter and Chester Institute Springfield at a glance

Google reviewers rate Porter and Chester Institute Springfield 4.8 out of 5 based on 14 reviews. Feedback highlights hands-on training, practical skill development, and supportive instructors who assist students in understanding material and preparing for careers. Common themes include the quality of the new facility and equipment, as well as the positive atmosphere created by staff and peers. One minor criticism mentions the stress associated with the school's relocation to a new building.

  • Google rating: 4.8 out of 5 from 14 reviews (79% five-star).
  • Reviews on this page: 14 Google reviews (12 with written comments).
  • Owner responses: the business replied to 0% of reviews.
  • Most recent review: October 21, 2026.
  • Service: Vocational School serving Springfield, Massachusetts.

Data from Google, last updated October 29, 2026.

Score profile vs other vocational & technical schools

Score per factor (100 = best)Each factor is scored 0–100 on absolute terms (star average, share of 1–2★ reviews, price verdicts…); standing within the category can only raise it, never lower it.. Strongest: momentum and reliability; weakest: replies to reviews.

Satisfaction80Reliability93Craft & service–Value–Momentum100Replies to reviews34Satisfaction: 80 (median 84)Reliability: 93 (median 93)Momentum: 100 (median 100)Replies to reviews: 34 (median 51)
This companyVocational & Technical Schools median0 = centre, 100 = best
SatisfactionSatisfaction · 54% of the scoreRecency-weighted star average (2-year half-life), shrunk toward the category mean by review volume; the company’s own lifetime average as the prior; absolute: 4.0★ = 0, 5★ = 100.Porter and Chester Institute Springfield: 80/100 on this factor. Category median: 84.A
80
ReliabilityReliability · 24% of the scoreHow rarely jobs go badly: share of 1–2★ reviews — 60% the last 24 months (or the 20 newest if fewer), 40% all-time; 0% = 100, 15%+ = 0; the category percentile can only raise it.Porter and Chester Institute Springfield: 93/100 on this factor. Category median: 93.A
93
Craft & serviceCraft & service · penalty only, up to −10 pointsGoogle review highlights: Quality, Professionalism, Responsiveness, Punctuality — how rarely reviewers flag them as a negative, per review since highlights began; 0% = 100, 5%+ = 0. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in — clean highlights are the norm, not a bonus.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 83.–
–
ValueValue · 14% of the scoreCustomers’ own price verdicts (Great / Reasonable vs Overpriced) and Value highlights; 65% absolute (all “reasonable” ≈ 80, “great” = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Not enough reviews for this factor yet. Category median: 100.–
–
MomentumMomentum · penalty only, up to −10 pointsPenalises only a real slide: last-12-month average below lifetime (−0.5★ = 0). Still 4.8★+ over the last year, or steady/improving = 100. Subtracted from the score (up to −10), never averaged in.Porter and Chester Institute Springfield: 100/100 on this factor. Category median: 100.A
100
Replies to reviewsReplies to reviews · 7% of the scoreHow often the owner publicly replies to reviews under 5★ (1–4★). Needs 3+ such reviews, otherwise not counted; 65% absolute (80%+ replied = 100), the category percentile can only raise it.Porter and Chester Institute Springfield: 34/100 on this factor. Category median: 51.D
34

Bar = this company · dark tick = category median.

Star ratings

14 Google reviews we collected

  • 5 stars1179%
  • 4 stars321%
  • 3 stars00%
  • 2 stars00%
  • 1 star00%

Praise vs complaints

Phrases our text analysis found in 12 written reviews

  • Praise7100%
  • Complaints00%

Topic share

How often each topic comes up in the written reviews

  • Staff & attitude457%
  • Quality & results114%
  • Honesty & trust114%
  • Would recommend114%

What customers talk about

We read 12 written reviews and marked every phrase about these topics. The same colors are highlighted in the reviews.

  • “Richmond the morning electrical teacher is very welcoming and knowledgeable”
  • “great experience the people there are amazing and take time to make sure everything is managed”
  • “…ne of the best teachers I’ve met at PCI she’s very down to earth and honest with her students and I really appreciate how much she cares and looks aft…”
  • “I highly recommend this school to anyone that is looking to get into the trades.”

praise complaint · found by our text analysis, Google review wording unchanged.

Recent reviews

Reniel3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

great experience the people there are amazing and take time to make sure everything is managed

Gabriel1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★

Automotive teachers were very good and helped me with everything Mr. S Mr. Saint

TyPiCaL1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

Porter and Chester Institute is a great place to learn hands on skills and prepare for a future career. The instructors help students understand the material and gain practical experience. Overall, it’s a good school for anyone looking to build their skills and start a career.

Final1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★

The school is nice if you are looking for an amazing Automotive teacher this is it. The school itself has its ups and down but it’s great. While moving schools everything was annoying but now that we are in the new school it’s feels good.

Hillary2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

Porter and Chester is an amazing institute, my partner as well as my sibling both attended this school and their lives changed drastically. If college isn’t for you, but you’re looking to change careers or expand your opportunities this is a great place for you.

Adam1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews this person has written across all businesses on Google Maps (not just this one). More reviews usually means a more experienced, trustworthy reviewer. · a week ago★★★★★

I have not graduated yet but I would 100% say to give it a go and apply to the trade you want to work at. Thrle only thing most people dont understand is that the most important part is that you have to show up and do the work and you will succeed. The fello students and the faculty make the learning enjoyable and…

Photos

Customer reviews

4.8 ★★★★★ 14 reviews on Google · rating breakdown

Reviews from Google, shown as published (original wording, unedited).

Team members customers mention
Filter by topic — each topic is highlighted in the reviews in the same color
Reniel Ramos3 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Reniel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

great experience the people there are amazing and take time to make sure everything is managed

Gabriel Martinez1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Gabriel has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Automotive teachers were very good and helped me with everything Mr. S Mr. Saint

TyPiCaL _Ki113R1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews TyPiCaL has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Porter and Chester Institute is a great place to learn hands on skills and prepare for a future career. The instructors help students understand the material and gain practical experience. Overall, it’s a good school for anyone looking to build their skills and start a career.

Final Fantasy1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Final has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

The school is nice if you are looking for an amazing Automotive teacher this is it. The school itself has its ups and down but it’s great. While moving schools everything was annoying but now that we are in the new school it’s feels good.

Hillary Cox2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Hillary has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Porter and Chester is an amazing institute, my partner as well as my sibling both attended this school and their lives changed drastically. If college isn’t for you, but you’re looking to change careers or expand your opportunities this is a great place for you.

Adam Fredette1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Adam has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

I have not graduated yet but I would 100% say to give it a go and apply to the trade you want to work at. Thrle only thing most people dont understand is that the most important part is that you have to show up and do the work and you will succeed. The fello students and the faculty make the learning enjoyable and easy and the on site learning is what makes it worth showing up so you can get hands on work.

Giancarlos Sanchez1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Giancarlos has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

School is good, teachers good, nice lunch room.

Bryan Torres1 reviewTotal number of Google reviews Bryan has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

My experience at PCI was good I met new people and made new friends ms. Richmond is one of the best teachers I’ve met at PCI she’s very down to earth and honest with her students and I really appreciate how much she cares and looks after her students

Gaetano CirilloLocal Guide · 4 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Gaetano has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Ms. Richmond the electrical instructor was amazing, she listens and takes her time to help you understand everything. The school staff is kind and understanding. They will help you as best as they can. They friends you make here will become family, no doubt about it. I highly recommend this school to anyone that is looking to get into the trades. The move to springfield has been stressful and this new location has its flaws but with time this place will shape up nicely.

Ian Rivera2 reviewsTotal number of Google reviews Ian has written across all businesses on Google Maps, not just this one.
Review from Google · view on Google
★★★★★

Ms.Richmond the morning electrical teacher is very welcoming and knowledgeable

Porter and Chester Institute Springfield on Google Maps →

Business details

  • Address: 1250 St James Ave, Springfield, MA 01104
  • Phone: (413) 459-9760
  • Website: pci.edu
  • Service area: Springfield, MA