Alaska is a land of breathtaking beauty and natural wonders. But “The Last Frontier State” is not just an outdoor enthusiast's paradise; it's also a great place to raise a family.
Its solid education system is one of the state's greatest attractions for families. With a population of 733,583 residents, the state comprises 54 school districts offering vast nationally renowned institutions.
But with so many schools to choose from, most parents need help identifying the right fit for their kids' educational needs and capabilities. So if this is your current situation, don't fret — you're on the right site.
This detailed article will guide you aptly through the 10 best schools in Alaska so you can make the right decision for your child's education and future. So let's jump in right away.
Elementary Schools
Bear Valley Elementary
15001 Mountain Air Dr, Anchorage, AK 99516
Situated within the whistling spruce and the majestic Chugach Mountains, forming a picturesque backdrop, Bear Valley Elementary should be among your top elementary school considerations. The school opened its doors in 1984. And since then, the community and staff have remained true to the school's mission to provide a well-rounded, solid education.
Bear Valley Elementary caters to 263 students from prekindergarten to sixth grade. The male and female populations are almost on par, representing 52% and 48%, respectively. In addition, 25% of scholars come from minority communities, making it a culturally diverse community of gifted learners.
Bear Valley has 20 accredited seasoned instructors, so each tutor tends to 13 students. All these teachers are board certified, and 95% of the team comprises educators with over three years in the field.
The tutors emphasize a philosophy that follows meaningful parent/community support and sincere dedication. Their primary objective is to prepare the school's uniquely gifted students for the future, and the results, so far, have been impressive.
The 2015 National Blue Ribbon School ranks fourth out of 153 in the state. It also takes the fourth position in the Anchorage School District. In addition, 70% and 75% of learners attained or exceeded the math and reading proficiency levels. As a result, the school ranked 6 and 3 in the two proficiencies.
In the News
Having been open for quite a while, the school managed to make some headlines. Here are some recent articles Bear Valley Elementary has been featured in:
- July 2023 – The school's student council was awarded the American Student Council Association (ASCA) Student Council School of Excellence Award.
- April 2023 – A chief meteorologist visits Bear Valley Elementary to teach students about scientific methods to observe the weather.
- March 2023 – Bear Valley was just one of the schools that had their library closed due to structural concerns in the roof.
Aurora Elementary
5085 10th St, JBER, AK 99506
Aurora Elementary can be a great choice for your child if you prioritize a culturally responsive elementary facility. In addition, this facility serves the region's military families, offering specialized instruction programs to help them advance academically and attain personal improvement in the most conducive environment.
Aurora Elementary serves 250 students from prekindergarten to grade six. This population comprises an equal distribution of male and female scholars, and 46% of students come from minority communities.
The school hires 19 credentialed tutors, so each teacher caters to about 13 students. This impressive ratio allows teachers to provide full attention to each learner's unique needs. In addition, all the staff members are board certified, and 92.7% have taught in elementary school for over three years.
The teachers at Aurora Elementary proudly serve the families of the dedicated professionals serving the nation. These professionals work closely with families to ease transitions that characterize the lives of military professionals' children. In addition, they provide appropriate, professionally sound learning experiences that enhance each learner's abilities.
Aurora Elementary ranks third out of 153 elementary schools in the state. It's also the third-best facility in the Anchorage School District. In addition, 77% of scholars attained or exceeded the math and reading proficiency levels, enabling the facility to rank in positions 3 and 2 in the two subjects.
In the News
Aurora Elementary has topped many news headlines recently. Let's take a look at a few:
- May 2023 – Students at Aurora Elementary School spent their morning planting trees for Arbor Day.
- April 2023 – At a recent ceremony, Aurora was recognized as a Purple Star School for supporting military-connected students.
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Bayshore Elementary
10500 Bayshore Dr, Anchorage, AK 99515
Families from the Anchorage city setting are fortunate to access one of the country's top-ranked instruction programs at Bayshore Elementary. The proud National Blue Ribbon school is reputable for exemplary exam performance, unique school culture, and a child-focused approach.
Bayshore Elementary serves 358 scholars between prekindergarten and sixth grade. Female students comprise 49% of the populace, while their male counterparts comprise 51%. In addition, the school hosts one of the most ethnically diverse populations in the state, with 59% of learners coming from minority communities.
The student population at Bayshore Elementary depends on 24 accredited teachers, leading to a teacher-student ratio of 1:15. All these instructors are board certified, and 88.9% of them have taught for at least three years.
The academic focus at Bayshore Elementary makes it one of the most reputable and best-performing facilities in the district and state. Teachers in this school encourage academic excellence by implementing proven instruction methods. But on the other hand, students have to meet the program's high expectations.
Bayshore Elementary ranks 2 out of 153 in the state and is the second-best school in the district. The facility ranks in positions 2 and 4 for math and reading proficiency, with 83% and 74% of students passing both subjects.
Eagle Academy Charter School
10901 Mausel St, Eagle River, AK 99577
Eagle Academy can be an excellent pick if you're looking for a top-ranking school with exemplary performance in state-mandated tests. The reputable charter school serves families across the Eagle River city setting.
Eagle Academy caters to 164 students between kindergarten and sixth grade. This population comprises 49% schoolgirls and 51% schoolboys, with a 34% minority student enrolment.
Eagle Academy's exemplary staff qualifications have been pivotal to its quality of education. The school hires nine accredited and experienced tutors, comprising a 1:18 teacher-student ratio. All the teachers are board certified, and 96.9% have been teaching for over three years. In addition, the school is home to qualified non-teaching staff and administration assistants.
The staff team at Eagle Academy focuses on teaching the school's selected curriculum. Each member collaborates with students to understand their academic and personal needs and guide them to attain their highest academic potential. In addition, the school's curriculum provides an outstanding foundation for learners to succeed at all education levels.
Eagle Academy ranks in the top position among 153 elementary schools in the state and ranks 1 out of 64 facilities in the Anchorage School District. The institution also tops the state in math and reading proficiency, with 92% and 82% of students excelling in both proficiencies.
Middle Schools
Ladd Middle School
601 F St, Fairbanks, AK 99701
Ladd Middle School opened its doors in the fall of 1992 and is famous for its leopard mascot and black-and-gold theme colors. To date, the public school has focused on educating the whole child based on its philosophy that all scholars can learn. As a result, the facility is reputable for providing a quality educational experience that nurtures productive members of a dynamic and diverse society.
Ladd Elementary serves 291 students between prekindergarten and eighth grades. Male students form a greater chunk of the population at 54%, while females comprise 46%. In addition, about 49% of these learners belong to minority communities.
The school's educational program challenges these learners to respect themselves and others, advance their unique potential, think critically, and solve problems effectively. As a result, young scholars in this facility consider themselves life-long learners.
The diverse population at Ladd Middle School depends on 24 accredited teachers and one full-time counselor. About 72.2% of tutors have taught for at least three years. These faculty members use various instruction methods to meet students' needs. They also emphasize the institution's “Pawsitive” pledge to guide learners and redirect their behavioral expectations.
Ladd Middle School ranks 3 out of 62 Alaska middle schools and 1 in the district. The institution also ranks 4 and 2 for math and reading proficiency.
Mitkof Middle School
500 1st St, Petersburg, AK 99833
Mitkof Middle School‘s mission goes beyond providing the standard elementary school program. The administration faculty and non-teaching staff aim to provide the best learning environment for young scholars to gain an outstanding foundation to succeed beyond their current level of study. Consequently, the institution has maintained a solid reputation for success.
Mitkof Middle School is home to 101 students between sixth and eighth grades. This population is predominantly male, with 55% of schoolboys participating in collaborative learning alongside their 45% female counterparts.
The gifted learners at Mitkof Middle School depend on eight board-certified and full-time teachers. So each teacher caters to 12 students, demonstrating the level of attention each student can get from their lecturer. Not only are all tutors board certified, but 84.6% percent of them have served the state's elementary school system for over three years.
The seasoned tutors guide learners through Mitkof Middle School's rigorous learning programs that aim to prepare learners for secondary education and life beyond school. Their experience, dedication, and innovative teaching methods have earned the school impressive rankings in statewide examinations.
Mitkof Middle School ranks 2 out of 62 in Alaska. The facility also ranks 2 and 4 in math and reading proficiency, with 57% and 72% of learners passing both areas of study.
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Northern Lights ABC School
2424 E Dowling Rd, Anchorage, AK 99507
Northern Lights ABC School is among the most revered facilities in the state. The alternative educational program opened its doors in 1978, and the founders aimed to establish an instruction program emphasizing a back-to-basics education strategy. The unique program stands out thanks to its strong focus on citizenship, patriotism, character education, discipline, and values.
Northern Lights serves PK-8 to 566 students with a 66% minority student enrolment. The culturally diverse population comprises 46% male and 54% female learners.
Northern Lights ABC also boasts an outstanding staff team with laudable qualifications. The facility has 33 full-time accredited teachers, leading to a 1:17 teacher-student ratio. All these faculty members are national board certified, and 95.6 of them have served middle school students for over three years.
These reliable and dedicated teachers work hand in hand with administrative assistants, parents, students, and the community towards a common objective envisioned by the school's funders. This has enabled them to educate the community's leaders of tomorrow effectively.
The staff team's commitment to the ABC philosophy and goals has made Northern Lights one of the best-performing middle schools in Alaska. The facility ranks 1 out of 62 in the state and 1 out of 17 in the Anchorage School District. In addition, the school ranks one among its magnet peers.
High Schools
Cordova Jr/Sr High School
100 Fisherman Ave, Cordova, AK 99574
High school education is more than just textbooks and lectures. It's about shaping the minds and characters of our future leaders. And that's precisely what Cordova Jr/Sr High School aims to achieve. Since its heydays, the school has remained committed to providing opportunities that challenge students to discover, set, and pursue their goals.
Cordova Jr/Sr High School has 79 seventh to twelfth-grade students. Minority enrollment stands at an impressive 50%, making it an ethnically and culturally diverse population. Thus, every student who enters the school brings a unique perspective and a wealth of life experiences.
The school community believes diversity enriches the learning environment. So the staff team jointly strives to create a community that fosters mutual respect and understanding among all our students.
It also hires 11 board-certified tutors who aim to instill communication and academic skills, cultural awareness, and personal discipline. Thus, students graduate as responsible citizens. In addition, the tutors provide vast learning opportunities that challenge each learner to set, chase, and attain realistic goals.
Cordova Jr/Sr High School ranks in position 1,794 nationally and is the third best in the state. The school also boasts a 40.0/100 college readiness index and a 7/10 GreatSchools.org summary rating.
Petersburg High School
109 Charles W St, Petersburg, AK 99833
Petersburg High School is a top-ranking public high school in the Petersburg City School District. The school boasts a long history of strong academic programs and robust extracurricular activities, including sports teams, music and drama programs, and clubs focused on various interests.
Petersburg High School's student body in ninth to twelfth grades is relatively small, comprising a total enrollment of 119 apprentices. However, the school boasts a significant diversity, with minority students making up 36% of the populace.
This diverse student populace adds a unique and valuable perspective to the school community, creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where each learner can benefit from one another. As a result, the school offers a well-rounded and culturally enriched academic experience.
Petersburg High boasts 12 highly dedicated and experienced teachers who maintain a low student-teacher ratio of 10:1. About 68.75% of the team has been at the school for five or more years. Additionally, 83.53% of the teachers teach in their field of study, hence boast extensive knowledge and expertise in their respective subjects.
The dedicated faculty and staff at Petersburg High School provide students with a comprehensive and engaging educational experience in a beautiful and unique setting. As a result, the school ranks 1,179 nationally and 2 in the state. In addition, the school has a college readiness index of 34.9/100 and a GreatSchools.org summary rating of 8/10.
Mat-Su Career & Tech High School
2472 N Seward Meridian Pkwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
In 2007, Mat-Su Career & Tech High School opened its doors to the community as a facility with a unique focus on preparing students for their future careers, equipping them with technical skills, and ensuring their readiness for college. Catering to students in grades 9 to 12, the school currently boasts an enrollment of 753 students, and a faculty of 40 full-time equivalent teachers, maintaining a student-teacher ratio of 19:1.
The Mat-Su Career Tech educational program assists high school students in discovering their career paths while still in school. By aligning the courses with industry standards, the school's curriculum equips young scholars with the necessary skills and knowledge to help them stand out in tomorrow's dynamic workforce.
To ensure the curriculum stays up-to-date, the program collaborates closely with business partners, seeking their input on what skills they want to see in future employees. As a result, the school's curriculum remains responsive to industry trends, preparing students for success in their chosen professions.
In the national rankings, Career Tech has secured the 404th spot, and it ranks first in the state among the Anchorage metro area high schools. Additionally, the school has outshone 16 other high schools in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, also earning the top position in this region.
The school also boasts a college readiness index of 38.6/100 and a 9/10 GreatSchools.org summary rating.
Key Takeaway
The “Last Frontier” state is home to vast exceptional schools offering quality education to students from kindergarten to twelfth grade. From public to private schools, homeschooling, and alternative learning programs, you can never run out of options.
To find the best school, you must research and evaluate your options thoroughly. Consider factors such as statewide and district rankings, tutor-student ratio, educational programs, available extracurricular activities, and the school culture.
Once you have a few options in mind, consider going a step further to visit or contact the schools, speak with teachers, and check online reviews. This will inform you of the school's learning style, quality of education, and academic experience.
All these steps will guide you toward an informed decision determining your child's future.
The image featured at the top of this post is ©Rawpixel.com/Shutterstock.com.