For the 2024-25 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 6,325 students in Palmer, AK (there are 2 private schools, serving 93 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Palmer, AK are educated in public schools (compared to the AK state average of 95%).
The top ranked public schools in Palmer, AK are Academy Charter School, Mat-su Middle College School and Mat-su Youth Facility. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palmer, AK public schools have an average math proficiency score of 28% (versus the Alaska public school average of 24%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Palmer have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Alaska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Alaska public school average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Schools in Palmer, AK (2024-25)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Grades
Students
Rank: #11.
Academy Charter School
Magnet School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 55-59% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 5%10
801 East Arctic
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-2358
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-2358
Grades: K-8
| 261 students
Rank: #22.
Mat-su Middle College School
Magnet School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50%)
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
8295 East College Drive
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-8485
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-8485
Grades: 8-12
| 182 students
Rank: #33.
Mat-su Youth Facility
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
581 S Outer Springer Lp
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-7238
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-7238
Grades: 6-12
| 13 students
Rank: #44.
Pioneer Peak Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 42% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
Rank:
8/
Top 30%10
1959 N Stringfield Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5700
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5700
Grades: PK-5
| 513 students
Rank: #55.
Cottonwood Creek Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
800 N Seward Meridian
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 864-2100
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 864-2100
Grades: PK-5
| 468 students
Rank: #66.
Birchtree Charter School
Magnet School
Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 29% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
1675 N Nadina St.
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 745-1831
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 745-1831
Grades: K-8
| 407 students
Rank: #77.
Sherrod Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 31% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
Rank:
7/
Top 50%10
561 N Gulkana St
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-4100
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-4100
Grades: K-5
| 395 students
Rank: #88.
Butte Elementary School
Magnet School
(Math: 25-29% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
4006 S Butte Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5200
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5200
Grades: PK-5
| 274 students
Rank: #99.
Colony High School
Magnet School
(Math: 24% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
9550 E Bogard Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5500
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5500
Grades: 9-12
| 1,117 students
Rank: #1010.
Palmer High School
Magnet School
(Math: 20-24% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
1170 W Bogard Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-8400
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-8400
Grades: 9-12
| 760 students
Rank: #1111.
Colony Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 25% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
Rank:
6/
Top 50%10
9250 E Bogard Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-1500
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-1500
Grades: 6-8
| 735 students
Rank: #1212.
Valley Pathways
Alternative School
Magnet School
Magnet School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29%)
Rank:
Rank:
5/
Bottom 50%10
1150 North France Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-4650
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-4650
Grades: 9-12
| 200 students
Rank: #1313.
Palmer Middle School
Magnet School
(Math: 13% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
1159 S Chugach
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-4300
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-4300
Grades: 6-8
| 594 students
Rank: n/an/a
Swanson Elementary School
Magnet School
507 N Gulkana
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5300
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5300
Grades: PK-2
| 406 students
Palmer, Alaska Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Grades
Students
Horizon Charter (Closed 2005)
Charter School
Po Box 3927
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 745-4675
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 745-4675
Grades: PK-12
| 158 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public schools in Palmer, AK?
The top ranked public schools in Palmer, AK include Academy Charter School, Mat-su Middle College School and Mat-su Youth Facility.
How many public schools are located in Palmer?
14 public schools are located in Palmer.
What percentage of students in Palmer go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Palmer are educated in public schools (compared to the AK state average of 95%).
What is the racial composition of students in Palmer?
Palmer public schools minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is less than the Alaska public schools average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Palmer are often viewed compared to one another?
Popular comparisons of public schools in Palmer include: Palmer High School vs. Colony High School, Palmer Middle School vs. Colony Middle School, Mat-su Youth Facility vs. Valley Pathways
Recent Articles
Vouchers for Special Education: Are They a Good Idea?
The article examines the pros and cons of using school vouchers for special education students. It discusses how vouchers can provide more educational options for families but also raises concerns about accountability, funding for public schools, and the implementation of special education laws in private school settings.
What is the Connection Between Home Values and School Performance?
This article explores the relationship between school performance and home values in neighborhoods. It discusses studies showing correlations between school expenditures, ratings, and housing prices, highlighting how this connection affects families' choices and contributes to educational disparities between communities.
September 27, 2024
Understanding RubricsThis article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.
