Matanuska-Susitna Borough Schools & Education
Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
86.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
86.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 79.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$9,680
National avg $13,239
State avg $13,745
School Score
56/100
Higher = better
State avg 56/100
State School Rank
#11
of 29 counties (1 = best)
Explore Matanuska-Susitna Borough across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska
Alaska's Expansive Valley Education System
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District manages a robust network of 47 public schools serving 19,570 students. The landscape includes 25 elementary, 5 middle, and 11 high schools, making it one of the state's most comprehensive systems. This single-district model provides streamlined administration for a rapidly growing student population.
Strong Graduation Rates on Leaner Budgets
The borough achieves an impressive 86% graduation rate, nearly matching the national average of 87% and far exceeding the state's 79% average. This is accomplished with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,680, which is significantly lower than the national spending benchmark of $13,000. The borough's school score of 57.2 reflects a system focused on efficiency and core results.
Innovation Through Charter School Choice
Six charter schools operate within the borough, representing 12.8% of all schools and providing diverse options for local families. The district also manages three alternative schools to support varied learning needs. Mat-Su Central School is the largest institution, serving 2,254 students through its unique PK-12 model.
A Blend of Town and Rural Campuses
Education here happens in diverse settings, with 25 schools located in town locales and 22 in rural areas. While the average school size is 416 students, facilities range from the large Colony High (1,117 students) to much smaller rural outposts. This mix allows families to choose between traditional large-school environments and smaller community settings.
Find a Home in the Mat-Su Valley
With graduation rates that lead the state, the Mat-Su Borough is a top destination for families moving to Alaska. Houses near Wasilla and Palmer offer proximity to high-performing secondary schools like Colony High and the Career & Tech Ed High School. Use school performance data as a guide when exploring the diverse real estate options across the Valley.
School Overview
Total Schools
47
in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Total Enrollment
19,570
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
6
13% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
47 Public Schools in Matanuska-Susitna Borough
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mat-Su Central School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | KG–12 | Other | 2,254 |
| Colony High School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | 9–12 | High | 1,117 |
| Wasilla High School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | 9–12 | High | 848 |
| Palmer High School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | 9–12 | High | 760 |
| Mat-Su Career & Tech Ed High School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | 9–12 | Vocational | 743 |
| Colony Middle School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | 6–8 | Middle | 735 |
| Teeland Middle School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | 6–8 | Middle | 719 |
| Wasilla Middle School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | 6–8 | Middle | 610 |
| Palmer Middle School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | 6–8 | Middle | 594 |
| Twindly Bridge Charter School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | KG–12 | Charter | 584 |
| Joe Redington Senior Jr/Sr High School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | 6–12 | High | 556 |
| John Shaw Elementary | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | PK–5 | Primary | 533 |
| Pioneer Peak Elementary | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | PK–5 | Primary | 513 |
| Fred and Sara Machetanz Elementary School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | PK–5 | Primary | 471 |
| Cottonwood Creek Elementary | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | PK–5 | Primary | 468 |
| Iditarod Elementary | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | PK–5 | Primary | 437 |
| Dena'ina Elementary School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | PK–5 | Primary | 435 |
| Finger Lake Elementary | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | PK–5 | Primary | 425 |
| Birchtree Charter School | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | KG–8 | Charter | 407 |
| Swanson Elementary | Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District | PK–2 | Primary | 406 |
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$9,680
State avg $13,745
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska?
The Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District manages a robust network of 47 public schools serving 19,570 students. The landscape includes 25 elementary, 5 middle, and 11 high schools, making it one of the state's most comprehensive systems. This single-district model provides streamlined administration for a rapidly growing student population.
How do schools in Matanuska-Susitna Borough perform academically?
The borough achieves an impressive 86% graduation rate, nearly matching the national average of 87% and far exceeding the state's 79% average. This is accomplished with a per-pupil expenditure of $9,680, which is significantly lower than the national spending benchmark of $13,000. The borough's school score of 57.2 reflects a system focused on efficiency and core results.
What are the major school districts in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska?
Six charter schools operate within the borough, representing 12.8% of all schools and providing diverse options for local families. The district also manages three alternative schools to support varied learning needs. Mat-Su Central School is the largest institution, serving 2,254 students through its unique PK-12 model.
What is the school experience like in Matanuska-Susitna Borough?
Education here happens in diverse settings, with 25 schools located in town locales and 22 in rural areas. While the average school size is 416 students, facilities range from the large Colony High (1,117 students) to much smaller rural outposts. This mix allows families to choose between traditional large-school environments and smaller community settings.
How can I find homes near good schools in Matanuska-Susitna Borough, Alaska?
With graduation rates that lead the state, the Mat-Su Borough is a top destination for families moving to Alaska. Houses near Wasilla and Palmer offer proximity to high-performing secondary schools like Colony High and the Career & Tech Ed High School. Use school performance data as a guide when exploring the diverse real estate options across the Valley.
Counties with Similar School Profile
Data Sources
Education data sourced from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the U.S. Census Bureau American Community Survey. School scores are derived composite metrics.
Data is informational only. Coverage varies by county and reporting year. Not for use as the sole basis for educational decisions.