North Slope Borough Schools & Education
North Slope Borough, Alaska
NCES + U.S. Census BureauSchool Score
49/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
67.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
67.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 79.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$13,914
National avg $13,239
State avg $13,745
School Score
49/100
Higher = better
State avg 56/100
Student-Teacher Ratio
N/A
National avg 15.8 : 1
Free Lunch (Median)
N/A
National median 48.2%
State School Rank
#23
of 29 counties (1 = best)
Education Advisory: North Slope Borough
School Verdict
North Slope Borough has average school quality (score: 49/100) with a graduation rate of 67.0%, indicating room for improvement in student outcomes.
Funding Context
With $13,914 per pupil, North Slope Borough has adequate funding that generally covers core educational needs and some supplemental services.
Attainment Context
Educational attainment data for North Slope Borough is not available.
Neighbor Context
Its school score is 12% below the Alaska average, and its graduation rate trails the state average by 12.0 percentage points, while per-pupil spending is 1% higher than the state norm.
Education Overview
About Schools in North Slope Borough, Alaska
Northernmost Schools in the United States
North Slope Borough School District manages 11 schools serving 2,044 students across the Arctic coast. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring one elementary, one middle, and two high schools, along with seven K-12 'other' schools. This single-district system serves some of the most remote communities in the world.
Arctic Investment in Student Success
The borough spends $13,914 per student, surpassing both the Alaska state average and the national $13,000 benchmark. Currently, the graduation rate is 67.0%, while the school score of 56.4 remains slightly below the state average of 62.3. Despite geographical challenges, the district maintains an alternative school to support non-traditional learners.
One District Serving the Entire North Slope
The North Slope Borough School District operates as the sole educational authority for the region's 2,044 students. There are currently no charter schools in the borough, with all students attending traditional or alternative public facilities. Fred Ipalook Elementary in Utqiaġvik is the largest school, enrolling 539 students.
Small Schools in Town and Tundra
The average school size is 186 students, ranging from Fred Ipalook's 539 down to much smaller village sites. Most facilities are rural, though three schools are located in town settings like Utqiaġvik. Attending school here means being part of a close-knit community where high schools like Barrow High serve as central social hubs.
Settling in the Arctic's Academic Hub
Families moving to the North Slope often focus on Utqiaġvik to be near the borough's largest and most specialized schools. Proximity to Fred Ipalook Elementary or Barrow High is a major consideration for local home buyers. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes significant per-pupil funding.
School Overview
Total Schools
11
in North Slope Borough
Total Enrollment
2,044
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
Student-Teacher Ratio
—
county average
Free Lunch (Median)
—
of students countywide
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in North Slope Borough
North Slope Borough School District
11 Public Schools in North Slope Borough
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Fred Ipalook Elementary | North Slope Borough School District | PK–5 | Primary | 539 |
| Barrow High School | North Slope Borough School District | 9–12 | High | 276 |
| Tikigaq School | North Slope Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 268 |
| Eben Hopson Middle School | North Slope Borough School District | 6–8 | Middle | 247 |
| Alak School | North Slope Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 168 |
| Nuiqsut Trapper School | North Slope Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 161 |
| Nunamiut School | North Slope Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 96 |
| Meade River School | North Slope Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 84 |
| Kali School | North Slope Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 83 |
| Harold Kaveolook School | North Slope Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 68 |
| Kiita Learning Community | North Slope Borough School District | 9–12 | Alternative | 54 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$13,914
State avg $13,745
Find Homes Near Top Schools
Browse homes in North Slope Borough filtered by school ratings on Zillow.
Search on Zillow →Find a Tutor in North Slope Borough
Connect with local and online tutors via Wyzant for personalized learning support.
Find a Tutor →Sponsored
Frequently Asked Questions
How do schools in North Slope Borough rate?
What is the graduation rate in North Slope Borough?
How much does North Slope Borough spend per student?
Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in North Slope Borough, Alaska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
North Slope Borough School District manages 11 schools serving 2,044 students across the Arctic coast. The infrastructure is diverse, featuring one elementary, one middle, and two high schools, along with seven K-12 'other' schools. This single-district system serves some of the most remote communities in the world.
How do schools in North Slope Borough perform academically?
The borough spends $13,914 per student, surpassing both the Alaska state average and the national $13,000 benchmark. Currently, the graduation rate is 67.0%, while the school score of 56.4 remains slightly below the state average of 62.3. Despite geographical challenges, the district maintains an alternative school to support non-traditional learners.
What are the major school districts in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
The North Slope Borough School District operates as the sole educational authority for the region's 2,044 students. There are currently no charter schools in the borough, with all students attending traditional or alternative public facilities. Fred Ipalook Elementary in Utqiaġvik is the largest school, enrolling 539 students.
What is the school experience like in North Slope Borough?
The average school size is 186 students, ranging from Fred Ipalook's 539 down to much smaller village sites. Most facilities are rural, though three schools are located in town settings like Utqiaġvik. Attending school here means being part of a close-knit community where high schools like Barrow High serve as central social hubs.
How can I find homes near good schools in North Slope Borough, Alaska?
Families moving to the North Slope often focus on Utqiaġvik to be near the borough's largest and most specialized schools. Proximity to Fred Ipalook Elementary or Barrow High is a major consideration for local home buyers. Investing in a home here means joining a community that prioritizes significant per-pupil funding.
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.