Northwest Arctic Borough Schools & Education
Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska
School Score
51/100
Higher = better
Rating
Average
Graduation Rate
72.0%
National avg 87.5%
Education Statistics
Graduation Rate
72.0%
National avg 87.5%
State avg 79.0%
Per-Pupil Spending
$15,247
National avg $13,239
State avg $13,745
School Score
51/100
Higher = better
State avg 56/100
State School Rank
#20
of 29 counties (1 = best)
Explore Northwest Arctic Borough across the ByCounty Network
Education Overview
About Schools in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska
Education Across the Arctic Circle
The Northwest Arctic Borough School District oversees 13 schools that educate 1,911 students. The system primarily uses a PK-12 model with 11 'other' schools, supplemented by one dedicated elementary and one high school. This structure provides a consistent educational path for students from early childhood through graduation.
Strong Funding Supports Graduation Goals
The borough allocates $15,247 per student, which is well above the state average of $13,745. This high investment supports a 72% graduation rate and a school score of 61.9, which nearly matches the Alaska state average of 62.3. These metrics demonstrate a system working to overcome the logistical hurdles of the far north.
A Unified Borough District Model
The Northwest Arctic Borough School District serves all 1,911 students in the region without the use of charter schools. Kotzebue Middle/High School is the largest campus with 328 students, followed by June Nelson Elementary with 265. All 13 schools are traditional public institutions focused on local community needs.
Rural Roots with Hub-Based Learning
Most students attend one of the 10 rural schools, though 3 schools are located in the regional hub of Kotzebue. The average school size is small at 147 students, ensuring that educators know every student by name. From Buckland to Noorvik, these schools serve as the heart of each community's social and cultural life.
Home Buying in the Northwest Arctic
For families looking to move to the region, Kotzebue offers the most traditional school campus environments. Buyers often seek homes near June Nelson Elementary to ensure easy access for younger children. Use the district's high per-pupil spending as a marker of the community's commitment to its youth.
School Overview
Total Schools
13
in Northwest Arctic Borough
Total Enrollment
1,911
students
School Districts
1
district
Charter Schools
0
0% of total
School Type Breakdown
1 School District in Northwest Arctic Borough
Northwest Arctic Borough School District
13 Public Schools in Northwest Arctic Borough
| School Name | District | Grades | Type | Enrollment |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kotzebue Middle/High School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | 6–12 | High | 328 |
| June Nelson Elementary | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–5 | Primary | 265 |
| Davis-Ramoth School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 245 |
| Aqqaluk High/Noorvik Elementary | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 203 |
| Buckland School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 200 |
| Napaaqtugmiut School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 157 |
| Kisimgiugtuq School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 156 |
| Kiana School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 99 |
| Shungnak School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 84 |
| Ambler School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 57 |
| Deering School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 54 |
| Kobuk School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | PK–12 | Other | 35 |
| NWABSD Home School | Northwest Arctic Borough School District | KG–12 | Other | 28 |
Educational Attainment
Annual Per-Pupil Expenditure
$15,247
State avg $13,745
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Frequently Asked Questions
Schools in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska — FAQ
What does the school system look like in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska?
The Northwest Arctic Borough School District oversees 13 schools that educate 1,911 students. The system primarily uses a PK-12 model with 11 'other' schools, supplemented by one dedicated elementary and one high school. This structure provides a consistent educational path for students from early childhood through graduation.
How do schools in Northwest Arctic Borough perform academically?
The borough allocates $15,247 per student, which is well above the state average of $13,745. This high investment supports a 72% graduation rate and a school score of 61.9, which nearly matches the Alaska state average of 62.3. These metrics demonstrate a system working to overcome the logistical hurdles of the far north.
What are the major school districts in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska?
The Northwest Arctic Borough School District serves all 1,911 students in the region without the use of charter schools. Kotzebue Middle/High School is the largest campus with 328 students, followed by June Nelson Elementary with 265. All 13 schools are traditional public institutions focused on local community needs.
What is the school experience like in Northwest Arctic Borough?
Most students attend one of the 10 rural schools, though 3 schools are located in the regional hub of Kotzebue. The average school size is small at 147 students, ensuring that educators know every student by name. From Buckland to Noorvik, these schools serve as the heart of each community's social and cultural life.
How can I find homes near good schools in Northwest Arctic Borough, Alaska?
For families looking to move to the region, Kotzebue offers the most traditional school campus environments. Buyers often seek homes near June Nelson Elementary to ensure easy access for younger children. Use the district's high per-pupil spending as a marker of the community's commitment to its youth.
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.