Choosing the right high school for your child is a significant decision, and in Alaska, the options are as diverse as the state itself. From academically rigorous public schools to specialized charter schools and private institutions, Alaska’s high schools offer a range of opportunities for students to thrive. This guide will explore the best schools across the state, providing detailed insights into what makes them stand out in 2025.
🥇 Top Public High Schools in Alaska
1. Cordova Jr/Sr High School – Cordova
- Address: 100 Fishermans Ave, Cordova, AK 99574
- Grade Levels: 7-12
Programs Offered:
- Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
- Strong College Readiness Program
- Community Engagement Projects.
Special Features:
- High graduation rate of 95%
- Active student body with a range of extracurricular activities
- Focus on environmental science, reflecting the region’s unique surroundings
2. Mat-Su Career & Tech Ed High School – Wasilla
- Address: 2472 N Seward Meridian Pkwy, Wasilla, AK 99654
- Grade Levels: 9-12
Programs Offered:
- Technical Training in Trades
- Hands-on Career Development
- Industry Partnerships for Internships
Special Features:
- Focus on career readiness and technical education
- Excellent job placement rates after graduation
- Partnerships with local businesses for internship opportunities
3. Eagle River High School – Eagle River
- Address: 8701 Wolf Den Dr, Eagle River, AK 99577
- Grade Levels: 9-12
Programs Offered:
- Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
- High School Sports and Arts Programs
- Strong STEM Curriculum
Special Features:
- Nationally recognized for AP success
- High graduation rate with a focus on preparing students for college and careers
- Strong emphasis on extracurricular activities, including sports and music
4. Juneau-Douglas High School – Juneau
- Address: 1639 Glacier Ave, Juneau, AK 99801
- Grade Levels: 9-12
Programs Offered:
- Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors Classes
- Science and Arts Focus
- Internship Opportunities in Local Government and Conservation
Special Features:
- Focus on environmental and cultural education
- High graduation rate and college readiness programs
- Strong integration with the local community for projects
5. West Anchorage High School – Anchorage
- Address: 1700 Hillcrest Dr, Anchorage, AK 99517
- Grade Levels: 9-12
Programs Offered:
- International Baccalaureate (IB) Program
- Performing Arts and Music
- Athletics and STEM Programs
Special Features:
- Known for a diverse range of clubs and extracurriculars
- Strong IB program with global recognition
- Focus on college and career readiness
🏫 Notable Private and Charter High Schools
Holy Rosary Academy – Anchorage
Address: 1010 W Fireweed Ln, Anchorage, AK 99503 Grade Levels: K-12
Programs Offered:
- Classical Catholic Curriculum
- Emphasis on Character Development and Community Service
- College Preparatory Courses
Special Features:
- Smaller class sizes for personalized attention
- Strong focus on moral and ethical development
- High college acceptance rates
“Holy Rosary Academy blends traditional Catholic education with a modern approach, producing graduates who are both academically strong and morally grounded.”
Steller Secondary School – Anchorage
Address: 2508 Blueberry Rd, Anchorage, AK 99503 Grade Levels: 7-12
Programs Offered:
- Personalized Learning Paths
- Strong Community Engagement
- Student-Led Projects
Special Features:
- Focus on alternative education and self-directed learning
- Flexibility to pursue interests and passions in-depth
- Small student-to-teacher ratio
“Steller Secondary provides a more flexible, student-centered approach that helps foster independent thinkers and leaders.”
📊 Quick Comparison Table
School Name | Location | Type | Notable Feature | Graduation Rate |
Cordova Jr/Sr High School | Cordova, AK | Public | Environmental Science Program | 95% |
Mat-Su Career & Tech Ed High School | Wasilla, AK | Public | Career and Technical Education Focus | 92% |
Eagle River High School | Eagle River, AK | Public | AP and STEM Programs | 93% |
Juneau-Douglas High School | Juneau, AK | Public | Community and Environmental Projects | 94% |
West Anchorage High School | Anchorage, AK | Public | International Baccalaureate (IB) Program | 91% |
Holy Rosary Academy | Anchorage, AK | Private | Classical Catholic Education | 97% |
Steller Secondary School | Anchorage, AK | Charter | Self-Directed Learning and Projects | 93% |
FAQs
The best public high school in Alaska is Cordova Jr/Sr High School, based on its academic excellence, graduation rate, and student success.
Yes, Alaska has a few boarding schools, including Mt. Edgecumbe High School in Sitka, which serves students from across the state.
Charter schools are public schools that operate independently of traditional school district rules, often with more flexibility in curriculum and teaching methods.
Yes, many Alaska high schools offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and West Anchorage High School offers the International Baccalaureate (IB) program.
Rural schools tend to have smaller class sizes and more personalized attention, but may have fewer extracurricular activities and resources compared to urban schools with larger student bodies and more facilities.
