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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Northwest Arctic Borough Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 13 public schools serving 2,009 students in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK (there are 1 private school, serving 12 private students). 99% of all K-12 students in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK are educated in public schools (compared to the AK state average of 96%).
The top-ranked public schools in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK are Nwabsd Home School, Kobuk School and Deering School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Northwest Arctic Borough, AK public schools have an average math proficiency score of 7% (versus the Alaska public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 8% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Northwest Arctic Borough have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Alaska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Alaska public school average of 53% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Schools in Northwest Arctic Borough (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Nwabsd Home School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
744 Third Ave
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-1811
Gr: K-12 | 25 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 92%
Rank: #22.
Kobuk School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
4/
10
Bottom 50%
101 Mushers Way
Kobuk, AK 99751
(907) 948-2231
Gr: PK-12 | 42 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #33.
Deering School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
3/
10
Bottom 50%
36 Main St
Deering, AK 99736
(907) 363-2121
Gr: PK-12 | 57 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Ambler School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
109 Ambler Dr
Ambler, AK 99786
(907) 445-2154
Gr: PK-12 | 60 students Student-teacher ratio: 12:1
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Shungnak School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
#6 West River Rd
Shungnak, AK 99773
(907) 437-2151
Gr: PK-12 | 70 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1
Rank: #66.
Kotzebue Middle/high School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
744 Third Ave
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-1875
Gr: 6-12 | 299 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 96%
Rank: #77.
Kiana School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
2/
10
Bottom 50%
190 Casanoff St
Kiana, AK 99749
(907) 475-2115
Gr: PK-12 | 91 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #88.
June Nelson Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
744 Third Ave
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-1877
Gr: PK-5 | 302 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #9 - 139. - 13.
Aqqaluk High/noorvik Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
165 Fireweed Dr
Noorvik, AK 99763
(907) 636-2178
Gr: PK-12 | 212 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1
Rank: #9 - 139. - 13.
Buckland School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
9900 University Dr
Buckland, AK 99727
(907) 494-2127
Gr: PK-12 | 224 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #9 - 139. - 13.
Davis-ramoth School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
2600 Musk Ox Pkwy
Selawik, AK 99770
(907) 484-2142
Gr: PK-12 | 252 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #9 - 139. - 13.
Kisimgiugtuq School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
#6 Oceanside Expressway
Kivalina, AK 99750
(907) 645-2125
Gr: PK-12 | 150 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1
Rank: #9 - 139. - 13.
Napaaqtugmiut School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
1/
10
Bottom 50%
#2 Airport Rd
Noatak, AK 99761
(907) 485-2153
Gr: PK-12 | 161 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK?
The top-ranked public schools in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK include Nwabsd Home School, Kobuk School and Deering School.
How many public schools are located in Northwest Arctic Borough?
13 public schools are located in Northwest Arctic Borough.
What percentage of students in Northwest Arctic Borough go to public school?
99% of all K-12 students in Northwest Arctic Borough are educated in public schools (compared to the AK state average of 96%).
What is the racial composition of students in Northwest Arctic Borough?
Northwest Arctic Borough public schools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Alaska public schools average of 53% (majority American Indian).

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