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Public School Review - Established 2003

Best Palmer Public Schools (2026)

For the 2026 school year, there are 14 public schools serving 5,920 students in Palmer, AK (there are 2 private schools, serving 105 private students). 98% of all K-12 students in Palmer, AK are educated in public schools (compared to the AK state average of 96%).
The top-ranked public schools in Palmer, AK are Academy Charter School, Mat-su Middle College School and Pioneer Peak Elementary School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Palmer, AK public schools have an average math proficiency score of 44% (versus the Alaska public school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 37% (versus the 30% statewide average). Schools in Palmer have an average ranking of 7/10, which is in the top 50% of Alaska public schools.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Alaska public school average of 53% (majority American Indian).

Best Public Schools in Palmer, AK (2026)

School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Academy Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 70-74% | Reading: 55-59%)
Rank:
10/
10
Top 5%
801 East Arctic
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-2358
Gr: K-8 | 268 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 24%
Rank: #22.
Mat-su Middle College School
(Math: ≥50% | Reading: ≥50% )
Rank:
10/
10
Top 10%
8295 East College Drive
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-8485
Gr: 8-12 | 222 students Student-teacher ratio: 111:1 Minority enrollment: 23%
Rank: #33.
Pioneer Peak Elementary School
(Math: 56% | Reading: 44%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1959 N Stringfield Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5700
Gr: PK-5 | 449 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 30%
Rank: #44.
Mat-su Secondary School
Alternative School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
581 S Outer Springer Lp
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-7238
Gr: 6-12 | 10 students Student-teacher ratio: 10:1 Minority enrollment: 50%
Rank: #55.
Cottonwood Creek Elementary School
(Math: 55% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
800 N Seward Meridian
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 864-2100
Gr: PK-5 | 422 students Student-teacher ratio: 16:1 Minority enrollment: 32%
Rank: #66.
Birchtree Charter School
Charter School
(Math: 47% | Reading: 45%)
Rank:
8/
10
Top 30%
1675 N Nadina St.
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 745-1831
Gr: K-8 | 416 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 21%
Rank: #77.
Butte Elementary School
(Math: 45-49% | Reading: 30-34%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
4006 S Butte Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5200
Gr: PK-5 | 263 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #88.
Sherrod Elementary School
(Math: 44% | Reading: 36%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
561 N Gulkana St
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-4100
Gr: PK-5 | 383 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 41%
Rank: #99.
Colony Middle School
(Math: 43% | Reading: 34%)
Rank:
7/
10
Top 50%
9250 E Bogard Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-1500
Gr: PK-8 | 771 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 31%
Rank: #1010.
Colony High School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
9550 E Bogard Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5500
Gr: 9-12 | 1,046 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #1111.
Palmer High School
(Math: 30-34% | Reading: 35-39%)
Rank:
6/
10
Top 50%
1170 W Bogard Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 746-8400
Gr: 9-12 | 616 students Student-teacher ratio: 17:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #1212.
Palmer Middle School
(Math: 34% | Reading: 30%)
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1159 S Chugach
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-4300
Gr: 6-8 | 563 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 33%
Rank: #1313.
Valley Pathways
Alternative School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: 20-29% )
Rank:
5/
10
Bottom 50%
1150 North France Rd
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 761-4650
Gr: PK-12 | 143 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 39%
Rank: n/an/a
Swanson Elementary School
507 N Gulkana
Palmer, AK 99645
(907) 861-5300
Gr: PK-2 | 348 students Student-teacher ratio: 13:1 Minority enrollment: 38%

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the top-ranked public schools in Palmer, AK?
The top-ranked public schools in Palmer, AK include Academy Charter School, Mat-su Middle College School and Pioneer Peak Elementary School.
How many public schools are located in Palmer?
14 public schools are located in Palmer.
What percentage of students in Palmer go to public school?
98% of all K-12 students in Palmer are educated in public schools (compared to the AK state average of 96%).
What is the racial composition of students in Palmer?
Palmer public schools minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is less than the Alaska public schools average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Which public schools in Palmer are often viewed compared to one another?

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