Whaley School in Anchorage, AK serves grades Pre–K through 12 with an enrollment of 316 students and a student–teacher ratio of 7:1, which is lower than the district average for Anchorage schools.
Math proficiency is 10%, reading proficiency is 10%, and science proficiency is 20%, all of which are lower than the Alaska state averages of 32%, 29%, and 38% respectively.
The school's graduation rate ranges between 20% and 29%, significantly below the state average of 78% and the Anchorage School District average of 80%.
Overall school ranking has improved slightly from #430 in 2011 to #368 in 2023 but remains in the bottom 50% for statewide performance.
Enrollment has declined from 530 students in 2009 to 316 students in 2023, while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch increased sharply to 78% in 2023, indicating significant socioeconomic changes in this Anchorage public school.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 298 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 6:1
- Minority Enrollment: 66%
- Graduation Rate: 20-29% (Btm 50% in AK)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Whaley School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alaska for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
Student Attention
School Overview
Whaley School's student population of 298 students has declined by 22% over five school years.
The teacher population of 47 teachers has declined by 11% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
298 students
Total Classroom Teachers
47 teachers
Year Founded
1950
School Rankings
Whaley School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 441 schools in Alaska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Whaley School is 0.78, which is more than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#368 out of 441 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
32%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
29%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
6:1
15:1
American Indian
26%
21%
Asian
8%
5%
Hispanic
7%
8%
Black
4%
2%
White
34%
47%
Hawaiian
4%
3%
Two or more races
17%
14%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
20-29%
78%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
18%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (18-19)
11%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Whaley School's ranking?
Whaley School is ranked #368 out of 441 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alaska.
What schools are Whaley School often compared to?
Whaley Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Mat-su Day School, West High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤10% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while ≤10% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
What is the graduation rate of Whaley School?
The graduation rate of Whaley School is 20-29%, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 78%.
How many students attend Whaley School?
298 students attend Whaley School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
34% of Whaley School students are White, 26% of students are American Indian, 17% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are Asian, 7% of students are Hispanic, 4% of students are Black, and 4% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Whaley School?
Whaley School has a student ration of 6:1, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Whaley School offer ?
Whaley School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Whaley School part of?
Whaley School is part of Anchorage School District.
In what neighborhood is Whaley School located?
Whaley School is located in the Airport Heights Community Council neighborhood of Anchorage, AK. There are 2 other public schools located in Airport Heights Community Council.
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