Shishmaref School in Shishmaref, AK, serves 184 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade with a student–teacher ratio of 12:1, which is approximately equal to the state average.
The school's graduation rate is 50%, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 78% and the Bering Strait School District average of 70%.
Math proficiency is 5%, which is significantly lower than the state average of 32% and district average of 21%, showing a decline compared to some earlier years.
Reading proficiency is 5%, lower than the state average of 29% and approximately equal to the district average of 4%, reflecting a continuing challenge in literacy outcomes.
Enrollment has remained relatively stable around 180 to 200 students over recent years, with 100% of students eligible for free lunch in 2023, indicating a high level of socioeconomic need among the student body.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 185 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 14:1
- Graduation Rate: ≥50% (Top 50% in AK)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
School Overview
Shishmaref School's student population of 185 students has declined by 5% over five school years.
The teacher population of 13 teachers has declined by 7% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
185 students
Total Classroom Teachers
13 teachers
School Rankings
Shishmaref 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 Shishmaref School is 0.00, which is less 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
#403 out of 441 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
32%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
29%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
14:1
15:1
American Indian
100%
21%
Asian
n/a
5%
Hispanic
n/a
8%
Black
n/a
2%
White
n/a
47%
Hawaiian
n/a
3%
Two or more races
n/a
14%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥50%
78%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (18-19)
25%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Bering Strait School District
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Shishmaref School's ranking?
Shishmaref School is ranked #403 out of 441 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alaska.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
What is the graduation rate of Shishmaref School?
The graduation rate of Shishmaref School is 50%, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 78%.
How many students attend Shishmaref School?
185 students attend Shishmaref School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
100% of Shishmaref School students are American Indian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Shishmaref School?
Shishmaref School has a student ration of 14:1, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Shishmaref School offer ?
Shishmaref School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Shishmaref School part of?
Shishmaref School is part of Bering Strait School District.
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