Walter Northway School in Northway, AK, serves 62 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade, maintaining a student–teacher ratio of 16:1, which is higher than the state average of 12 to 1.
Math proficiency at the school is 20%, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 32% and slightly higher than the district average of 17%, with proficiency remaining stable in recent years.
Reading proficiency is 20%, which is lower than the state average of 29%, showing consistent performance below the state level over recent years.
The school's science proficiency is 50%, higher than the state average of 38%, ranking it in the top 30% statewide.
The graduation rate stands at 50%, approximately equal to the district average but significantly lower than the Alaska state average of 78%.
Enrollment has remained stable around 60 students in recent years, while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch has increased to 100%, reflecting a sustained high level of socioeconomic need at this rural Alaska Gateway School District school.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 59 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Graduation Rate: ≥50% (Top 50% in AK)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
School Overview
Walter Northway School's student population of 59 students has grown by 9% over five school years.
The teacher population of 5 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
59 students
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
School Calendar
School Rankings
Walter Northway 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 Walter Northway School is 0.13, 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
#286 out of 441 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
32%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
29%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
American Indian
93%
21%
Black
3%
2%
Two or more races
4%
14%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥50%
78%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)72.9%
42.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (18-19)
94%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Walter Northway School's ranking?
Walter Northway School is ranked #286 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?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
What is the graduation rate of Walter Northway School?
The graduation rate of Walter Northway School is 50%, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 78%.
How many students attend Walter Northway School?
59 students attend Walter Northway School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
93% of Walter Northway School students are American Indian, 4% of students are Two or more races, and 3% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Walter Northway School?
Walter Northway School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Walter Northway School offer ?
Walter Northway School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Walter Northway School part of?
Walter Northway School is part of Alaska Gateway School District.
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