2023 Best Schools in Fairbanks North Star Borough

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.86 out of 5  161 reviews

Junior: There is good school spirit and teacher involvement. The teachers care very much about their students, but sadly the school district does not have great funding, so teacher jobs are inconsistent and often changing. The sports are barely funded from the school as well. The teams and coaches are excellent, but player fees are often high as a result. The lowest funding depression is in the music department across all schools in town. Music classes and clubs are hardly funded at all, and so student interest and involvement declines, causing cuts of teachers and classes. It is a hard fight with the school district and school administrations to keep music afloat. That being said, the kids who are involved in music at my school are very talented and devoted, along with our hard-working teachers. There is a good variety of clubs at the school, even with our small population. The teachers and kids who organize the clubs are very passionate, which helps boost the school spirit.... Read 161 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 896

• Student-teacher ratio 21:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• K-8

• •
  Rating 3 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: Don't listen to whoever that other person is, Watershed is great. The teachers are phenomenal and the atmosphere among students is compassionate and kind. It has a very family-like vibe because the school is so small. The academics are great but kids also get a lot of time outside, especially the middle schoolers, going on trips to homer and the white mountains. Only thing that's too bad is no musical instruction and limited sports involvement, but of course you can get these outside of school.... Read 2 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 196

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fairbanks, AK•

• Private School•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.32 out of 5  28 reviews

Junior: Monroe Catholic High School is a small private school in Fairbanks Alaska. It’s a catholic school however not all of the students are catholic. There is mass once a week, special services, community service projects and religion classes. Small class sizes make it optimal to become very well acquainted with classmates and teachers. Teachers are always willing to help students and want to see them succeed. Monroe is like family, we are welcoming of others and help and support one another. If a student is struggling there are numerous resources to help them succeed and teachers that are more than happy to spend a little extra time with somebody. Monroe is also a great place to try new things such as student council, numerous sports teams, clubs, etc. Monroe is a great school for those looking for a smaller school and higher education. Christ is the reason for this school!... Read 28 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 403

• Student-teacher ratio 9:1

• Galena City School District, AK•

• PK, K-12

• •
  Rating 4.56 out of 5  90 reviews

Junior: Interior Distance Education Alaska (IDEA) offers learning opportunities to all students. They stay heavily involved in the education/learning process to ensure students are obtaining their full potential. By assigning qualified contact teachers to each student, IDEA introduces a level of accountability unique to their system. My contact teacher always makes it a priority to check in with me regularly to see how I am doing, make sure I understand and enjoy what I am learning, and stay on track in my path to success. Another special feature about IDEA is the extra activities they organize for their students. From field trips to talent shows or even an occasional bowling party, they work hard to maintain a fun and interactive learning community. IDEA makes learning a priority but they make learning a fun and smooth process for the student.... Read 90 reviews

• grade A minus

• Students 9,216

• Student-teacher ratio 181:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• 3-6

• grade B+

• Students 214

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 3.99 out of 5  85 reviews

Sophomore: Best school I have been to through out my years of high school. Since it is on a military base you meet so many new people from all over the world. The teachers are amazing but Eielson being such a small school certain academic classes may not be there. For example AP Biology meaning you would have to take it online. Another down side is food, for example I am gluten free meaning I have slim pickings so if you have food allergies I would recommend packing a lunch. All in all best high school to attend!... Read 85 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 303

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 3.5 out of 5  2 reviews

Alum: Randy is a great school for middle schoolers. The teacher are well trained and help students have a comprehensive understanding of all the material. There are many clubs and opportunities at Randy. Great place to make lifelong friendships.... Read 2 reviews

• grade B+

• Students 243

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-6

• grade B+

• Students 284

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-6

• grade B+

• Students 329

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• K-8

• grade B+

• Students 191

• Student-teacher ratio 15:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.7 out of 5  263 reviews

Senior: Love the student activities, but I wish the music department was as funded as sports are. Most of the teachers are decent but have been teaching the same lessons for years. I know that this is what’s most efficient for them and I also know that they aren’t payed enough to create new lessons every year (which is the problem). Coming back to athletics, we have amazing, amazing sports teams; don’t get me wrong. But it is very disappointing to have music teachers and programs cut yearly while the teams get new uniforms and fancy trips. We don’t even have a marching band. Actually, Im not sure if we even own enough instruments to have even a small one. This is beyond upsetting and, not to mention very unfair for students who have disabilities or medical issues, or just aren’t athletically inclined. Why do these students who chose the ath of music and art over sports have to suffer the budget cuts? Why do they have to miss out on the scholarships thay will find their education? -Biased... Read 263 reviews

• grade B

• Students 845

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 4.07 out of 5  61 reviews

Alum: Hutch was a very fun environment to be in. The teachers were very helpful and friendly, eventually they become like family. The academics were great, and the teachers were always very helpful. What I would like to see change is the counselors and sports. Hutch doesn't have a lot of participation in sports and when there are participants the coaches aren't the best for some of the sports.... Read 61 reviews

• grade B

• Students 371

• Student-teacher ratio 22:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• 7-12

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  4 reviews

Alum: It was fine. I really dropped the ball on not using it's early college program better though. I made some good friends while I was there, to.... Read 4 reviews

• grade B

• Students 140

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-8

• grade B

• Students 367

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-8

• •
  Rating 3.67 out of 5  3 reviews

Alum: I had an amazing 9 years at Barnette! All the staff is very involved in your success as a student. Almost all of the teachers I had were genuinely interested in me and my wellbeing. The environment is wonderful and bright, never dull. As a magnet school, it may seem a little different than your average elementary or middle school, but trust me when I say that that's a good thing! There are numerous clubs and activities, and I felt academically challenged, though I could keep up. Bonus: I've never heard about any bullying or discrimination of any kind. Everyone in my class felt the exact same way.... Read 3 reviews

• grade B

• Students 349

• Student-teacher ratio 16:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-6

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Senior: good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good good... Read 1 review

• grade B

• Students 330

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• K-8

• grade B

• Students 149

• Student-teacher ratio 17:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-8

• grade B

• Students 291

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Parent: We have loved this school, they overall work well with students. I do not fault them for the use of common core and no child left behind. I have enjoyed my interactions with teachers and their music program. When we moved to another house we madensire to stay within their district.... Read 1 review

• grade B minus

• Students 277

• Student-teacher ratio 13:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-6

• grade B minus

• Students 331

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-6

• grade B minus

• Students 47

• Student-teacher ratio 12:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-5

• •
  Rating 4 out of 5  6 reviews

Niche User: Art, music and physical activity are important and worked into the curriculum all the time. The spring talent show, art shows, Halloween Carnival, choir concerts (wish there were more), school picture, and wonderful reading incentive program.... Read 6 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 275

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• PK, K-6

• grade B minus

• Students 257

• Student-teacher ratio 14:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• 9-12

• •
  Rating 3.36 out of 5  96 reviews

Junior: I enjoy many of the fun or interesting electives made available to me and other students at my school. Multiple teachers are also willing to help other students by providing help after or before school or any other available time. Also, our school has quite a bit of school spirit and its great to see everyone so pumped up at the assemblies or other big events!... Read 96 reviews

• grade B minus

• Students 506

• Student-teacher ratio 18:1

• Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, AK•

• 7-8

• •
  Rating 5 out of 5  1 review

Niche User: Honestly I can't stop thinking you guys for the wisdom and understanding you have given to my kids and right now I'm very proud of them because they are smart respectable wise relent vibrant just because of Ryan middle school.. and nothing is more special than your school I don't want to say that I'm grateful for the work you have done... Read 1 review

• grade C+

• Students 384

• Student-teacher ratio 19:1