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Average

#207 of 412 schools in AK

Top 50% in state

Alternative Learning Systems

School · Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

397 Hamilton Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701

Enrollment

193

Student-Teacher

16.1:1

Score

6.3

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Alaska schools

#207 of 412

In Fairbanks

#10 of 27

public schools

In district

#12 of 32

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District

Academic growth

9.1 / 10

Excellent

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Alternative Learning Systems

6.3/10

School in Fairbanks · grades Pre-K – 12th. Start here, then compare fit against nearby and district options.

Fairbanks B.e.s.t.

6.9/10

0.0 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

Arctic Light Elementary

6.0/10

1.4 mi away. Use as a geographic alternative in the same move search.

About Alternative Learning Systems

Alternative Learning Systems is a public school in Fairbanks, AK, part of Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. Alternative Learning Systems serves approximately 193 students, and covers grades Pre-K-12th, and has a 16.1:1 student-teacher ratio. Alternative Learning Systems has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10 and ranks #207 of 412 schools in AK.

Structured state assessment records for Alternative Learning Systems show 13% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 28% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares0.6 pts above district
  • This school 6.3 · Average
  • District avg 5.7
  • AK avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

At 193 students, Alternative Learning Systems is on the smaller side. That usually buys more individual attention and teachers who know every kid by name, with the trade-off of fewer electives and extracurriculars than a larger school can staff. Ask what activities it actually offers.

Test scores at Alternative Learning Systems sit below average, but its growth scores are strong: students here make above-average progress year over year. The raw numbers haven't caught up, but a school that keeps moving kids forward is doing the harder, more important work.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress9.1Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-2.67 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics3.5Needs Improvement25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency5% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency15% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency10% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)38% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-27.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile16th
College Readiness4.9Below Average30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
4-Year Graduation Rate32%
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment8.5Excellent20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$17,616
Chronic Absenteeism17.6%

Alternative Learning Systems — Students at Alternative Learning Systems score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).

How we calculate scores →

Test Scores AK EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 12.9% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 28.4% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A

Based on 26 test records from AK state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

↓ Declining

Average proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.

2009
Math
17%
ELA
44.5%
2010
Math
22%
ELA
47%
2011
Math
32%
ELA
62%
2012
Math
27%
ELA
42%
2013
Math
27%
ELA
47%
2014
Math
7.5%
ELA
12%
2016
Math
5%
ELA
24.5%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2018
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2019
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2020*
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2021*
Math
5%
ELA
15%
2022
Math
5%
ELA
15%

* COVID-affected year — test participation was uneven nationwide. This data is weighted at 50% in the Growth score calculation.

Source: EdFacts (NCES) and state assessment data. Growth score: 9.1/10.

How Alternative Learning Systems Compares

See how Alternative Learning Systems performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
6.3/10
50th percentile in AK
Academic
3.5/10
Needs Improvement
Growth
9.1/10
Excellent
Environment
8.5/10
Excellent
Advanced STEM
2/5
Subjects offered
Gifted & Talented
Yes
Program available

Funding & Resources

Teaching Staff
16:1 student-teacher ratio
12 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
17.6%

Programs & Offerings

Advanced STEM Courses2 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22
Gifted & Talented Program Available
This school offers a gifted and talented program for qualifying students. · CRDC 2021-22

Data as of 2021-22 · Source: CRDC via Urban Institute · Learn more

Location

397 Hamilton Avenue, Fairbanks, AK 99701

Nearby Alternatives

Families considering Alternative Learning Systems may also want to explore other schools in the area. IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL (rated 7.1/10, 0.8 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Fairbanks B.E.S.T. (rated 6.9/10), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Interior Distance Education of Alaska (IDEA) (rated 6.8/10, 3.3 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Fairbanks, see our Fairbanks schools guide .

Nearby Schools

20 within 3.3 mi
School Distance Rating
Fairbanks B.E.S.T. Fairbanks 0.0 mi 6.9
Arctic Light Elementary Fort Wainwright 1.4 mi 6.0
MONROE JR, SR HIGH SCHOOLS OF FAIRBANKS Fairbanks 0.8 mi 6.1
IMMACULATE CONCEPTION SCHOOL Fairbanks 0.8 mi 7.1
FAIRHILL CHRISTIAN SCHOOL Fairbanks 1.3 mi 4.8
Ladd Elementary Fairbanks 0.8 mi 6.9
Tanana Middle School Fairbanks 0.8 mi 5.3
SPRUCETREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Fairbanks 0.9 mi 7.4
Barnette Magnet School Fairbanks 1.2 mi 7.5
Hunter Elementary Fairbanks 1.5 mi 4.0
Lathrop High School Fairbanks 1.4 mi 5.4
Ryan Middle School Fairbanks 1.5 mi 4.2
Boreal Sun Charter School Fairbanks 1.9 mi 3.9
Anne Wien Elementary Fairbanks 1.8 mi 3.9
Denali Elementary Fairbanks 1.7 mi 4.0
Randy Smith Middle School Fairbanks 1.8 mi 5.7
Chinook Montessori Charter School Fairbanks 2.6 mi 6.5
FAIRBANKS MONTESSORI ASSOCIATION Fairbanks 2.7 mi
Golden Heart Academy Fairbanks 2.3 mi
Interior Distance Education of Alaska (IDEA) Fairbanks 3.3 mi 6.8

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 99701 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$73,551

Median Home Value

$235,300

Median Rent

$1,233/mo

Population

17,564

College Educated

24.8%

Homeownership

46.1%

Poverty Rate

11.6%

Median Age

34.3

Similar Schools

Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings

School Rating
Akula Elitnaurvik School Kasigluk, AK 6.3
Nenana City School Nenana, AK 6.2
Tikigaq School Point Hope, AK 6.2
Shishmaref School Shishmaref, AK 6.4
Kisimgiugtuq School Kivalina, AK 6.1
Marshall School Marshall, AK 6.5

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Alternative Learning Systems

What grades does Alternative Learning Systems serve?

Alternative Learning Systems serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.

How many students attend Alternative Learning Systems?

Alternative Learning Systems has an enrollment of approximately 193 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Alternative Learning Systems?

The student-teacher ratio at Alternative Learning Systems is 16.1:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Alternative Learning Systems rank in AK?

Alternative Learning Systems ranks #207 of 412 schools in AK.

What is Alternative Learning Systems's MySchoolScout rating?

Alternative Learning Systems has a current MySchoolScout rating of 6.3 out of 10. This score combines the level-appropriate components shown in the rating breakdown; equity data is shown separately for context.

What are the test scores at Alternative Learning Systems?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Alternative Learning Systems has 13% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 28% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Alternative Learning Systems a charter school?

No, Alternative Learning Systems is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Alternative Learning Systems a Title I school?

No, Alternative Learning Systems is not currently a Title I school.

11 schools nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
63 Somewhat Walkable
Transit Score
28 Some Transit
Bike Score
74 Very Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
193
Student-Teacher Ratio
16.1:1
Teachers (FTE)
12
Type
alternative
Setting
Small City
County
Fairbanks North Star Borough
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
17.6%
4-Year Graduation
32.0%

District

Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
District Enrollment
12,541
Schools in District
34
Per-Pupil Spending
$17,616
District Rank
#12 of 32

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