Average
#200 of 412 schools in AK
Top 48% 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
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
193
Student-Teacher
16.1:1
Score
6.4
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Fairbanks
#8 of 27
public schools
Alaska schools
#86 of 143
In district
#9 of 32
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District
Academic growth
8.7 / 10
Exceptional
About Alternative Learning Systems
Alternative Learning Systems in Fairbanks, Alaska, offers a unique educational experience for students from pre-K through 12th grade. With an enrollment of 193 students and a student-teacher ratio of 16.1:1, the school provides a personalized learning environment. Located on Hamilton Avenue, the school is situated in a small city setting, making it easily accessible to the local community.
Alternative Learning Systems focuses on providing an alternative educational approach, which may explain why its MySchoolScout rating is 4.1 out of 10 and its state ranking is 325 out of 413 schools in Alaska. The academic performance, as reflected in the ELA/Reading and Math proficiency rates, shows that 15% of students are proficient or above in ELA/Reading, and 5% are proficient or above in Math, indicating areas for academic growth. The neighborhood around Alternative Learning Systems, with a median household income of $69,534 and a median home value of $241,500, is home to a diverse group of residents, many of whom are college-educated.
The community is supportive, with a poverty rate of 12.0%, and offers a variety of resources and opportunities for students and families. Alternative Learning Systems is part of the Fairbanks North Star Borough, and its setting in a small city makes it a welcoming and accessible place for students to learn and grow.
What Parents Should Know
With an enrollment of 193 students, Alternative Learning Systems is a smaller school where families often find a close-knit community atmosphere. Smaller settings can mean more individual attention from teachers and staff, though they may offer fewer extracurricular options than larger schools.
While current test scores at Alternative Learning Systems are below average, the school shows strong growth metrics — meaning students are making above-average progress year over year. This upward trajectory can be a positive indicator for families who value a school's ability to help students improve, even if absolute scores haven't caught up yet.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
View breakdown
View breakdown
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Alternative Learning Systems — Students at Alternative Learning Systems score 10% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 38%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
0.1%
Students qualifying for federal meal assistance
Test Scores AK EDFACTS (2021-22)
Based on 6 test records from AK state assessments. About our data
Proficiency Trend
→ StableAverage proficiency (% at or above grade level) across Math & ELA over time.
* 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: 8.7/10.
How Alternative Learning Systems Compares
See how Alternative Learning Systems performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has remained stable from 5% (2019) to 5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has remained stable from 15% (2019) to 15% (2022).
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 Interior Distance Education of Alaska (IDEA) (rated 6.2/10, 3.3 miles away), with a very similar rating. Additionally, MONROE JR, SR HIGH SCHOOLS OF FAIRBANKS (rated 6.1/10, 0.8 miles away), with a comparable rating. 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 | 5.8 |
| Arctic Light Elementary Fort Wainwright | 1.4 mi | 3.5 |
| 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 | 5.4 |
| Tanana Middle School Fairbanks | 0.8 mi | 6.7 |
| SPRUCETREE MONTESSORI SCHOOL Fairbanks | 0.9 mi | 7.4 |
| Barnette Magnet School Fairbanks | 1.2 mi | 6.2 |
| Hunter Elementary Fairbanks | 1.5 mi | 6.5 |
| Lathrop High School Fairbanks | 1.4 mi | 5.2 |
| Ryan Middle School Fairbanks | 1.5 mi | 4.8 |
| Boreal Sun Charter School Fairbanks | 1.9 mi | 3.8 |
| Anne Wien Elementary Fairbanks | 1.8 mi | 6.6 |
| Denali Elementary Fairbanks | 1.7 mi | 5.0 |
| Randy Smith Middle School Fairbanks | 1.8 mi | 4.7 |
| Chinook Montessori Charter School Fairbanks | 2.6 mi | 5.8 |
| FAIRBANKS MONTESSORI ASSOCIATION Fairbanks | 2.7 mi | — |
| Golden Heart Academy Fairbanks | 2.3 mi | — |
| Interior Distance Education of Alaska (IDEA) Fairbanks | 3.3 mi | 6.2 |
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
Community Profile
The community surrounding Alternative Learning Systems has a median household income of $73,551. It is an area where 25% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $235,300, with a median rent of $1,233/month. The area has a poverty rate of 11.6%. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Alakanuk School Alakanuk, AK | 6.4 |
| Chief Ivan Blunka School New Stuyahok, AK | 6.4 |
| Manokotak School Manokotak, AK | 6.4 |
| Akiachak School Akiachak, AK | 6.5 |
| Kuinerrarmiut Elitnaurviat Quinhagak, AK | 6.5 |
| Unalakleet School Unalakleet, 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 is ranked #200 out of 412 schools in AK.
What is Alternative Learning Systems's MySchoolScout rating?
Alternative Learning Systems has a composite rating of 6.4 out of 10 on MySchoolScout. This score combines academic performance, student growth, and school environment into a single score. Equity data is shown separately for context.
What are the test scores at Alternative Learning Systems?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Alternative Learning Systems has 5.0% math proficiency and 15.0% reading/ELA proficiency.
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.
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (4,186/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Fairbanks). Data >1 year old.
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
- Phone
- (907) 452-2000
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Fairbanks North Star Borough School District- District Enrollment
- 12,541
- Schools in District
- 34
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $17,616
- District Rank
- #9 of 32
Other Schools in This District
How We Rate Schools
Every school receives a composite score from 1 to 10 based on four pillars: Academic Performance (50%), Student Growth (20%), Equity (15%), and Learning Environment (15%). Scores are built from publicly available data including standardized test results, enrollment figures, and school climate indicators.
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