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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

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 metrics
Student Progress8.7Excellent25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data3
Annual Change0 pts/yr
Data Period2019–2022
TrendStable
Academics3.5Fair25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency5%
Reading/ELA Proficiency15%
Overall Proficiency10%
Expected (poverty-adj.)38%
vs. Expected-27.9 pts
Adjusted Percentile16th
College Readiness7.0Very Good30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment6.2Above Average20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio16.1:1
Per-Pupil Spending$18,816

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 →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

0.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AK EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 5.0%
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 15.0%
School
State
N/A

Based on 6 test records from AK state assessments. About our data

Proficiency Trend

→ Stable

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

2019
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: 8.7/10.

How Alternative Learning Systems Compares

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

Overall Score
6.4/10
52th percentile in AK
Academic
3.5/10
3.5/10
Growth
8.7/10
Above average
Environment
6.2/10
Above average

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.

11 schools nearby View map →

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
Data Year
2023–2024

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

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.

Read our full methodology

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