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Below Average

#390 of 412 schools in AK

Ambler School

School · Northwest Arctic Borough School District

PO Box 109, Ambler, AK 99786

Virtual

Enrollment

64

Student-Teacher

21.3:1

Score

4.1

Grades

Pre-K – 12th

Data vintage2022-23

How this school compares

Alaska schools

#390 of 412

In district

#11 of 12

Northwest Arctic Borough School District

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About Ambler School

Ambler School is a public school in Ambler, AK, part of Northwest Arctic Borough School District. Ambler School serves approximately 64 students, and covers grades Pre-K-12th, and has a 21.3:1 student-teacher ratio. Ambler School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 out of 10 and ranks #390 of 412 schools in AK.

Structured state assessment records for Ambler School show 21% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 22% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

How it compares1.2 pts below district
  • This school 4.1 · Below Average
  • District avg 5.3
  • AK avg 6.3

What Parents Should Know

At 64 students, Ambler School 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.

Ambler School runs 21.3:1 students to teachers, above the national average. That often means bigger classes. Ask how the school supports kids who need extra help, and whether there are teaching assistants or small-group time.

Ambler School sits in a rural area, which can mean longer drives for some families. Rural schools are often community anchors with smaller classes, but check transportation, after-school options, and access to specialized services before you commit.

Score Breakdown

Full Profile · 4/4 metrics
Student Progress5.3Average25%
Year-over-year improvement in student test scores.
View breakdown
Years of Data13
Annual Change-4.66 pts/yr
Data Period2009–2022
TrendDeclining
Academics4.7Below Average25%
Student proficiency on state tests, adjusted for community poverty levels.
View breakdown
Math Proficiency10% (2022 EdFacts)
Reading/ELA Proficiency5% (2022 EdFacts)
Overall Proficiency8% (2022 EdFacts, Math+ELA)
Expected (poverty-adj.)12% (model expectation from 2022 EdFacts)
vs. Expected-4.0 pts
Adjusted Percentile29th
College Readiness3.1Needs Improvement30%
Graduation rates, AP course participation, and IB availability.
View breakdown
IB ProgramNo
Resources & Environment3.2Needs Improvement20%
Student-teacher ratio, per-pupil spending, and attendance.
View breakdown
Student-Teacher Ratio21.3:1
Per-Pupil Spending$46,368
Chronic Absenteeism73.4%

Ambler School — Students at Ambler School score 8% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 12%).

How we calculate scores →

Equity & Diversity

Shown separately, not included in overall score

Free/Reduced Lunch

103.1%

Students qualifying for federal meal assistance

Test Scores AK EDFACTS (2021-22)

Math Proficiency 21.3% (multi-year average, 2009-2022)
School
State
N/A
ELA Proficiency 21.7% (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
74.5%
ELA
64.5%
2010
Math
54.5%
ELA
54.5%
2011
Math
34.5%
ELA
34.5%
2012
Math
34.5%
ELA
44.5%
2013
Math
34.5%
ELA
44.5%
2014
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2016
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2017
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2018
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2019
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2020*
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2021*
Math
5%
ELA
5%
2022
Math
10%
ELA
5%

* 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: 5.3/10.

How Ambler School Compares

See how Ambler School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.

Overall Score
4.1/10
6th percentile in AK
Academic
4.7/10
Below Average
Growth
5.3/10
Average
Environment
3.2/10
Needs Improvement
Sports
2
1 boys' · 1 girls'
Advanced STEM
1/5
Subjects offered

Funding & Resources

Free/Reduced Lunch
Students eligible for subsidized meals
103%
Teaching Staff
21:1 student-teacher ratio
3 teachers
Chronic Absenteeism
Students missing 15+ days per year (SY 2022-23)
73.4%

Programs & Offerings

Athletics2sports offered
1 boys'·1 girls'·2 teams (incl. JV)·CRDC 2021-22
Advanced STEM Courses1 of 5 advanced subjects offered
Algebra II, Advanced Math, Calculus, Chemistry, Physics·CRDC 2021-22

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

Location

PO Box 109, Ambler, AK 99786

Neighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)

Census data for ZIP 99786 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources

Median Income

$41,563

Median Home Value

$86,700

Median Rent

$475/mo

Population

201

College Educated

5.6%

Homeownership

86.8%

Poverty Rate

31.3%

Median Age

33.8

Similar Schools

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

School Rating
Harold Kaveolook School Kaktovik, AK 4.1
McGrath School Mcgrath, AK 4.2
Minto School Minto, AK 4.2
Nanwalek School Nanwalek, AK 4.2
Deering School Deering, AK 4.4
Jimmy Huntington School Huslia, AK 4.4

Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about Ambler School

What grades does Ambler School serve?

Ambler School serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.

How many students attend Ambler School?

Ambler School has an enrollment of approximately 64 students.

What is the student-teacher ratio at Ambler School?

The student-teacher ratio at Ambler School is 21.3:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.

How does Ambler School rank in AK?

Ambler School ranks #390 of 412 schools in AK.

What is Ambler School's MySchoolScout rating?

Ambler School has a current MySchoolScout rating of 4.1 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 Ambler School?

Based on loaded state assessment records, Ambler School has 21% math proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022) and 22% reading/ELA proficiency (multi-year average, 2009-2022).

Is Ambler School a charter school?

No, Ambler School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.

Is Ambler School a Title I school?

No, Ambler School is not currently a Title I school.

What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Ambler School?

103.1% of students at Ambler School qualify for free or reduced-price lunch. This is a commonly used indicator of economic need and provides important context when interpreting test scores.

1 school nearby View map →

Neighborhood Context

Walk Score
9 Car-Dependent
Bike Score
23 Somewhat Bikeable

Powered by Walk Score

Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)

Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
64
Student-Teacher Ratio
21.3:1
Teachers (FTE)
3
Free/Reduced Lunch
103.1%
Type
regular
Setting
Remote Rural
County
Northwest Arctic Borough
Chronic Absenteeism (SY 2022-23)
73.4%

District

Northwest Arctic Borough School District
District Enrollment
2,009
Schools in District
13
Per-Pupil Spending
$46,368
District Rank
#11 of 12

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