Average
#220 of 412 schools in AK
Whaley School
School · Anchorage School District
2220 Nichols St, Anchorage, AK 99508
Enrollment
316
Student-Teacher
7:1
Score
6.2
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Enrollment
316
Student-Teacher
7:1
Score
6.2
Grades
Pre-K – 12th
Updated
2022-23
Updated 2022-23
How this school compares
In Anchorage
#34 of 78
public schools
Alaska schools
#99 of 143
In district
#41 of 93
Anchorage School District
School environment
7.7 / 10
Very strong
About Whaley School
Whaley School is a PK through 12th grade regular public school located in Anchorage, Alaska, with an enrollment of 316 students. The school boasts a student-teacher ratio of 7.0:1, ensuring personalized attention for each student. Whaley School is situated in a large city setting within the Anchorage Municipality, offering a diverse and vibrant community.
Despite its MySchoolScout Rating of 4.1 out of 10 and a state ranking of 23rd percentile, Whaley School is focused on continuous improvement and student development. With academic performance showing only 5% proficiency in both ELA/Reading and Math across all grades, there is clear room for academic growth and support. The school is committed to providing a nurturing environment where students can thrive.
The neighborhood around Whaley School, with a median household income of $70,823 and a median home value of $301,900, reflects a mix of socioeconomic backgrounds. About 27% of residents have a bachelor's degree or higher, and the area has a poverty rate of 20.0%. Whaley School is deeply embedded in this community, working closely with parents and local organizations to support its students.
Whaley School is a cornerstone of the Anchorage community, offering a comprehensive education to students from preschool through high school.
What Parents Should Know
While current test scores at Whaley School 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.
With a student-teacher ratio of 7:1, Whaley School offers a notably low ratio compared to the national average. This typically means smaller class sizes and more opportunities for one-on-one interaction between students and teachers.
Score Breakdown
Full Profile · 4/4 metricsView breakdown
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Whaley School — Students at Whaley School score 5% proficient, which is below what's typical for similar communities (expected: 34%).
Equity & Diversity
Shown separately, not included in overall scoreFree/Reduced Lunch
15.8%
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
↓ DecliningAverage 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: 7.6/10.
How Whaley School Compares
See how Whaley School performs across key quality dimensions compared to state benchmarks.
Funding & Resources
Performance Trends
Math proficiency has improved from 2.5% (2019) to 5% (2022). Reading/ELA proficiency has declined from 17% (2019) to 5% (2022).
Location
2220 Nichols St, Anchorage, AK 99508
Nearby Alternatives
Families considering Whaley School may also want to explore other schools in the area. Lake Otis Elementary (rated 7.1/10, 1.0 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Another option is Northern Lights ABC K-8 School (rated 6.9/10, 2.5 miles away), which scores slightly higher. Additionally, Wonder Park Elementary (rated 6.8/10, 1.6 miles away), which scores slightly higher. For more schools in Anchorage, see our Anchorage schools guide .
Nearby Schools
20 within 2.5 miNeighborhood Census ACS (2019-2023)
Census data for ZIP 99508 (ACS 2019-2023 5-Year Estimates) · Data sources
Median Income
$72,751
Median Home Value
$309,400
Median Rent
$1,353/mo
Population
36,660
College Educated
27.6%
Homeownership
51.6%
Avg Commute
17.6 min
Poverty Rate
20.3%
Median Age
32.3
Community Profile
The community surrounding Whaley School has a median household income of $72,751. It is an area where 28% of adults hold a bachelor's degree or higher. The median home value in the area is $309,400, with a median rent of $1,353/month. The area has a poverty rate of 20.3%, indicating some economic challenges in the community. Residents enjoy a short average commute of 18 minutes. Source: U.S. Census ACS 2022 5-Year Estimates.
Similar Schools
Schools in the same state with comparable level, size, and ratings
| School | Rating |
|---|---|
| Chief Paul Memorial School Kipnuk, AK | 6.2 |
| Emmonak School Emmonak, AK | 6.3 |
| Scammon Bay School Scammon Bay, AK | 6.3 |
| American Charter Academy Wasilla, AK | 6.1 |
| Ket'acik/Aapalluk Memorial School Kwethluk, AK | 6.1 |
| MONROE JR, SR HIGH SCHOOLS OF FAIRBANKS Fairbanks, AK | 6.1 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about Whaley School
What grades does Whaley School serve?
Whaley School serves students in grades Pre-K through 12th.
How many students attend Whaley School?
Whaley School has an enrollment of approximately 316 students.
What is the student-teacher ratio at Whaley School?
The student-teacher ratio at Whaley School is 7:1. A lower ratio generally means more individual attention per student. The national average is approximately 16:1 for public schools.
How does Whaley School rank in AK?
Whaley School is ranked #220 out of 412 schools in AK.
What is Whaley School's MySchoolScout rating?
Whaley School has a composite rating of 6.2 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 Whaley School?
Based on the most recent state assessment data, Whaley School has 3.3% math proficiency and 11.3% reading/ELA proficiency.
Is Whaley School a charter school?
No, Whaley School is not a charter school. It is a traditional public school operated by the local school district.
Is Whaley School a Title I school?
No, Whaley School is not currently a Title I school.
What does the Free & Reduced Lunch percentage mean for Whaley School?
15.8% of students at Whaley 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.
Explore More Schools
Neighborhood Context
- City Safety
- High (3,811/100K)
FBI UCR 2024. City-level (Anchorage). Data >1 year old.
Quick Facts NCES CCD (SY 2022-23)
- Grades
- Pre-K – 12th
- Enrollment
- 316
- Student-Teacher Ratio
- 7:1
- Teachers (FTE)
- 45
- Free/Reduced Lunch
- 15.8%
- Type
- regular
- Setting
- Large City
- County
- Anchorage Municipality
- Phone
- (907) 742-2350
- Data Year
- 2023–2024
Resources & Links
District
Anchorage School District- District Enrollment
- 43,363
- Schools in District
- 94
- Per-Pupil Spending
- $16,636
- District Rank
- #41 of 93
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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