For the 2025 school year, there are 13 public elementary schools serving 2,009 students in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK.
The top ranked public elementary schools in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK are Nwabsd Home School, Kobuk School and Deering School. Overall testing rank is based on a school's combined math and reading proficiency test score ranking.
Northwest Arctic Borough, AK public elementary schools have an average math proficiency score of 7% (versus the Alaska public elementary school average of 33%), and reading proficiency score of 8% (versus the 30% statewide average). Elementary schools in Northwest Arctic Borough have an average ranking of 1/10, which is in the bottom 50% of Alaska public elementary schools.
Minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Alaska public elementary school average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Best Public Elementary Schools in Northwest Arctic Borough (2025)
School
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
(Math and Reading Proficiency)
Location
Quick Facts
Rank: #11.
Nwabsd Home School
(Math: <50% | Reading: <50% )
Rank:
Rank:
10/
Top 10%10
744 Third Ave
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-1811
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-1811
Gr: K-12 | 21 students
Rank: #22.
Kobuk School
(Math: ≤20% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
4/
Bottom 50%10
101 Mushers Way
Kobuk, AK 99751
(907) 948-2231
Kobuk, AK 99751
(907) 948-2231
Gr: PK-12 | 32 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #33.
Deering School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤20%)
Rank:
Rank:
3/
Bottom 50%10
36 Main St
Deering, AK 99736
(907) 363-2121
Deering, AK 99736
(907) 363-2121
Gr: PK-12 | 53 students Student-teacher ratio: 11:1
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Ambler School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
109 Ambler Dr
Ambler, AK 99786
(907) 445-2154
Ambler, AK 99786
(907) 445-2154
Gr: PK-12 | 64 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
Rank: #4 - 54. - 5.
Shungnak School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: ≤10%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
#6 West River Rd
Shungnak, AK 99773
(907) 437-2151
Shungnak, AK 99773
(907) 437-2151
Gr: PK-12 | 72 students Student-teacher ratio: 18:1
Rank: #66.
Kotzebue Middle/high School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 10-14%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
744 Third Ave
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-1875
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-1875
Gr: 6-12 | 336 students Student-teacher ratio: 19:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #77.
Kiana School
(Math: ≤10% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
2/
Bottom 50%10
190 Casanoff St
Kiana, AK 99749
(907) 475-2115
Kiana, AK 99749
(907) 475-2115
Gr: PK-12 | 104 students Student-teacher ratio: 15:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #88.
June Nelson Elementary School
(Math: 6-9% | Reading: 6-9%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
744 Third Ave
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-1877
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-1877
Gr: PK-5 | 305 students Student-teacher ratio: 14:1 Minority enrollment: 97%
Rank: #9 - 139. - 13.
Aqqaluk High/noorvik Elementary School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
165 Fireweed Dr
Noorvik, AK 99763
(907) 636-2178
Noorvik, AK 99763
(907) 636-2178
Gr: PK-12 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 23:1
Rank: #9 - 139. - 13.
Buckland School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
9900 University Dr
Buckland, AK 99727
(907) 494-2127
Buckland, AK 99727
(907) 494-2127
Gr: PK-12 | 211 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
Rank: #9 - 139. - 13.
Davis-ramoth School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
2600 Musk Ox Pkwy
Selawik, AK 99770
(907) 484-2142
Selawik, AK 99770
(907) 484-2142
Gr: PK-12 | 269 students Student-teacher ratio: 21:1
Rank: #9 - 139. - 13.
Kisimgiugtuq School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
#6 Oceanside Expressway
Kivalina, AK 99750
(907) 645-2125
Kivalina, AK 99750
(907) 645-2125
Gr: PK-12 | 159 students Student-teacher ratio: 32:1
Rank: #9 - 139. - 13.
Napaaqtugmiut School
(Math: ≤5% | Reading: ≤5%)
Rank:
Rank:
1/
Bottom 50%10
#2 Airport Rd
Noatak, AK 99761
(907) 485-2153
Noatak, AK 99761
(907) 485-2153
Gr: PK-12 | 172 students Student-teacher ratio: 25:1 Minority enrollment: 98%
Northwest Arctic Borough Public Schools (Closed)
School
Location
Quick Facts
Box 51
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-3472
Kotzebue, AK 99752
(907) 442-3472
Gr: PK-12 | 8 students
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the top ranked public elementary schools in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK?
The top ranked public elementary schools in Northwest Arctic Borough, AK include Nwabsd Home School, Kobuk School and Deering School.
How many public elementary schools are located in Northwest Arctic Borough?
13 public elementary schools are located in Northwest Arctic Borough.
What is the racial composition of students in Northwest Arctic Borough?
Northwest Arctic Borough public elementary schools minority enrollment is 99% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is more than the Alaska public elementary schools average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.