Big Lake Elementary School

Mile 4.5 South Big Lake Rd
Big Lake, AK 99652
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
4/
10
Bottom 50%
Big Lake Elementary School in Big Lake, AK serves 320 students from pre–kindergarten to grade 5 with a student–teacher ratio of 13:1, which is lower than the recent district ratio of 17 to 1.
Math proficiency ranged from 30% to 34% in 2023, which is approximately equal to the state average of 32% but below the district average of 41%.
Reading proficiency declined to 15%–19% in 2023, which is lower than the state average of 29% and indicates a downward trend from prior years.
Science proficiency was reported at 30%–39% in 2023, which is lower than the state average of 38% and the district average of 44%.
The school's overall testing rank dropped from #207 in 2019 to #272 in 2023, placing it in the bottom 50% of Alaska schools; enrollment decreased from 382 students in 2023 to 320 currently, while free lunch eligibility remains high at approximately 67%.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 362 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 39%
  • : Bottom 50% in AK
  • : 30-34% (Top 50%)
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 30-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : Big Lake Elementary serves the southern portion of its school district in Big Lake, AK, covering an area of approximately 160.4 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 10 to 15 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 14.4 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education

School Overview

Big Lake Elementary School's student population of 362 students has grown by 14% over five school years.
The teacher population of 22 teachers has declined by 12% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
362 students

Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Total Classroom Teachers
22 teachers

Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

School Calendar

School Rankings

Big Lake Elementary School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 441 schools in Alaska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Big Lake Elementary School is 0.58, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.71. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
This School
State Level (AK)
#272 out of 441 schools
(Bottom 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

30-34%
32%

Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓

15-19%
29%

Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓

30-39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
16:1
15:1

Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

American Indian
11%
22%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Asian
1%
5%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Hispanic
8%
8%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 32-year historical data available below ↓

White
61%
47%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

Hawaiian
1%
3%

Showing 2015–2025. Full 16-year historical data available below ↓

Two or more races
18%
13%

Showing 2010–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓

All Ethnic Groups
39%
0.58

Showing 2015–2025. Full 34-year historical data available below ↓

(22-23)
58.3%
42.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
37%

Showing 2014–2025. Full 30-year historical data available below ↓

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
5%
6%

Showing 2005–2014. Full 12-year historical data available below ↓

School Statewide Testing
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Big Lake Elementary School's ranking?
Big Lake Elementary School is ranked #272 out of 441 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alaska.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
30-34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while 15-19% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
How many students attend Big Lake Elementary School?
362 students attend Big Lake Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
61% of Big Lake Elementary School students are White, 18% of students are Two or more races, 11% of students are American Indian, 8% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Big Lake Elementary School?
Big Lake Elementary School has a student ration of 16:1, which is higher than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Big Lake Elementary School offer ?
Big Lake Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Big Lake Elementary School part of?
Big Lake Elementary School is part of Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.

School Reviews

Review Big Lake Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:

  • Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
  • Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Rate this school:

Recent Articles

Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Can Your Child Get Into School Clubs and Activities?
Discover whether your child can access advertised school clubs and activities, including enrollment limits, tryouts, fees, transportation, scheduling conflicts, and essential questions parents should ask before choosing schools today.
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Who Supervises Students When Their Teacher Is Out?
Discover who supervises students when regular teachers are absent, how schools arrange classroom coverage, what qualifications substitutes need, and which questions parents should ask about safety and learning continuity.
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
When the School Nurse Isn't There: Parent Guide
Learn what happens when school nurses are absent, how public schools handle medications and emergencies, and which essential questions parents should ask to protect their children's health and safety daily.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 362 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 16:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 39%
  • : Bottom 50%
  • : 30-34% (Top 50%)
  • : 15-19% (Btm 50%)
  • : 30-39% (Btm 50%)
  • : Big Lake Elementary serves the southern portion of its school district in Big Lake, AK, covering an area of approximately 160.4 square miles. Most families can expect a typical drive of 10 to 15 minutes to the school, with the furthest edge of the attendance zone located about 14.4 miles away.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education

Request Information

Quick Links