Serving 771 students in grades Prekindergarten-8, Colony Middle School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Alaska for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 43% (which is higher than the Alaska state average of 32%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 34% (which is higher than the Alaska state average of 29%).
The student-teacher ratio of 21:1 is higher than the Alaska state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the Alaska state average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 771 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 21:1
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AK
- Math Proficiency: 43% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 34% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 41% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Colony Middle School serves the southern part of Palmer, AK, encompassing an attendance area of approximately 51.2 square miles. Most students live within a typical 10-12 minute drive, with the furthest edge of the zone being about 7.2 miles from the school.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
School Overview
Colony Middle School's student population of 771 students has grown by 30% over five school years.
The teacher population of 37 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
771 students
Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data
Total Classroom Teachers
37 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data
School Rankings
Colony Middle School ranks within the top 50% of all 441 schools in Alaska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Colony Middle School is 0.49, 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.
Overall Testing Rank
#172 out of 441 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
43%
32%
Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
29%
Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
41%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
21:1
15:1
Showing 2015–2025. View full 32-year historical data
American Indian
5%
22%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data
Asian
1%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 32-year historical data
Hispanic
7%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data
Black
1%
2%
Showing 2014–2025. View full 33-year historical data
White
69%
47%
Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data
Two or more races
17%
13%
Showing 2011–2025. View full 17-year historical data
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. View full 34-year historical data
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)40.7%
42.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
26%
37%
Showing 2014–2025. View full 34-year historical data
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
3%
Showing 2014–2025. View full 23-year historical data
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Colony Middle School's ranking?
Colony Middle School is ranked #172 out of 441 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alaska.
What schools are Colony Middle School often compared to?
Colony Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Teeland Middle School, Palmer Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
43% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while 34% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
How many students attend Colony Middle School?
771 students attend Colony Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Colony Middle School students are White, 17% of students are Two or more races, 7% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Black.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Colony Middle School?
Colony Middle School has a student ration of 21:1, which is higher than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Colony Middle School offer ?
Colony Middle School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Colony Middle School part of?
Colony Middle School is part of Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.
In what neighborhood is Colony Middle School located?
Colony Middle School is located in the Gateway neighborhood of Palmer, AK. There are 3 other public schools located in Gateway.
School Calendar
View the Colony Middle School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
HOLIDAY-School Closed
November 11, 2026 (Wednesday)
HOLIDAY-School Closed
November 26, 2026 (Thursday)
Winter Break-School Closed
December 18, 2026 (Friday)
HOLIDAY-School Closed
January 18, 2027 (Monday)
Spring Break-School Closed
March 05, 2027 (Friday)
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
The teachers and staff at Colony Middle School are absolutely fantastic. I love that you can go online and keep up with your child's progress and stay on top of any improvements that need to be made. I also love that they have a NO TOLERANCE for ANY type of bullying and they take care of any issues IMMEDIATELY. My daughter's grades have improved tremendously since attending this school and she's even made the Honor Roll! I couldn't be happier!
1 10/10/2025
Worst school ever I have nothing good to say about this school IT IS THE WORST.
Review Colony Middle 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
Recent Articles
Is Your Child's School Day Too Structured?
Discover where free time disappears during your child's school day, how to evaluate lunch, recess, and classroom schedules, and what parents can do when breaks become structured activities.
When Your Child's Best Friend Is in Another Class
Discover how to help your child when their best friend is assigned to another classroom, including school placement policies, maintaining friendships, building connections, and knowing when to request help.
Should Your Child Repeat a Grade or Move Ahead?
Before agreeing to grade retention, learn what evidence to request, how to review school policies, explore alternatives, understand parental rights, and secure an effective academic support plan for your child.
