Serving 310 students in grades Prekindergarten-6, Houghtaling Elementary 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 30-34% (which is approximately equal to the Alaska state average of 32%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is higher than the Alaska state average of 29%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Alaska state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 58% of the student body (majority American Indian), which is higher than the Alaska state average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2026-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 310 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 58%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50% in AK
- Math Proficiency: 30-34% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 20-29% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Houghtaling Elementary's attendance zone encompasses the entire Ketchikan school district, covering an expansive area of approximately 6,654 square miles. Typically, families can expect a drive of 20 to 30 minutes to the school, with the average distance to the zone's edge being about 45 miles and the furthest edge reaching 77 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
School Overview
Houghtaling Elementary School's student population of 310 students has declined by 11% over five school years.
The teacher population of 26 teachers has declined by 13% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
310 students
Total Classroom Teachers
26 teachers
School Calendar
School Motto
Together we foster an educational culture of academic excellence, meaningful connections, and nurturing environments to maximize every student’s unique potential.
School Rankings
Houghtaling Elementary 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 Houghtaling Elementary School is 0.69, 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
#194 out of 441 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
32%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
29%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-29%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
15:1
American Indian
33%
22%
Asian
15%
5%
Hispanic
1%
8%
Black
1%
2%
White
42%
47%
Hawaiian
1%
3%
Two or more races
7%
13%
All Ethnic Groups
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)52.6%
42.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
47%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Houghtaling Elementary School's ranking?
Houghtaling Elementary School is ranked #194 out of 441 schools, which ranks it among the top 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 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
How many students attend Houghtaling Elementary School?
310 students attend Houghtaling Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
42% of Houghtaling Elementary School students are White, 33% of students are American Indian, 15% of students are Asian, 7% of students are Two or more races, 1% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Black, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Houghtaling Elementary School?
Houghtaling Elementary School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Houghtaling Elementary School offer ?
Houghtaling Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Houghtaling Elementary School part of?
Houghtaling Elementary School is part of Ketchikan Gateway Borough School District.
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