Martin L.
Olson School in Nome, AK, serves 39 students from prekindergarten through 12th grade with a student–teacher ratio of 6:1, which is lower than the Alaska state average ratio.
Math proficiency is 20%, which is lower than the state average of 32% and roughly equal to the district average of 21%, showing consistently low performance in this area over recent years.
Reading proficiency stands at 20%, lower than the Alaska state average of 29% and approximately equal to the district average of 4%, with no significant improvement trends noted.
Science proficiency is 50%, higher than the state average of 38% and the district average of 9%, indicating relatively stronger performance in science compared to other subjects.
Enrollment decreased from 54 students in 2022 to 39 in 2023, while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch increased sharply to 86% in 2023, reflecting a notable rise in socioeconomic need among the student body at this rural Alaska public school.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 39 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 8:1
- Minority Enrollment: 92%
- Graduation Rate: ≥50% (Top 1% in AK)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: <50% (Top 30%)
- Attendance Zone: Martin L. Olson School's attendance zone covers the entire school district in Nome, AK, encompassing approximately 28,257 square miles. Families can expect a typical drive of 20 to 30 minutes to the school, with an average distance of about 113.8 miles to the zone's edge and a furthest point reaching 280.1 miles.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
School Overview
Martin L. Olson School's student population of 39 students has declined by 18% over five school years.
The teacher population of 5 teachers has declined by 28% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
39 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
5 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
School Rankings
Martin L. Olson 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 Martin L. Olson School is 0.32, 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
#286 out of 441 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
32%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
29%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
<50%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
8:1
15:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
82%
22%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
2%
8%
White
8%
47%
Showing 2012–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
13%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2012–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
(21-22)≥50%
78%
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)48.7%
42.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
49%
37%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (14-15)
17%
5%
Showing 2006–2015. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Martin L. Olson School's ranking?
Martin L. Olson School is ranked #286 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?
≤20% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while ≤20% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
What is the graduation rate of Martin L. Olson School?
The graduation rate of Martin L. Olson School is 50%, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 78%.
How many students attend Martin L. Olson School?
39 students attend Martin L. Olson School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
82% of Martin L. Olson School students are American Indian, 8% of students are White, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 2% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Martin L. Olson School?
Martin L. Olson School has a student ration of 8:1, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Martin L. Olson School offer ?
Martin L. Olson School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Martin L. Olson School part of?
Martin L. Olson School is part of Bering Strait School District.
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