Serving 760 students in grades 9-12, Palmer High 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 20-24% (which is approximately equal to the Alaska state average of 23%). 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 18:1 is higher than the Alaska state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 32% of the student body (majority American Indian and Hispanic), which is lower than the Alaska state average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- School Type: Magnet School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 760 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 32%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 1% in AK)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Palmer High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alaska for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Palmer High School's student population of 760 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 42 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
School Type
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(offers virtual instruction)
(offers virtual instruction)
Total Students
760 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Students by Grade
School Rankings
Palmer High School ranks within the top 50% of all 459 schools in Alaska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Palmer High School is 0.51, 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
#203 out of 459 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
23%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
29%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
9%
22%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
8%
8%
Black
n/a
2%
White
68%
47%
Hawaiian
1%
3%
Two or more races
13%
13%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
78%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
38%
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 Palmer High School's ranking?
Palmer High School is ranked #203 out of 459 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alaska.
What schools are Palmer High School often compared to?
Palmer High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Colony High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 23% AK state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
What is the graduation rate of Palmer High School?
The graduation rate of Palmer High School is 95%, which is higher than the Alaska state average of 78%.
How many students attend Palmer High School?
760 students attend Palmer High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
68% of Palmer High School students are White, 13% of students are Two or more races, 9% 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 Palmer High School?
Palmer High School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Palmer High School offer ?
Palmer High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (offers virtual instruction).
What school district is Palmer High School part of?
Palmer High School is part of Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.
School Reviews
5 7/19/2016
Our daughter is gifted, and went to one small Charter School , and 2 small Private Schools. She is doing very well at Palmer High School. The school is a medium size HS. It is an IB school so the courses are great. She is serving on the MAT-SU Student Advisory Board, and Palmer High School student government. In 2017 she will be the Sophomore class President. The Drama/Music Department is very well run, and gives students another way to be involves in school activities. The sports programs offer a wide selection. This is very good school for any one. My husband and I would give Palmer High School a 10 on a rating of 1 to 10. Thank you for reading this review.
Review Palmer High 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
How Does Bullying Affect a Student’s Academic Performance?
We explore the significant impact of bullying on students' academic performance, discussing statistics, research findings, and long-term effects. It provides valuable insights for educators and parents on recognizing bullying behaviors and implementing effective prevention strategies to create a safe learning environment.
Can Students Be Legally Prosecuted for School Fights?
This comprehensive guide explores the increasing trend of legal prosecution for school fights, discussing recent incidents, age considerations, and the shift from traditional school punishments to law enforcement involvement. It provides valuable insights for parents, educators, and students about the evolving landscape of school discipline and safety measures.
Understanding Rubrics
This article explores the fundamental principles of rubrics in education, focusing on their role as assessment tools. It breaks down the key components of rubrics, including criteria, performance levels, and descriptors. The piece also delves into the two main types of rubrics - holistic and analytic - providing authoritative definitions and explaining their unique applications in educational settings.
