Sherrod Elementary School

561 N Gulkana St
Palmer, AK 99645
(School attendance zone shown in map)
: 
7/
10
Top 50%
Sherrod Elementary School in Palmer, AK, serves 369 students from Kindergarten through 5th grade with a student–teacher ratio of 15:1, which is approximately equal to the state average ratio.
Math proficiency is 44%, higher than the Alaska state average of 32% and the district average of 41%, though scores declined from a peak of 58% in 2018 to 44% in 2023.
Reading proficiency stands at 36%, higher than the state average of 29% but shows a notable decline from 53% in 2021 to 36% in 2022.
Science proficiency ranges between 45–49%, higher than the state average of 38%, with an increase from 20% in 2021 to up to 49% in 2022.
Enrollment decreased from 467 students in 1999 to 395 in 2023, while eligibility for free lunch increased from 0% in 2001 to 43% in 2023, indicating a rise in socioeconomic need.
The school's overall ranking declined from #50 in 2010 to #165 in 2023, reflecting a downward trend in relative performance among Alaska elementary schools.
Sherrod Elementary's graduation rate is 95%, exceeding the state average of 78% and the district average of 80%.
Minority enrollment is 42%, with a diverse student body including 36 American Indian students and 82 students of two or more races, highlighting demographic diversity within this Palmer AK public school.

Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 383 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 41%
  • : Top 50% in AK
  • : 44% (Top 50%)
  • : 36% (Top 50%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 50%)
  • : Sherrod Elementary serves the southern part of Palmer, AK, covering an area of approximately 51.3 square miles. Families typically can expect a drive of about 10-12 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone being around 8 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education

School Overview

Sherrod Elementary School's student population of 383 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 23 teachers has declined by 14% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
383 students

Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Total Classroom Teachers
23 teachers

Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data

Year Founded
1971

School Rankings

Sherrod 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 Sherrod Elementary School is 0.60, 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)
#165 out of 441 schools
(Top 50%)

Showing 2013–2023. View full 14-year historical data

44%
32%

Showing 2012–2023. View full 14-year historical data

36%
29%

Showing 2011–2022. View full 13-year historical data

45-49%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
17:1
15:1

Showing 2015–2025. View full 39-year historical data

American Indian
11%
22%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data

Asian
1%
5%

Showing 2014–2025. View full 37-year historical data

Hispanic
8%
8%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data

White
59%
47%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data

Hawaiian
1%
3%

Showing 2015–2025. View full 17-year historical data

Two or more races
20%
13%

Showing 2011–2025. View full 17-year historical data

All Ethnic Groups
41%
0.60

Showing 2015–2025. View full 37-year historical data

(22-23)
43.3%
42.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
62%
37%

Showing 2014–2025. View full 38-year historical data

Eligible for Reduced Lunch (22-23)
8%
3%

Showing 2012–2023. View full 21-year historical data

School Statewide Testing

Sports

School Mascot
Glacier Bear
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Sherrod Elementary School's ranking?
Sherrod Elementary School is ranked #165 out of 441 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alaska.
What schools are Sherrod Elementary School often compared to?
Sherrod Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Pioneer Peak Elementary School, Fred And Sara Machetanz Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
44% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while 36% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
How many students attend Sherrod Elementary School?
383 students attend Sherrod Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
59% of Sherrod Elementary School students are White, 20% 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 Sherrod Elementary School?
Sherrod Elementary School has a student ration of 17:1, which is higher than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Sherrod Elementary School offer ?
Sherrod Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Sherrod Elementary School part of?
Sherrod Elementary School is part of Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.

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Quick Facts (26-27)

  • Grades: Prekindergarten-5
  • Enrollment: 383 students
  • Student-Teacher Ratio: 17:1
  • Minority Enrollment: 41%
  • : Top 50%
  • : 44% (Top 50%)
  • : 36% (Top 50%)
  • : 45-49% (Top 50%)
  • : Sherrod Elementary serves the southern part of Palmer, AK, covering an area of approximately 51.3 square miles. Families typically can expect a drive of about 10-12 minutes to reach the school, with the furthest distance from the school to the edge of the attendance zone being around 8 miles.
  • Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education

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