Ursa Minor Elementary School in Jber, AK serves 344 students from prekindergarten through 6th grade with a student–teacher ratio of 22:1, which is higher than the district's typical ratio of 18 to 20:1.
Math proficiency at Ursa Minor is 45–49%, which is higher than the state average of 32% and district average of 37%, while reading proficiency is 40–44%, also higher than the state average of 29% and roughly equal to the district average of 34%.
Science proficiency ranges from 30–39%, which is below the state average of 38% and district average of 40%, indicating weaker science performance relative to state and district levels.
The school's overall ranking declined from #55 in 2019 to #121 in 2023, showing a downward trend in relative performance among Alaska elementary schools.
Minority enrollment accounts for 46% of the student body, with 47% of students eligible for free or reduced–price lunch; the student–teacher ratio has increased from 17:1 in 2023 to 22:1 currently, reflecting larger class sizes over recent years.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-6
- Enrollment: 294 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 44%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in AK
- Math Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 30%)
- Reading Proficiency: 40-44% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-39% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Ursa Minor Elementary serves the western part of Jber, AK, covering an area of approximately 0.5 square miles. Most families can expect a drive of 5-10 minutes to reach the school, with an average distance of 0.4 miles from the school to the edge of the attendance zone.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
School Overview
Ursa Minor Elementary School's student population of 294 students has grown by 10% over five school years.
The teacher population of 16 teachers has declined by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-6
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
294 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
16 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2025
School Calendar
School Rankings
Ursa Minor Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 441 schools in Alaska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Ursa Minor Elementary School is 0.64, 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
#121 out of 441 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
32%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
40-44%
29%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-39%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
4%
5%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
18%
8%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Black
6%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
White
56%
47%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Hawaiian
3%
3%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
13%
13%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 17-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)22.8%
42.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
18%
37%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
20%
3%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 23-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 Ursa Minor Elementary School's ranking?
Ursa Minor Elementary School is ranked #121 out of 441 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Alaska.
What schools are Ursa Minor Elementary School often compared to?
Ursa Minor Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Orion Elementary School, Aurora Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
45-49% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while 40-44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
How many students attend Ursa Minor Elementary School?
294 students attend Ursa Minor Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
56% of Ursa Minor Elementary School students are White, 18% of students are Hispanic, 13% of students are Two or more races, 6% of students are Black, 4% of students are Asian, and 3% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Ursa Minor Elementary School?
Ursa Minor Elementary School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Ursa Minor Elementary School offer ?
Ursa Minor Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-6 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Ursa Minor Elementary School part of?
Ursa Minor Elementary School is part of Anchorage School District.
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