Z.
John Williams Memorial School in Bethel, AK, has a student–teacher ratio of 11:1, which remained stable over recent years, serving 124 students from Pre–K through 12th grade.
Math proficiency at the school is 5%, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 32% and below the district average of 11%, indicating persistently low math performance.
Reading proficiency is 5%, also below the state average of 29% and approximately equal to the district average of 4%, reflecting ongoing challenges in reading achievement.
Science proficiency stands at 20%, which is lower than the state average of 38% but higher than the district average of 9%.
The graduation rate is 50%, below the Alaska state average of 78% but slightly higher than the district average of 47%, with this rate remaining consistent over multiple years.
Enrollment has declined from 157 students in 2016 to 124 students currently, while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch has increased to 100%, indicating a significant rise in socioeconomic need within the student body.
The school's overall ranking improved slightly from #417 in 2022 to #403 in 2023 but remains in the bottom 50% statewide among Alaska public schools.
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 132 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Graduation Rate: ≥50% (Top 50% in AK)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤20% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Z. John Williams Memorial School serves the northeast part of Bethel, AK, covering an attendance zone of approximately 4 square miles. Families can typically reach the school within a 5-10 minute drive, with the furthest edges of the zone located about 1.8 miles away.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
School Overview
Z. John Williams Memorial School's student population of 132 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 9 teachers has declined by 25% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
132 students
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
9 teachers
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
2016
School Calendar
School Rankings
Z. John Williams Memorial 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 Z. John Williams Memorial School is 0.02, 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
#403 out of 441 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
32%
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
29%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤20%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
Showing 2015–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
American Indian
99%
22%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
1%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2014–2025. Full 37-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
≥50%
77.9%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)61.4%
42.5%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
37%
Showing 2014–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (13-14)
6%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Z. John Williams Memorial School's ranking?
Z. John Williams Memorial School is ranked #403 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?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
What is the graduation rate of Z. John Williams Memorial School?
The graduation rate of Z. John Williams Memorial School is 50%, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 77.9%.
How many students attend Z. John Williams Memorial School?
132 students attend Z. John Williams Memorial School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
99% of Z. John Williams Memorial School students are American Indian, and 1% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Z. John Williams Memorial School?
Z. John Williams Memorial School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Z. John Williams Memorial School offer ?
Z. John Williams Memorial School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Z. John Williams Memorial School part of?
Z. John Williams Memorial School is part of Lower Kuskokwim School District.
School Reviews
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