Photo: U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, photographer not specified or unknown · Public domainBethel’s public schools score below 94% of Alaska districts on tests and graduation
In Bethel, 2% of tested students are proficient in math, below the Alaska average (23%). The grade covers the public school district serving Bethel, from kindergarten through graduation, on state tests and graduation. Each state writes its own tests, so this is the one TownRatings grade compared within Alaska, not nationally.
From Alaska state tests taken in spring 2022, when 93% of students in the tested grades sat them, and the class of 2023’s four-year graduation rate, as reported to the U.S. Department of Education.
Bethel’s schools, in brief
Results trail the state
In spring 2022, 4% of tested students were proficient in reading and 2% in math, against 29% and 23% statewide; 93% of students in the tested grades sat the tests. The grade ↓
Graduation
54% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 78% across Alaska. Districts ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $45,371 per student, against $21,070 across Alaska (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one middle and one middle school
From grade 3 the district’s path is Gladys Jung Elementary, then Bethel Regional High School. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Ayaprun Elitnaurvik is in town. Every school ↓
Written from the figures on this page. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023; each school’s own letter uses 2020–21 results.
What’s behind Bethel’s grade
D: better than 6% of Alaska school districts, last of 41 Alaska towns. Both inputs trail the Alaska average; among the 58 Alaska towns with similar household incomes, Bethel’s schools place at the bottom.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Bethel, with each school’s own grade.
Pre-K in Bethel
Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat
Grades PK–2 · 261 students · 14:1 students per teacher
Kindergarten in Bethel
Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat
Grades PK–2 · 261 students · 14:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Bethel
Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat
Grades PK–2 · 261 students · 14:1 students per teacher
2nd grade in Bethel
Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat
Grades PK–2 · 261 students · 14:1 students per teacher
7th grade in Bethel
Bethel Regional High School
Grades 7–12 · 410 students · 11:1 students per teacher
8th grade in Bethel
Bethel Regional High School
Grades 7–12 · 410 students · 11:1 students per teacher
9th grade in Bethel
Bethel Regional High School
Grades 7–12 · 410 students · 11:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Bethel
Bethel Regional High School
Grades 7–12 · 410 students · 11:1 students per teacher
Bethel’s public schools are run by Lower Kuskokwim School District, which also serves Chefornak, Eek, Goodnews Bay and Kwethluk and others. To confirm the school for a specific address, ask the district.
The district
Spending and class size are shown but don’t count toward the grade. Each district’s own page has every school.
Well below the state in reading
Bethel vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Alaska towns that share Bethel’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Bethel | D | Lower Kuskokwim |
Every school in Bethel
5 schools. Each public school’s letter compares its own 2020–21 reading and math results with Alaska’s other public schools (the newest school-level results we have).
Left off: 1 public program with fewer than 25 students (Bethel Youth Facility).
Questions about Bethel’s schools
Are Bethel’s schools good?
On Alaska’s tests they score below most of the state: the public schools Bethel children attend score below 94% of Alaska’s school districts on tests and graduation, a D Schools grade. Among towns with similar incomes they place at the bottom. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Bethel in?
Lower Kuskokwim School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 3,823 students in 27 schools (2024–25).
What is Bethel’s graduation rate?
54% of the class of 2023 in Lower Kuskokwim School District graduated in four years, against 78% across Alaska.
How much does Bethel spend per student?
$45,371 in Lower Kuskokwim School District (FY2024), against $21,070 across Alaska. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Bethel families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Bethel → They have their own page.
School data: state test results (2021–22, with participation) and four-year graduation rates (class of 2023) reported to the U.S. Department of Education (EDFacts via ED Data Express); each school’s own letter uses its 2020–21 results (EDFacts via the Urban Institute); schools and enrollment from NCES (2024–25; private schools 2023–24); spending from the Census Bureau’s school finance survey (FY2024). The School Grade is our own summary, graded within Alaska. Stars are from neighbors.