Sheldon Jackson School · Photo: Jet Lowe · Public domainSitka’s public schools outscore 81% of Alaska districts
37% of students in Sitka’s public schools are proficient in math, above the Alaska average (23%). The grade covers the public school district serving Sitka, 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 94% 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.
Sitka’s schools, in brief
Better than its incomes would predict
Among the 87 Alaska towns with household incomes within a quarter of Sitka’s, its schools beat 89%, higher than their 81% against all the state’s districts. The grade ↓
Above the state on both counts
Reading proficiency is 40% and math 37% in spring 2022, against 29% and 23% statewide; 80–84% of the class of 2023 graduated in four years, against 78%. Test scores ↓
Spending and class size
The district spends $23,859 per student, against $21,070 across Alaska (FY2024). Spending doesn’t count toward the grade. Districts ↓
One elementary school, then one elementary, one middle and one high school
From grade 2 the district’s path is Keet Gooshi Heen Elementary, then Blatchley Middle School, then Sitka High School. Enrollment is down 6% since 2020–21. See the path ↓
Choice beyond the district
Sitka REACH, an online school, is based here too; it isn’t counted as a local school. 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 Sitka’s grade
A−: better than 81% of Alaska school districts, #3 of 41 Alaska towns. Test scores and graduation are both above the Alaska average; test scores are the stronger of the two.
Where will my kid go?
Pick a grade. These are the public schools that serve Sitka, with each school’s own grade.
Kindergarten in Sitka
Xoots Elementary School
Grades PK–1 · 137 students · 9:1 students per teacher
1st grade in Sitka
Xoots Elementary School
Grades PK–1 · 137 students · 9:1 students per teacher
10th grade in Sitka
Sitka High School
Grades 9–12 · 305 students · 15:1 students per teacher
11th grade in Sitka
Sitka High School
Grades 9–12 · 305 students · 15:1 students per teacher
12th grade in Sitka
Sitka High School
Grades 9–12 · 305 students · 15:1 students per teacher
Sitka’s public schools are run by Sitka School District. 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 above the state in reading
Sitka vs. its neighbors
Schools grades for the Alaska towns that share Sitka’s borders.
| Town | Schools | Main districts |
|---|---|---|
| Sitka | A− | Sitka |
| Port Alexander | — | Southeast Island |
Every school in Sitka
7 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).
Questions about Sitka’s schools
Are Sitka’s schools good?
By Alaska’s own tests, yes: the public schools Sitka children attend outscore 81% of Alaska’s school districts on tests and graduation, an A− Schools grade, #3 of 41 Alaska towns. Among towns with similar incomes they beat 89%. Tests are from 2021–22, graduation from the class of 2023.
What school district is Sitka in?
Sitka School District, which runs grades PK–12 and enrolls 1,080 students in 6 schools (2024–25).
Where do Sitka kids go to high school?
Sitka High School, with 305 students; its own test results earn a B−.
What is Sitka’s graduation rate?
80–84% of the class of 2023 in Sitka School District graduated in four years, against 78% across Alaska.
How much does Sitka spend per student?
$23,859 in Sitka School District (FY2024), against $21,070 across Alaska. Spending doesn’t count toward the grade.
Parents talk
What Sitka families are saying about school.
Looking for colleges? Colleges near Sitka → 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.