Palmer High School is a high school located in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough in the city of Palmer, Alaska. It offers classes in fine arts, mathematics, world languages, physical education and health, science, English, social sciences, and career and technical education.
Serving 649 students in grades 9-12, Palmer High School ranks in the top 50% of all schools in Alaska for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 50%, and reading proficiency is top 50%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 20-24% (which is approximately equal to the Alaska state average of 23%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 35-39% (which is higher than the Alaska state average of 29%).
The student:teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the Alaska state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 33% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the Alaska state average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Quick Stats (2025)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 649 students
- Student:Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 33%
- Graduation Rate: ≥95% (Top 1% in AK)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 50%
- Math Proficiency: 20-24% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 35-39% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 45-49% (Top 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Palmer High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alaska for:
Category
Attribute
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Palmer High School's student population of 649 students has declined by 13% over five school years.
The teacher population of 43 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
649 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
43 teachers
Colors
White, Blue
School Rankings
Palmer High School ranks within the top 50% of all 459 schools in Alaska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Palmer High School is 0.52, 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
#203 out of 459 schools
(Top 50%)
(Top 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
20-24%
23%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
35-39%
29%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
45-49%
38%
Student : Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
9%
22%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
9%
8%
Black
n/a
2%
White
67%
47%
Hawaiian
1%
3%
Two or more races
13%
13%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
≥95%
78%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
30%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
5%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Moose
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palmer High School's ranking?
Palmer High School is ranked #203 out of 459 schools, which ranks it among the top 50% of public schools in Alaska.
What schools are Palmer High School often compared to?
Palmer High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Colony High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
20-24% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 23% AK state average), while 35-39% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
What is the graduation rate of Palmer High School?
The graduation rate of Palmer High School is 95%, which is higher than the Alaska state average of 78%.
How many students attend Palmer High School?
649 students attend Palmer High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
67% of Palmer High School students are White, 13% of students are Two or more races, 9% of students are American Indian, 9% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student:teacher ratio of Palmer High School?
Palmer High School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Palmer High School offer ?
Palmer High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Palmer High School part of?
Palmer High School is part of Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.
School Reviews
5 7/19/2016
Our daughter is gifted, and went to one small Charter School , and 2 small Private Schools. She is doing very well at Palmer High School. The school is a medium size HS. It is an IB school so the courses are great. She is serving on the MAT-SU Student Advisory Board, and Palmer High School student government. In 2017 she will be the Sophomore class President. The Drama/Music Department is very well run, and gives students another way to be involves in school activities. The sports programs offer a wide selection. This is very good school for any one. My husband and I would give Palmer High School a 10 on a rating of 1 to 10. Thank you for reading this review.
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