Anchorage School District

The Anchorage School District (ASD) is the largest public school district in Alaska, serving nearly 43,000 students across more than 130 schools and programs within the Municipality of Anchorage.

Encompassing an area of nearly 2,000 square miles, ASD offers a diverse and comprehensive educational experience to its students.

Educational Programs and Services

ASD provides a wide range of educational programs, including traditional schools, charter schools, and specialized programs.

• Traditional K-12 Schools: The district operates numerous elementary, middle, and high schools, including Bartlett High School, Chugiak High School, Dimond High School, and West Anchorage High School.
• Charter Schools: ASD includes charter schools such as Highland Academy Charter School, which focuses on competency-based learning.
• Specialized Programs: The district offers programs like the Alaska State School for the Deaf and Hard of Hearing, and alternative education options like the Alternative Career Education School.

Student Demographics and Support

The student body is diverse, with non-white students comprising approximately 58% of the population.

ASD is committed to inclusivity, offering programs for students with special needs, English Language Learners, and gifted students.

During the 2008-09 school year, the district served around 8,600 special needs students, 5,808 English Language Learners, and 3,563 gifted students.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness

ASD prioritizes student safety and has implemented various measures to ensure a secure learning environment.

The district adopted the ALICE training program (Alert, Lockdown, Inform, Counter, Evacuate) to prepare students and staff for emergencies through active responses such as evacuation or countering threats when necessary.

Recent Developments

• Legal Settlement: Following findings by the U.S. Department of Justice regarding inappropriate use of seclusion and restraint, ASD agreed to prohibit such practices and implement multisensory de-escalation rooms.
• Budget Adjustments: The district is actively working on solutions to address financial challenges, including updates on the FY26 budget.

Community Engagement

ASD is dedicated to community involvement and regularly updates the public on district news, events, and initiatives.

The district acknowledges its location on the traditional lands of the Dena'ina People of Upper Cook Inlet and emphasizes its commitment to diversity and inclusion.

Location

• Anchorage, AK, US
• Anchorage, AK, USA