Skagway, Haines, and Hoonah have the top three rated school districts in the state. That’s according to niche.com which compiles scholastic data nationwide. 

With a 10:1 student to teacher ratio, it’s no wonder the kids at Skagway School tend to excel. School Superintendent Josh Coughran says that being named the top school district in the state has been a team effort.

It feels great. I think it’s a validation of what we’ve always known, you know, some really smart kids, some incredible teachers, and a visionary school board. I think when you put those factors together, you can’t go wrong. And it’s really nice to be honored nationally like that,” said Coughran.

The rankings were first published by Stacker News and picked up by numerous national publications this week including Newsweek, putting the Skagway School District in the national spotlight. 

The rankings were determined by:

  • Academic achievements
  • Teacher reviews 
  • Clubs and activities 
  • Diversity
  • College preparedness
  • Health and safety

Haines School District came in second place in the state. School superintendent Roy Getchell says he’s proud of his school, but he’s not surprised they are ranked so high.

“It means that we’re continuing the hard work that’s been done. You know, now and in years past, you know, Haines has a reputation for a high-quality school district, and I’m super proud of our staff and our students for continuing that,” said Getchell.

According to Getchell, the reason the top three spots went to small schools in Southeast Alaska is that when you’re a student at a small school, you’re not just another number.

We Shepherd students here, we look out for them. We know where they are academically, emotionally, we work with families to try to make sure that we’re all working together and supporting each other. And so, you know, when you go to school in Haines, and when you go to school in a small Southeast Alaska School District, you matter,” said Getchell.

School is out for summer as of Thursday afternoon for both Skagway and Haines. The Panthers graduate five seniors this year and the Glacier Bears graduate 20 young adults.