Serving 567 students in grades 6-8, Palmer Middle School ranks in the bottom 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 34% (which is higher than the Alaska state average of 32%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 30% (which is higher than the Alaska state average of 29%).
The student-teacher ratio of 18:1 is higher than the Alaska state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 35% of the student body (majority Hispanic and American Indian), which is lower than the Alaska state average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: 6-8
- Enrollment: 567 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 18:1
- Minority Enrollment: 35%
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50% in AK
- Math Proficiency: 34% (Top 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: 30% (Top 50%)
- Science Proficiency: 30-34% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
School Overview
Palmer Middle School's student population of 567 students has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
The teacher population of 31 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 6-8
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
567 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
31 teachers
Year Founded
2023
School Calendar
School Rankings
Palmer Middle School ranks within the bottom 50% of all 441 schools in Alaska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Palmer Middle School is 0.54, 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
#222 out of 441 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
34%
32%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
30%
29%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
30-34%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
18:1
15:1
American Indian
8%
22%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
8%
8%
Black
n/a
2%
White
65%
47%
Hawaiian
1%
3%
Two or more races
17%
13%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
37%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
8%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Palmer Middle School's ranking?
Palmer Middle School is ranked #222 out of 441 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alaska.
What schools are Palmer Middle School often compared to?
Palmer Middle Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Colony Middle School, Teeland Middle School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
34% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while 30% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
How many students attend Palmer Middle School?
567 students attend Palmer Middle School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
65% of Palmer Middle School students are White, 17% of students are Two or more races, 8% of students are American Indian, 8% of students are Hispanic, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Palmer Middle School?
Palmer Middle School has a student ration of 18:1, which is higher than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Palmer Middle School offer ?
Palmer Middle School offers enrollment in grades 6-8 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Palmer Middle School part of?
Palmer Middle School is part of Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.
School Reviews
Review Palmer Middle School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles

Why Single-Sex Public Schools are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.

When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?

When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.