Lower Kuskokwim School District operates 8 schools (grades PK–12). Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | Lower Kuskokwim School District | National Average | Comparison |
|---|---|---|---|
| Student Enrollment | 4,000 | 3,700 | ≈ Near average |
| Number of Schools | 8 | 6 | Varies by district |
| Per-Pupil Spending | $18,000/yr (est.) | $13,700/yr | ↑ 53% above avg |
| District Type | Urban | Public District | — |
| Overall Rating | 1/10 — Poor | — | Near average |
- Joann A. Alexie Memorial School — Grades PK–12 · 121 students
- Gladys Jung Elementary — Grades 3–6 · 309 students
- Bethel Regional High School — Grades 7–12 · 410 students
- Chaputnguak School — Grades PK–12 · 133 students
- Chief Paul Memorial School — Grades PK–12 · 222 students
- Ayagina'ar Elitnaurvik — Grades PK–12 · 184 students
- Kwigillingok School — Grades PK–12 · 112 students
- Nelson Island Area School — Grades PK–12 · 171 students
- Anna Tobeluk Memorial School — Grades PK–12 · 167 students
- Arviq School — Grades · 0 students
- Kuskokwim Learning Academy — Grades 9–12 · 49 students
- Ayaprun Elitnaurvik — Grades PK–8 · 203 students
- Paul T. Albert Memorial School — Grades PK–12 · 102 students
- Akula Elitnaurvik School — Grades PK–12 · 118 students
- Eek School — Grades PK–12 · 98 students
- Lewis Angapak Memorial School — Grades PK–12 · 131 students
- Nuniwarmiut School — Grades PK–12 · 43 students
- William Miller Memorial School — Grades PK–12 · 78 students
- Mikelnguut Elitnaurviat — Grades PK–2 · 261 students
- Ket'acik/Aapalluk Memorial School — Grades PK–12 · 255 students
- Z. John Williams Memorial School — Grades PK–12 · 132 students
- Ayaprun School — Grades · 0 students
- Kuinerrarmiut Elitnaurviat — Grades PK–12 · 175 students
- Negtemiut Elitnaurviat School — Grades PK–12 · 83 students
- Qugcuun Memorial School — Grades PK–12 · 20 students
- Rocky Mountain School — Grades PK–12 · 72 students
- Akiuk Memorial School — Grades PK–12 · 73 students
- Bethel Youth Facility — Grades 5–12 · 19 students
- Mertarvik School — Grades PK–12 · 82 students
- Edmunds Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 356 students
- Lyman C. Hunt Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 322 students
- Chefornak High School — Grades 9–12 · 921 students
About Lower Kuskokwim School District
Zip code 99561 in Chefornak, Alaska is served by Lower Kuskokwim School District for public school enrollment. The district covers grades K–12. This page provides a data-driven overview of Lower Kuskokwim School District’s funding levels, size, rating, and what families should know before enrolling or making a housing decision in this area.
Funding and Resources
Lower Kuskokwim School District reports per-pupil expenditure of approximately $18,000 per year, placing it near the Alaska state average of approximately $18,000 and above the national average nationally (U.S. average: $13,700/year). Above-average spending generally translates to more instructional resources per student, stronger program variety at the middle and high school levels, and better-maintained facilities. Per-pupil spending directly affects teacher compensation, class sizes, elective course offerings, technology access, and the depth of student support services — making it one of the most meaningful structural indicators of district capacity.
District Scale and Program Breadth
With 29 schools, Lower Kuskokwim School District operates as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 3,970 students in total. Large districts typically provide broad program variety: multiple course tracks at the high school level, dedicated arts and athletic programs, specialized learning pathways, and a wider range of student support services. Individual school quality within a large district can vary considerably — always research your specific assigned school, not just district-level averages.
Understanding the 1/10 Rating
Lower Kuskokwim School District has earned an overall SchoolDistrictFinder rating of 1/10, placing it in the low-rated tier. Our ratings are based on state assessment results — the share of students scoring proficient or above in reading and math, as reported in the U.S. Department of Education’s EDFacts collection. We average each district’s reading and math proficiency, then rank it against other districts in the same state to produce a 1–10 score. Because Alaska is compared only against itself, the rating reflects how this district performs relative to its in-state peers.
Lower Kuskokwim School District holds a low overall rating, with reading and math proficiency among the lowest in Alaska on state assessments. Test results reflect many factors beyond the classroom, including community and economic conditions; a low score is a signal to research carefully, not a verdict on any individual school or teacher. Families in this area should research all available alternatives: inter-district transfers, charter schools, and magnet programs. Contact the district directly to understand exactly what programs are available at your assigned school.
Enrollment for Families in Zip Code 99561
Children in zip code 99561 are assigned to Lower Kuskokwim School District for public school enrollment, covering grades K–12. School assignments are address-specific — your elementary, middle, and high school placements depend on your exact street address within zip code 99561, not just your neighborhood. Two homes on opposite ends of the same zip code may be assigned to different schools within the same district.
To confirm your specific school assignments, contact Lower Kuskokwim School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of residency (lease or deed plus a utility bill), your child’s birth certificate, current immunization records, and prior school records. If your child has an IEP or 504 plan, bring that documentation to enrollment — Alaska districts are required to continue services within a reasonable period. Fall enrollment windows typically open in late winter or early spring; contact the district for exact dates and required steps.
School Districts and Home Values in Chefornak
School district quality is one of the most consistent factors in residential home pricing. Because Lower Kuskokwim School District serves zip code 99561, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 99561. District boundaries are address-specific — verify the exact district assignment for any property you’re seriously considering rather than assuming based on the neighborhood. A single block can place two adjacent homes in different districts with different ratings and different annual property tax implications.
Use the property tax estimator on this page to calculate estimated annual tax obligations based on your target purchase price. In Alaska, property taxes are a primary funding source for public schools — your tax payments directly support Lower Kuskokwim School District programs and staff. Understanding both district quality and the associated tax burden is essential financial due diligence before committing to any home in zip code 99561.
Data Sources and Accuracy
All district information on this page is sourced from the NCES Common Core of Data (CCD) 2024–2025, the U.S. Department of Education’s annual census of all public school districts — the same dataset used by researchers, journalists, and policymakers to analyze American public education. District boundaries, school assignments, phone numbers, and per-pupil expenditure figures are updated annually when NCES publishes new data, typically in spring. Always verify your specific school assignment and enrollment requirements directly with Lower Kuskokwim School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 99561 data.