North Slope Borough School District operates 8 schools (grades PK–12). Individual school names, addresses, and attendance zone boundaries are available directly from the district.
| Metric | North Slope Borough 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 |
- Eben Hopson Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 214 students
- Nunamiut School — Grades PK–12 · 112 students
- Meade River School — Grades PK–12 · 86 students
- Fred Ipalook Elementary — Grades PK–5 · 494 students
- Barrow High School — Grades 9–12 · 259 students
- Harold Kaveolook School — Grades PK–12 · 63 students
- Nuiqsut Trapper School — Grades PK–12 · 143 students
- Tikigaq School — Grades PK–12 · 230 students
- Kali School — Grades PK–12 · 75 students
- Alak School — Grades PK–12 · 138 students
- Kiita Learning Community — Grades 9–12 · 39 students
- Edmunds Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 356 students
- Lyman C. Hunt Middle School — Grades 6–8 · 322 students
- Prudhoe Bay High School — Grades 9–12 · 921 students
About North Slope Borough School District
Families in zip code 99734 (Prudhoe Bay, Alaska) are assigned to North Slope Borough School District for public education through 12. This overview covers the district’s funding levels, scale, rating, and what to expect from the enrollment process if you’re moving to or within this zip code.
Funding and Resources
According to NCES 2024–2025, North Slope Borough School District spends approximately $18,000 per student 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
At 11 schools serving grades K–12, North Slope Borough School District qualifies as a large district serving students from K–12. The district enrolls approximately 2,044 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
With a rating of 1/10 (low-rated), North Slope Borough School District ranks among Alaska’s low-rated-rated school systems. 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.
North Slope Borough 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 99734
Children in zip code 99734 are assigned to North Slope Borough 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 99734, 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 North Slope Borough School District at the number listed on the district website or visit the district’s official website. Typical enrollment documents include proof of address, a government-issued birth certificate, immunization records, and any existing school records or IEP documentation. 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 Prudhoe Bay
For families considering a purchase in the Prudhoe Bay area, district assignment matters financially. Because North Slope Borough School District serves zip code 99734, buyers should factor school district quality into their overall evaluation of homes in zip code 99734. 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 North Slope Borough 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 99734.
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 North Slope Borough School District before making any housing or enrollment decision based on zip code 99734 data.