Summary:
The city of Kenai, Alaska is home to 8 schools that serve students from elementary through high school, all part of the Kenai Peninsula Borough School District. The standout schools in the area include Aurora Borealis Charter School, which consistently ranks among the top elementary and middle schools in the state, and Kenai Central High School, which has a diverse student population and solid performance.
Test scores vary across the schools, with Aurora Borealis Charter School leading the way with over 77% of students proficient or better in science and 89% in math. In contrast, Kenai Central High School lags behind the district and state averages, with only 30% proficient in science and 25% in math. The elementary and middle schools show mixed results, with some exceeding district and state benchmarks while others fall behind. Free and reduced lunch rates also vary, with Aurora Borealis Charter School having a very low rate of 1.6% compared to over 50% at some of the other schools.
The data highlights the importance of school choice, as the high-performing Aurora Borealis Charter School demonstrates the potential benefits of alternative educational models. However, the stark contrast in performance between schools also raises questions about equity and the impact of socioeconomic factors on student achievement. Additionally, the presence of small, rural schools like Marathon School, which has only 8 students, underscores the unique challenges faced by these institutions in providing a comprehensive educational experience.
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