Gambell School in Gambell, AK serves grades PK–12 with an enrollment of 169 students and a student–teacher ratio of 9:1, which is lower than the historical average ratio of about 11:1 in recent years.
Math proficiency at Gambell School is 5%, which is significantly lower than the Alaska state average of 32% and below the Bering Strait School District average of 21%.
Reading proficiency is 5%, lower than the state average of 29% and approximately equal to the district average of 4%, indicating persistent low literacy outcomes.
The graduation rate ranges between 60% and 79%, which is approximately equal to the state average of 78% and above the district rate of 70%.
Enrollment decreased from around 191 students in 2018 to 169 students in 2023, while the percentage of students eligible for free lunch remains very high at nearly 100%, reflecting a stable high socioeconomic need among the mostly American Indian student body.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 154 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 9:1
- Graduation Rate: 60-79% (Top 50% in AK)
- Overall Testing Rank: Bottom 50%
- Math Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Reading Proficiency: ≤5% (Btm 50%)
- Science Proficiency: ≤10% (Btm 50%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Gambell School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alaska for:
Category
Attribute
Student Attention
School Overview
Gambell School's student population of 154 students has declined by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 17 teachers has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-12
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
154 students
Total Classroom Teachers
17 teachers
School Rankings
Gambell 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 Gambell School is 0.10, 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
#403 out of 441 schools
(Bottom 50%)
(Bottom 50%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
32%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤5%
29%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≤10%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
15:1
American Indian
95%
21%
Asian
5%
5%
All Ethnic Groups
Graduation Rate
60-79%
78%
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
100%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch (18-19)
14%
6%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
School Notes
- School Mascot: Qughsatkut
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Gambell School's ranking?
Gambell School is ranked #403 out of 441 schools, which ranks it among the bottom 50% of public schools in Alaska.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
≤5% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while ≤5% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
What is the graduation rate of Gambell School?
The graduation rate of Gambell School is 60-79%, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 78%.
How many students attend Gambell School?
154 students attend Gambell School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
95% of Gambell School students are American Indian, and 5% of students are Asian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Gambell School?
Gambell School has a student ration of 9:1, which is lower than the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Gambell School offer ?
Gambell School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-12 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Gambell School part of?
Gambell School is part of Bering Strait School District.
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