The Best Private Schools in Girdwood, Alaska
Discover 3 exceptional private schools in Girdwood. Find the perfect educational environment for your child with our comprehensive reviews and ratings.
School Overview
Top-Rated Private Schools
Pacific Northern Academy
Pacific Northern Academy
Pacific Northern Academy is Anchorage's only independent, non-sectarian school offering the International Baccalaureate program from preschool through 8th grade. The school serves families from throughout the Anchorage bowl and surrounding communities, including Girdwood. PNA features small class sizes (typically 12-16 students), dedicated expert faculty, and a curriculum that balances academic rigor with character development. The campus includes modern science labs, art studios, and technology-integrated classrooms. The school's outdoor education program and environmental stewardship focus resonate particularly well with Girdwood families seeking comprehensive private education.
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Steller Secondary School
Anchorage School District (Magnet Program)
Steller Secondary is a highly-regarded optional program within the Anchorage School District that serves students from across Southcentral Alaska, including Girdwood families. This progressive, student-directed learning environment emphasizes critical thinking, community involvement, and personalized education. The school features a robust Advanced Placement curriculum, extensive outdoor education programs that align well with Girdwood's outdoor-oriented community, and a strong focus on project-based learning. With small class sizes and a dedicated teaching staff, Steller has consistently high parent satisfaction ratings and academic outcomes.
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Lumen Christi High School
Archdiocese of Anchorage
Lumen Christi High School is the only Catholic high school in Anchorage and serves students from across Southcentral Alaska, including the Girdwood area. The school offers a comprehensive college-preparatory curriculum with advanced courses in mathematics, sciences, and humanities. Lumen Christi features a tight-knit community atmosphere, strong moral and spiritual formation, and competitive athletic programs. The school has modern facilities including science laboratories, a chapel, gymnasium, and technology-enhanced classrooms. With a 100% college acceptance rate and dedicated faculty, Lumen Christi provides a values-based education that appeals to many Girdwood families seeking private school options.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Common questions about private schools in Girdwood, Alaska
Are there any private schools physically located within Girdwood, Alaska, or do families typically commute to Anchorage?
There are no private K-12 schools physically located within the town of Girdwood itself. Families seeking private education typically commute to schools in the Anchorage area. The schools often considered, like Steller Secondary, Pacific Northern Academy, and Lumen Christi High School, are all located in Anchorage, approximately a 35-45 minute drive from Girdwood via the Seward Highway. This commute is a significant factor for Girdwood families, impacting daily schedules and transportation logistics, especially during winter weather conditions.
How does the tuition for Anchorage-area private schools compare for Girdwood residents, and are there any Alaska-specific financial aid options?
Tuition for Anchorage private schools typically ranges from approximately $10,000 to $20,000+ per year, consistent for all enrolled students regardless of their home city. For Girdwood families, this cost is in addition to commuting expenses. A key Alaska-specific financial consideration is the ability to use funds from an Alaska 529 Education Savings Plan for K-12 private school tuition (up to $10,000 per year per beneficiary), which can provide tax-advantaged savings. Additionally, many Anchorage schools offer need-based financial aid, and some participate in programs like the Alaska Children's Scholarship.
What unique academic or extracurricular programs at Anchorage private schools might appeal to Girdwood's outdoor-oriented community?
Schools serving Girdwood students often have programs that align with the local lifestyle. Steller Secondary School is known for its flexible, student-driven curriculum and independent study projects, which can easily incorporate Alaska's natural environment. Pacific Northern Academy emphasizes experiential learning, with potential for outdoor education trips. Lumen Christi High School offers a strong college-prep curriculum with a values-based component. Many of these schools have robust outdoor clubs, ski teams (relevant for Girdwood's alpine community), and science programs focused on local ecology, which are significant draws for families from a community like Girdwood.
What is the enrollment timeline and process like for Girdwood families applying to Anchorage private schools?
The enrollment process for Girdwood families mirrors that of Anchorage residents but requires extra planning for logistics. Key timelines are set by the individual schools, with application deadlines typically in January or February for the following fall. The process usually involves submitting an application, academic records, teacher recommendations, and a family interview. For Girdwood families, it's crucial to schedule campus visits and interviews well in advance, accounting for travel time. Many schools also host open houses in the fall. Given the commute, some families explore carpool arrangements with other Girdwood families during the application phase.
How do private school options for Girdwood students compare to the local public school, Girdwood Elementary?
Girdwood Elementary is a K-6 public school that serves as the community's local option. For grades 7-12, Girdwood students are assigned to public middle and high schools in Anchorage, requiring a commute similar to that for private schools. The primary comparison, therefore, centers on educational philosophy and continuity. Private schools like those in Anchorage offer a continuous K-12 or 7-12 pathway without a mandatory school change after 6th grade, which can be appealing. They also typically have smaller class sizes and specialized curricula compared to the larger Anchorage School District public schools Girdwood students would otherwise attend for secondary grades. The choice often boils down to preferring a close-knit community school for elementary years versus opting for a private school's consistent environment and specific focus for a child's entire education.