Benjamin Philips
Choosing the Best High Schools in Anchorage is one of the biggest decisions families make. With options ranging from top‑ranked public schools to strong private programs, Anchorage offers diverse opportunities for students to thrive academically and personally. This guide highlights key features, programs, and strengths so parents and students can confidently explore school options and prepare for high school enrollment in 2026.
High Schools in Anchorage Comparison Table
| School Name | Type | Grades | Known For | Best For Students Who |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| West Anchorage High School | Public | 9–12 | Strong academics & athletics | College prep & sports |
| Dimond High School | Public | 9–12 | Large school with broad offerings | Diverse interests |
| Bartlett High School | Public | 9–12 | Career & technical pathways | Career‑focused learners |
| Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School | Public | 9–12 | Large comprehensive program | Academic performance |
| South Anchorage High School | Public | 9–12 | Balanced academics | Well‑rounded students |
| Service High School | Public | 9–12 | Language immersion & CTE | Multilingual & career pathway |
| Chugiak High School | Public | 9–12 | Suburban campus | Community‑oriented students |
| Eagle River High School | Public | 9–12 | CTE & small feel | Practical learners |
| Steller Secondary School | Public Magnet | 7–12 | Personalized learning | Individualized attention |
| Lumen Christi High School | Private Catholic | 7–12 | Faith‑based education | Values‑focused families |
Top 14 High Schools in Anchorage
1. West Anchorage High School
West Anchorage High School is one of Anchorage’s largest and most established public high schools, known for both strong academics and a wide range of extracurricular activities. As a comprehensive school in the Anchorage School District, it provides students with access to language immersion, advanced coursework, athletics, and clubs, helping prepare students for college and careers.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Diverse AP and honors classes
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Competitive athletics teams
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Clubs ranging from robotics to drama
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Solid graduation and post‑secondary pathways
Programs & Activities
Advanced Placement (AP), career & technical education (CTE), music & arts, athletics, student government
Best For: Students interested in a large school with many choices
Location: 1700 Hillcrest Dr, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑2500
2. Dimond High School
Dimond High School blends strong curricular offerings with extracurricular diversity, serving a large student body in suburban Anchorage. The school is part of the Anchorage School District and offers a range of AP courses, language immersion programs, and community activities designed to support academic and personal growth for every learner.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Well‑rounded academic programs
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Large selection of electives
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Active student life
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Community engagement
Programs & Activities
AP, STEM electives, arts, athletics, debate club, career pathways
Best For: Students who want choice and flexibility
Location: 2909 W 88th Ave, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑7000
3. Bartlett High School
Bartlett High School focuses on rigorous academics enhanced with career‑technical education (CTE) options. Ranked among the comprehensive high schools in Anchorage, Bartlett offers students the chance to pursue college readiness as well as specialized programs in technology, business, and creative arts.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Strong CTE pathways
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Clubs tied to real‑world skills
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Engaged teaching staff
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Solid AP offerings
Programs & Activities
CTE, AP courses, arts, athletics, robotics, business clubs
Best For: Students interested in career and college pipelines
Location: 1101 Golden Bear Dr, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑1800
4. Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School
Bettye Davis East Anchorage High School (formerly East Anchorage High School) is a large public high school offering diverse academic paths, strong arts and athletics teams, and leadership opportunities. The school emphasizes student engagement and broad opportunities in core subjects and extracurricular life.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Wide academic offerings
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Collaborative student community
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Sports and arts are strong
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Good support systems
Programs & Activities
AP, clubs, athletics, music, language electives
Best For: Students who want a dynamic, large‑school environment
Location: 4025 E Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑2100
5. South Anchorage High School
South Anchorage High School is well‑known for balanced academics and extracurriculars that help students explore interests and prepare for post‑secondary success. With solid performance measures and a strong sense of community, South provides students with both traditional and exploratory learning.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Balanced curriculum
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Vibrant clubs and teams
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College prep support
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Outdoor activity opportunities
Programs & Activities
AP courses, athletics, arts, environmental clubs, leadership groups
Best For: Students seeking a balanced comprehensive school
Location: 13400 Elmore Rd, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑6200
6. Service High School
Service High School combines academic rigor with language immersion and CTE. It’s one of Anchorage’s established comprehensive high schools, offering varied pathways for students preparing for college, global careers, or technical fields.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Language immersion programs
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Strong CTE offerings
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Broad extracurricular activities
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Supportive staff
Programs & Activities
Language immersion, AP, career pathways, athletics, arts
Best For: Students interested in languages and career programs
Location: 5577 Abbott Rd, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑8100
7. Chugiak High School
Serving the Chugiak area just north of Anchorage, Chugiak High School offers a strong sense of community and academic opportunities. The school blends traditional academics with extracurriculars that foster leadership and engagement.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Community feel
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Engaged extracurriculars
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Balanced academics and activity
Programs & Activities
AP classes, athletics, arts, clubs
Best For: Students who thrive in community‑centered schools
Location: 16525 S Birchwood Loop Rd, Chugiak, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑3050
8. Eagle River High School
Eagle River High School serves the Eagle River community, focusing on preparing students for college and careers with solid academic programs and CTE offerings. It’s known for a close‑knit student environment and strong extracurricular participation.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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CTE pathways
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Supportive environment
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Active student clubs
Programs & Activities
AP, CTE, athletics, arts
Best For: Students seeking personalized attention
Location: 8701 Wolf Den Dr, Eagle River, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑2700
9. Steller Secondary School
Steller Secondary School is a magnet public school that emphasizes personalized learning and small class sizes. Students benefit from an environment that supports engaged learning and independent projects.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Personalized education
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Smaller classes
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Student‑focused learning
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Project‑based learning
Programs & Activities
Electives, enrichment clubs, small‑group projects
Best For: Students who thrive with individualized attention
Location: 2508 Blueberry Ln, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑4950
10. Lumen Christi High School
Lumen Christi High School is a private Catholic high school offering faith‑based education combined with a college preparatory curriculum. With smaller class sizes and a supportive community, it’s ideal for families seeking a values‑centered environment.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Strong academic support
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Faith‑based community
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Small class sizes
Programs & Activities
Religion, athletics, arts, leadership opportunities
Best For: Families seeking private, faith‑based education
Location: 8110 Jewel Lake Rd, Anchorage, AK
11. Benny Benson Alternative High School
Benny Benson Alternative High School serves students who benefit from a non‑traditional academic environment with flexible pathways to graduation. This Anchorage School District alternative program supports learners who may need a more personalized pace or different structure than a typical comprehensive high school. With supportive staff and a focus on helping students complete high school successfully, it’s an option worth exploring for students seeking an alternative pathway to success.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Flexible pacing & personalized learning
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Strong support for graduation success
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Smaller learning environment
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Focused on real‑world readiness
Programs & Activities
Life skills programs, credit recovery, individualized scheduling, community supports
Best For: Students who thrive with personalized pacing and support
Location: 4515 Campbell Airstrip Rd, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑2050
12. Alaska Middle College School
Alaska Middle College School allows students to finish high school while earning college credits through dual enrollment with the University of Alaska Anchorage. This blended secondary‑postsecondary experience is ideal for motivated learners who want to get a head start on college while still in high school. Students are guided by advisors to balance high school requirements with college coursework.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Earn college credits early
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Access to university resources
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Strong academic counseling
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Helps reduce college costs
Programs & Activities
Dual enrollment college courses, academic advising, career planning
Best For: Students ready for college‑level work in high school
Location: 5530 E Northern Lights Blvd, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑8900
13. SAVE High School
SAVE High School is a secondary alternative school focused on students in grades 11–12 who need a different learning environment than mainstream high schools. It aims to help students stay engaged and complete graduation requirements by offering flexible scheduling and individualized support. SAVE works to reduce barriers and help learners find success on their terms.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Focus on graduation completion
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Individualized academic plans
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Smaller, supportive setting
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Flexible class schedule
Programs & Activities
Credit recovery, personal planning, individualized support
Best For: Students who need flexible scheduling and support
Location: 410 E. 56th Ave, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑1250
14. Polaris K‑12 School
Polaris K‑12 School is a public magnet school that serves students from kindergarten through grade 12, offering an alternative learning environment where high school students participate alongside younger learners. The school emphasizes personalized learning and often employs creative approaches to student engagement. Students benefit from a holistic community feel while completing their high school requirements.
Why Parents & Students Like This School
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Small, community atmosphere
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Personalized academic approach
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Opportunities to build strong relationships
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Supportive cross‑age learning environment
Programs & Activities
Holistic academic curriculum, leadership opportunities, student forums
Best For: Students who want a tight‑knit school community
Location: 6200 Ashwood St, Anchorage, AK
Phone: 907‑742‑8700
How to Choose the Right High School in Anchorage
Selecting the best high school for your child in Anchorage involves considering multiple factors that affect both academic success and personal growth:
Academics
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Review AP, honors, and college preparatory programs.
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Consider STEM, arts, or language immersion options.
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Check graduation and college admission rates.
Class Size
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Smaller classes often allow for personalized attention.
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Larger schools may offer more electives and extracurricular variety.
Safety
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Look for low disciplinary incidents and a supportive environment.
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Ask about anti-bullying programs and student support services.
Extracurriculars
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Athletics, arts, clubs, and leadership opportunities enhance growth.
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Consider whether the school’s offerings match your child’s interests.
Career Pathways
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CTE programs, internships, and early college options can help with career readiness.
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Schools with dual enrollment programs allow students to earn college credits early.
Location
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Proximity to home can reduce commuting time and increase involvement in school activities.
School Culture
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Visit campuses to observe student engagement and teacher support.
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Ask about diversity, community involvement, and values alignment.
Admission Requirements For High Schools in Anchorage
Public Schools
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Open to all students residing in Anchorage.
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Typically require proof of residency, immunization records, and prior school records.
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Some magnet or specialized programs may have applications or testing.
Charter/Magnet Schools
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Application-based enrollment; may include lotteries if demand exceeds capacity.
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Often require essays, interviews, or recommendation letters.
Private Schools
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Require application forms, transcripts, letters of recommendation, and entrance exams.
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May include interviews and family meetings.
Application Process (Step-by-Step)
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Research Schools – Review websites, rankings, and program offerings.
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Visit Schools – Attend open houses or schedule tours.
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Prepare Documents – Gather transcripts, test scores, and proof of residency.
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Complete Applications – Fill out forms for public, magnet, or private schools.
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Submit Before Deadlines – Early submission improves chances, especially for selective programs.
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Attend Interviews/Testing – Required by some magnet or private schools.
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Wait for Decisions – School districts notify families; private schools may offer acceptance letters.
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Confirm Enrollment – Submit enrollment paperwork and orientation forms.
High Schools in Anchorage Tuition & Costs
Public Schools
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Free for residents of Anchorage.
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No tuition fees; standard supplies and activity fees may apply.
Private Schools
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Tuition ranges from $7,000–$20,000 per year depending on the program.
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Additional costs: uniforms, textbooks, extracurricular fees, and field trips.
| School Type | Typical Costs | Additional Fees |
|---|---|---|
| Public | Free | Sports, clubs, optional activities |
| Private | $7,000–$20,000 | Textbooks, uniforms, extracurriculars |
Curriculum & Extracurricular Overview
Typical Academic Offerings
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Core subjects: Math, English, Science, Social Studies
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Electives: Arts, foreign languages, technology, business
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Advanced courses: AP, IB, honors, dual enrollment programs
Extracurricular Options
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Athletics: Soccer, basketball, swimming, wrestling
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Arts: Band, choir, theater, visual arts
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Clubs: Robotics, debate, environmental, student government
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Career pathways: CTE, internships, entrepreneurship programs
FAQ
1. What is the best high school in Anchorage?
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Schools like West Anchorage High School, Dimond High School, and Bartlett High School consistently rank highly for academics and extracurricular opportunities.
2. How do I enroll my child?
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Public schools require proof of residency and prior records. Private and magnet schools may need applications, essays, and interviews.
3. Are there STEM schools in Anchorage?
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Yes, several high schools offer strong STEM programs, including AP courses, robotics, and career-technical education pathways.
4. What is the difference between private and public schools?
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Public schools are free and open to residents. Private schools charge tuition and often provide specialized or faith-based programs.
5. Can students earn college credit in high school?
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Yes, through dual enrollment, AP, or IB courses, students can earn college credits while completing high school.
Final Thoughts
Anchorage offers a wide range of high schools, from large comprehensive campuses to smaller alternative programs. By considering academics, class size, extracurriculars, and school culture, parents can select a school that fits their child’s needs. Planning ahead, visiting schools, and understanding enrollment requirements ensures a smooth transition and a successful high school experience. Choosing the right high school in Anchorage sets the foundation for lifelong learning and personal growth.