Pacific Northern Academy

Pacific NorthernAcademy Mission Statement: We educate students to be exceptional learners and independent thinkers of vision, courage, and integrity.
We encourage students to be active participants in their education. Here at PNA, students continually challenge themselves, imagine, experiment, re-work, or investigate because they know they have the power to do anything.
Preschool through 8th grade, students learn to apply sound judgment, treat others with compassion, and act with vision, courage, and integrity as they develop intellectually and personally.
Students, teachers, and parents at PNA work in partnership to create a community of lifelong learners dedicated to education.
We embrace an individualized, student-centered approach to learning. We are committed to maintaining low teacher-to-student ratios that enable differentiated learning plans and meaningful, supportive relationships. In addition to core academics, our intellectually vigorous program includes integrated classes with professional teachers in studio art, performing arts and music, PE, and Spanish classes Preschool through 8th grade.
As we teach students to become critical thinkers, we also teach them to become leaders and active citizens of the 21st Century.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked AK School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 148 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $18,468
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Mar. 2 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Pacific Northern Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Alaska for:

Category
Attribute

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Year Founded
1995
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details

Student Body

Total Students
148 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
20%
State avg.: 26%
Students by Grade
Pacific Northern Academy Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
18 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Tan or Navy pants and any solid colored collared shirt.

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Mar. 2 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
A PNA education is a significant and valuable investment in your child\'s future. Understanding that each family\'s financial circumstances are unique. Beginning in Kindergarten, all families are eligible to apply for Financial Aid. Application are processed by an impartial 3rd party, and all recommendations are considered for an award, while funds are available.
Summer Program Cost
$310
Summer Program Cost Notes
Students in Kindergarten through 6th grade can register for our week-long STEAM-based summer camps. Each week has a different theme such as Robotics, Flying Machines, Stop-Motion Animation, and more.
% on Financial Aid
20%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$6,500
Acceptance Rate
80%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Linda Shepherd
Admissions Associate
Brooklyn Thomas

Sports

Total Sports Offered
2 sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
7 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Geography club, LEGO Robotics Club, Student Government

Arts and Music Programs:
Art Lab, Band Program, Rock/Jazz Combo Band

Recreational Athletic Programs:
Running Club

School Notes

At Pacific Northern Academy we expect students to be active participants in their own education, communicate clearly and respectfully, and continually challenge themselves. We balance a dynamic academic environment with developmentally appropriate activities and expectations. From Preschool through 8th grade, students are taught to use good judgment, to treat others with compassion, and to act with honor and integrity as they develop intellectually and personally.

Students, teachers, and parents at PNA work in partnership to create a community of learners dedicated to education. We embrace a student-centered approach to learning and we are committed to maintaining low teacher to student ratios that enable students to have meaningful and personalized interactions with their teachers. Having smaller classes allows teachers to challenge students based on their individual academic ability, and affords students more opportunities to ask questions, experiment with multiple solutions, learn from hands-on experiences and engage with other students. Students also have the opportunity to work and learn with students of different ages in activities designed to encourage mentoring and cross-age learning.

In order to teach the whole child, an integral part of our intellectually challenging environment is an emphasis on visual arts, performing arts, community service, and cultural diversity. As we teach students to become critical thinkers we also teach them to embrace their responsibility to become leaders and active citizens in their community. As students and teachers with different experiences and perspectives share their ideas and interpretations with others, everyone in our academic community increases their understanding of the complexities of a culturally diverse environment and expands their scope of ideas and their ability to confront the difficulties that may face them. Committing ourselves to diversity in our academic programs and cultural environment, PNA strives to recognize the past and promises a constructive approach to the future.

Educational Goals:
  • To provide an academically challenging program for all students.
  • To develop character, integrity, and independence
  • To foster a life-long love of learning
  • To encourage each child to strive for excellence in all endeavors
  • To develop confidence, understanding, and responsibility
  • To develop respect and love for the processes of thought. Intellectual discipline implies more than obligation, obedience, and effort. It implies not merely competence but depth of thought. It is as much concerned with the processes of understanding as it is with the measurement of results. Sometimes its motives are a passion for mastery, sometimes a fascination and love for the subject studied.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Pacific Northern Academy cost?
Pacific Northern Academy's tuition is approximately $18,468 for private students and $310 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Pacific Northern Academy?
The acceptance rate of Pacific Northern Academy is 80%, which is lower than the national average of 94%. Pacific Northern Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Alaska with low acceptance rates.
Does Pacific Northern Academy offer a summer program?
Yes, Pacific Northern Academy offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Pacific Northern Academy offer?
Pacific Northern Academy offers 2 interscholastic sports: Cross Country and Nordic Skiing.
What is Pacific Northern Academy's ranking?
Pacific Northern Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Alaska for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Pacific Northern Academy?
The application deadline for Pacific Northern Academy is Mar. 2 / rolling (applications are due on Mar. 2 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Pacific Northern Academy located?
Pacific Northern Academy is located in the Abbott Loop neighborhood of Anchorage, AK.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (10 reviews)
5  
We have had 3 children attend PNA over the past 14 years, each of them very different personalities and learner types. We have been impressed with the ability of the school to create an exceptional experience for each of them, whether it's their social-emotional learning, or keeping them challenged or building confidence in a subject. While it's a small school, my experience has shown that the kids who spend multiple years at PNA, truly leave with a love of learning and self-confidence. Transitioning from a small middle school to a public school in Anchorage is not an issue when you do so with a solid academic base, the expectation of engaging in what you are learning in a deep way, and self-confidence, all things cultivated at PNA. Our kids come home regularly telling us they had a great or amazing day!
- Posted by
5  
PNA is an amazing learning community! We appreciate the small class size, talented teachers, and after-school running and Nordic skiing clubs.
- Posted by
5  
It's a wonderful school. The teachers and staff are attentive, focused, well-rounded, and conscientious. We love our kindergarten teacher. She's remarkable. She has been patient and tailored the education curriculum to her unique class. Additionally, they're learning, art, music, Spanish, and cross-country running. I cannot praise the school enough. We have complete confidence in PNA!
- Posted by
5  
We've been with PNA for two years now and couldn't be happier with it. Children are given the tools to become independent thinkers and analysts. The project-based learning approach allows students to explore topics in a much more in-depth manner compared to simply filling in a worksheet. My child is in Middle School and I am so thankful he's at PNA rather than our local public school! Small class sizes and increased 1:1 support from the teaching staff have made a world of difference for my child.
- Posted by
5  
We are a current PNA family with two students at the school. We absolutely love the independent school curriculum, and how at every grade level the students participate in project based learning. The community is AMAZING, huge parent participation, monthly family events (pumpkin carving, plays, dances, chili cook off, sledding, ice skating) and in classroom events where all parents are welcomed to attend. PNA also makes independent snow day decisions, and stayed open during COVID - where ASD has had four snow days in a row this year going to "remote learning" this year (23-24) and it's only mid November. We love PNA, the faculty, staff, board, and fellow families. Can't say enough good things!
- Posted by
5  
Both of my children started at PNA as 3 year olds and we have love it every step of the way. My son is now in 2nd grade, and my daughter is in Kindergarten. The school teaches the entire child, and are able to focus on each student. They aren't just learning how to take tests and get good grades, they are cultivating a love of learning! Academic program is top of the line, and performing arts will always be part of this school. I highly recommend it!
- Posted by
5  
We wanted to have our children attend a school that makes them excited about going to school. PNA does a wonderful job of making learning fun. We could not have asked for a better environment that encourages curiosity and answer-seeking. The faculty and administrators are the best mixture of professional and kind experts in their fields.
- Posted by
5  
My son has attended PNA for just a year now. He has said to me on more than one occasion how he feels like he found his place and how happy he is to go to PNA. We see him actually getting time from teachers to work on his specific needs. We see teachers actually caring about more than just his education but also his social and emotional growth and well-being. I see teachers figuring out what their student's interest are and working with their goals in conjunction with those interests so students are active learners. We couldn't be happier with PNA.
- Posted by
5  
Our two daughters started at PNA in 2017 in the preschool and we have seen so much growth in them! The preschool program has been really great with cool projects and lots of learning, and the communication from the teachers is excellent. The way the students conduct themselves throughout the whole school is very impressive. We have been super happy with it.
- Posted by
5  
I love this school it has helped me to build conference in myself and others. Thank you for the wonderful teachers and students that made me build courage and conference.
- Posted by

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked AK School
  • Grades: Prekindergarten-8
  • Enrollment: 148 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $18,468
  • Acceptance rate: 80%
  • Average class size: 12 students
  • Application Deadline: Mar. 2 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Anchorage, AK is $9,588 for elementary schools and $8,770 for high schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Anchorage, AK is 91% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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