Serving 471 students in grades Prekindergarten-5, Pioneer Peak Elementary School ranks in the top 30% of all schools in Alaska for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 56% (which is higher than the Alaska state average of 32%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 44% (which is higher than the Alaska state average of 29%).
The student-teacher ratio of 15:1 is equal to the Alaska state level of 15:1.
Minority enrollment is 31% of the student body (majority Hispanic), which is lower than the Alaska state average of 53% (majority American Indian).
Quick Facts (2025)
- Grades: Prekindergarten-5
- Enrollment: 471 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 15:1
- Minority Enrollment: 31%
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 30% in AK
- Math Proficiency: 56% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 44% (Top 30%)
- Science Proficiency: 55-59% (Top 20%)
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Pioneer Peak Elementary School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Alaska for:
Category
Attribute
Math Proficiency
Science Proficiency
School Overview
Pioneer Peak Elementary School's student population of 471 students has grown by 7% over five school years.
The teacher population of 32 teachers has grown by 39% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-5
(Supplemental Virtual)
(Supplemental Virtual)
Total Students
471 students
Gender %
Total Classroom Teachers
32 teachers
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
School Rankings
Pioneer Peak Elementary School ranks within the top 30% of all 441 schools in Alaska (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Pioneer Peak Elementary School is 0.50, 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
#91 out of 441 schools
(Top 30%)
(Top 30%)
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
56%
32%
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
44%
29%
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
55-59%
38%
Student-Teacher Ratio
15:1
15:1
American Indian
5%
22%
Asian
1%
5%
Hispanic
10%
8%
Black
n/a
2%
White
69%
47%
Hawaiian
1%
3%
Two or more races
14%
13%
All Ethnic Groups
Participates in the National School Lunch Program (NSLP)
Yes
Eligible for Free Lunch
29%
37%
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
6%
3%
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), AK Dept. of Education
Profile last updated: 02/09/2025
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Pioneer Peak Elementary School's ranking?
Pioneer Peak Elementary School is ranked #91 out of 441 schools, which ranks it among the top 30% of public schools in Alaska.
What schools are Pioneer Peak Elementary School often compared to?
Pioneer Peak Elementary Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Finger Lake Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
56% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 32% AK state average), while 44% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 29% AK state average).
How many students attend Pioneer Peak Elementary School?
471 students attend Pioneer Peak Elementary School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
69% of Pioneer Peak Elementary School students are White, 14% of students are Two or more races, 10% of students are Hispanic, 5% of students are American Indian, 1% of students are Asian, and 1% of students are Hawaiian.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Pioneer Peak Elementary School?
Pioneer Peak Elementary School has a student ration of 15:1, which is equal to the Alaska state average of 15:1.
What grades does Pioneer Peak Elementary School offer ?
Pioneer Peak Elementary School offers enrollment in grades Prekindergarten-5 (Supplemental Virtual).
What school district is Pioneer Peak Elementary School part of?
Pioneer Peak Elementary School is part of Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.
In what neighborhood is Pioneer Peak Elementary School located?
Pioneer Peak Elementary School is located in the Gateway neighborhood of Palmer, AK. There are 3 other public schools located in Gateway.
School Reviews
Review Pioneer Peak Elementary School. Reviews should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
Recent Articles
Why Single-Sex 51±¬ÁÏs are Growing in Popularity
This article examines the growing trend of single-sex public schools in the United States. It explores the potential benefits, research findings, and controversies surrounding gender-specific education, as well as the factors driving its increasing popularity among parents and educators.
When Teachers Cheat: The Standardized Test Controversies
Teachers across the country are being accused of cheating on standardized tests, using erasers to conveniently change their students’ answers. However, are these teachers driven to cheat because the funding system is flawed?
When Field Trips Turn Deadly: Who is Responsible?
Recent deaths during field trips have parents and school officials questioning the safety of these excursions. Learn about these tragedies and what parameters should be in place to ensure a safe field trip.
