Nikolski's one-room schoolhouse, located on Umnak Island in the Aleutian chain, reopened last September after a decade-long closure due to low enrollment. The school's story represents a hopeful exception to a statewide trend of school closures in Alaska.
Nikolski School students gather on couches as teacher Lynette Hall and teacher’s aide Tatyana Hillhouse review homework assignments at the end of the school day.
In 2009, the Nikolski school closed its doors because enrollment had dropped below 10 students — the state’s minimum for funding. Many feared that could spell the end of yet another rural Alaska community. Hall said when the island’s student numbers met state requirements again, parents approached the district about reopening.The tribe converted its community center into the schoolhouse — the village store is now where the old school used to be. They also secured housing for Hall, the teacher, who came from West Virginia.
School Closure Reopening Alaska Rural Education Nikolski
United States Latest News, United States Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Nikolski School Reopens After a Decade of ClosureNikolski's one-room schoolhouse, located in a remote Alaskan village, reopened in 2023 after a decade of being closed due to low enrollment. The school's reopening is a positive sign for the small community and counters a statewide trend of school closures in Alaska.
Read more »
Alaska included among states with highest Alaska Native and Native American absencesAlaska Native students are more likely to drop out of school and have the lowest attendance rates above all subgroups except homeless students in Alaska, according to new data.
Read more »
Alaska development agency moves to provide $50M commitment to support Alaska LNG projectThe Alaska Industrial Development and Export Authority’s commitment could allow a pipeline developer to complete up to $50 million in engineering studies in hopes that an initial in-state gas line is built.
Read more »
Alaska College Hockey Teams Head to Tournaments in Lower 48Alaska Anchorage and Alaska Fairbanks will compete in tournaments this weekend.
Read more »
Alaska education commissioner says districts should stop relying on remote instruction when weather forces school closuresCommissioner Deena Bishop said districts should instead add in-person instructional hours to make up for snow days.
Read more »
Alaska Native Heritage Center opens new boarding school exhibitThe Anchorage-based center's new exhibit, 'Education in Alaska: Disruption of Our Traditional Teachings,' is the first in a series.
Read more »