Hanshew Middle School

10121 Lake Otis Parkway

School District

Anchorage
Grade

7-8
Teacher/Student Ratio

1:17
Type

public

School Map for Anchorage School District

GreatSchools Rating

The school rating calculation is based on four ratings: the Student Progress Rating or Academic Progress Rating, College Readiness Rating, Equity Rating, and Test Score Rating each designed to show different facets of school success. Learn more about GreatSchools Ratings

Reviews

Submitted by parent on January 08, 2025

Hanshew Middle School is an incredible school with a friendly atmosphere that makes every student feel valued and respected, creating a sense of belonging from day one. Teachers at Hanshew go above and beyond to genuinely care for their students, not only focusing on academic success but also prioritizing their emotional growth and well-being. One of the most impressive aspects of Hanshew Middle School is how seamlessly 6th graders transitioned into middle school life. Teachers at Hanshew work tirelessly to meet students where they are, offering encouragement and guidance to help them achieve their best. From academic interventions, to a variety of elective classes offered, Hanshew leaves no stone unturned in ensuring every child has the tools they need to succeed and build a foundation of resilience and self-confidence that will serve them well into the future.Overall, Hanshew Middle School stands out as a beacon of excellence in education. Its commitment to fostering a positive, inclusive, and supportive environment for students and staff makes it a school where students are proud to be a part of. This is a school where students are encouraged to grow, learn, and become the best versions of themselves.
Submitted by parent on December 20, 2024

Hanshew has a warm and welcoming environment. Teachers care about their students, administration takes a strong stance on safety. Fights are not as frequent as posted, drugs are not as rampant as posted, all schools are struggling to control these issues in school. Hanshew provides a rigorous education for all students. I would recommend Hanshew to any family in the area.
Submitted by parent on April 30, 2024

Had 3 children go through Hanshew, last being four years ago. Fourth child started 7th grade this year and switched schools at winter break due to frequent fights, widespread vaping, bullying, threats of violence including bringing guns to school, and a poor learning environment where students are not challenged…rarely if ever given homework. Principal would not meet with us or others we know to discuss concerns. As a retired 20 year military Officer, I witnessed very poor leadership from the top.
Submitted by student on April 11, 2024

Being a part time student here is terrifying. There are fights all the time and there is a CONSTANT threat of drugs. Many of the kids here are bullied and some have limbs broken and other horrific atrocities. I have barely learned anything from this school and in one of my classes half the kids failed because the teacher was not teaching correctly. God bless you if you pick this school for your children. No one can protect them.
Submitted by parent on July 20, 2023

I am so thankful that my daughter will not be attending Hanshew next year. Last year (22-23) was horrifying. I was appalled at the lack of education she got in her classes. She had two long-term subs in core subjects, God bless them for stepping in, but they did not provide quality learning. I feel as if we had to step in and help keep our daughter up to grade level. In talking with other parents, we were surprised by how many long-term subs there were at this school. It's apparent that they struggle at recruiting and maintaining staff here. Another red flag with this school has got to be the constant fights, bullying, and drugs. It felt like our daughter told us one horrifying story after another, week after week. Do not send your kid here!
Submitted by other on July 18, 2023

Hanshew is a very warm and welcoming school. I myself went to school here and would recommend it to everyone. I have had the pleasure of seeing many parents who also went to school here, bring their students attend our school as well. Hanshew is a diverse school that welcomes all cultures and backgrounds, making sure that everyone feels accepted and that their voice is heard. We encourage families and the community to become involved with our school through the PTA, Volunteering, and Employment to help keep our students stay active and engaged. Building and maintaining healthy, positive, and safe relationships between our staff, students, and families is of the upmost importance. We will remain diligent in supporting and advocating for our students and continue to strengthen our bonds within the community.
Submitted by other on July 17, 2023

During my time in after school activities and prior conversations with staff members, they hold Hanshew in high regard. Although demographics have changed, the support, practices and standards have not. Go Hawks and continue to soar with the best.
Submitted by other on July 17, 2023

As a community advocate and frequent visitor and substitute to the campus, I have seen very plausible improvements overall. My own students attended Hanshew and I can attest to the steady concern for the overall welfare for the students, teachers and community.
Submitted by parent on July 17, 2023

As a parent, I do not see why this school has a bad rating when most schools today, if not ALL are struggling with social emotional and academic areas. I think the principal and staff are fair and those who think otherwise have an issue with consequences. My child is excelling despite what is being said. If you want a foundation of fairness and “old school” consequences- this is a great school.
Submitted by parent on January 26, 2023

My son is a special needs student at Hanshew and has faced constant bullying and even has been physically assaulted. On the first week of school they let my son to leave the classroom without supervision. My son was found wondering the halls lost. This is a autistic child that they let walk out of class alone. There has been multiple issues with them violating my sons IEP RIGHTS AS A SPECIAL NEEDS STUDENT Like cutting resources and transportation needs specifically written into my sons IEP without notification or consent.I have brought several issues to the Sped department as well as Principal Hodge with no resolve and now have even been trespassed from the school for voicing my concerns for safety and education issues. It’s clear that the staff have ZERO control over the school with fights and other behavior happening daily. DO NOT BRING YOUR KIDS HERE.
Submitted by parent on June 15, 2022

I’ve had 4 children go through Hanshew, and unfortunately the school has gotten worse and worse. I am not surprised that over the last 4 years it has digressed exponentially. Staff turnover is a huge problem, all my kids favorite teachers are now at other schools. There is very few if any people at Hanshew from when my kids first started to attend 8 years ago. Check the school climate survey posted on ASD and you’ll be able to see the drastic shift the school has made in the past couple of years. I would not recommend this school.
Submitted by parent on March 24, 2021

this school is so bad the teacher are mean an the front deck.
Submitted by parent on July 30, 2020

Hanshew Middle School has been amazing for both of my students. The expertise of the staff and principal is unmatched. Each student feels connected and respected. The environment and culture is inclusive of all students and the academic courses are rigorous. Hanshew is one of the best neighborhood schools in Anchorage!
Submitted by other on March 14, 2015

I am a student at hanshew middle school. If I had one word for it it would be safety they are really focused on it. Theu have a beautiful campus too. It's an awesome school.
Submitted by other on February 06, 2013

WORST SCHOOL EVER!!!!! DO YOURSELF A FAVOR AND GO TO MEARS/ROMIG!!! SO MANY FIGHTS AND BULLYING OVER HERE!!!