Pacific Northern Academy

2511 Sentry Drive

Anchorage, AK 99507

21 Reviews

School District
Grade

PK-8
Type

private

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Reviews

Submitted by parent on March 02, 2024

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 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 the self confidence in yourself, all things cultivated at PNA. Our kids come home regularly telling us they had a great or amazing day!
Submitted by parent on January 25, 2024

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!
Submitted by parent on November 16, 2023

My son loves going to school, he feels safe and respected. Therefore we as parents are calm. He returns home excited about the projects and things he learns.
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2023

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!
Submitted by parent on November 15, 2023

I live PnA and so do my kids. They are always excited to go and sad on non-school days.
Submitted by principal on November 07, 2023

I joined Pacific Northern Academy's Administrative Team three years ago because I believe that a high-quality education gives me hope for the future. What I found was a dedicated, enthusiastic, creative team of professionals who care deeply about sharing their love of learning with their students. Every day, our students are challenged to do their best in a joyful, stimulating, creative environment. Small class sizes (averaging 12!) allow teachers to really get to know their students and spend time with them individually. We intentionally group students with their peers to give them practice working in teams, collaborating, and presenting their work. Project Based Learning has been practiced at PNA for many years, and teachers bring the curriculum to life in authentic and interesting ways. Students practice their problem-solving skills, think creatively, research options, and design solutions. A truly engaging learning experience for every age. This is a joyful and rewarding place to be every day, and I love introducing new families to our amazing school.
Submitted by parent on February 04, 2020

I wanted my son to be in a school where he didn't get lost in the crowd. I also wanted him to enjoy learning and not to suffer the ills of over-testing as is done in so many public school districts. Our experience at PNA has been exceptional; I have not once considered taking my son out of that environment.
Submitted by parent on March 03, 2019

This school fosters a love of learning. It goes beyond teaching kids to get good grades and score high on tests. This is key for the overall development and happiness of students. At a young age they're presenting to peers and parents, and performing in front of the community. They learn to get things done in large and small groups, and are encouraged to find their voice.
Submitted by other on February 26, 2019

We wanted to have our children attend a school that makes them excited about going to school. Pacific Northern Academy 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. It is a pleasure to work with them from the parent-perspective.
Submitted by parent on December 10, 2018

My two daughters have attended the pre-Kindergarten program at this school and we could not be happier with our experience. The program is very rich in hands-on learning, interesting projects, and the teachers do an amazing job giving our kids the individual attention and wide variety of experiences that has made them super interested in school and excited about learning. Our girls absolutely adore all of the specials teachers - Art, Music, Spanish, Gym - we talk about them at the dinner table more nights than not! The environment is very safe and welcoming, and we love the community and fun events. We are so lucky to have a school like this in Anchorage, and we will definitely be excited to send our girls here for Kindergarten and beyond! There is no way we would take our girls to a crowded public school that doesn't even teach science after seeing what they do at PNA. We recommend it to everyone!
Submitted by parent on February 08, 2018

My children currently enjoy a varied, dynamic and challenging educational experience at PNA. They tell me they love their school. Our family moved to Alaska from overseas and we are delighted to have a found such a wonderful school with amazing staff that provides the high educational standards we hoped for. The children benefit greatly from small class sizes, with individual attention to reading and math needs, they take Music, Art, Spanish and PE as part of their core subjects, and the project based learning style has ensured they are highly motivated problem solvers. As the only independent school in Alaska, PNA is a wonderful community we are proud to be part of and I would highly recommend the school to any parent.
Submitted by other on December 13, 2016

We have 2 children who attended PNA from EK through 8th grade. When we moved to Anchorage, I was worried about finding a school that matched my expectations of what school should be: excellent academics, comprehensive curriculum that includes art, music and foreign language as core subjects, cross-disciplinary integration, a caring community where character counts, and above all, an understanding of what true learning is: not the accumulation of facts but the growth of one's mind and spirit. I was happy to see my high-achieving kids challenged, and pushed out of their comfort zone, required to take risks, required to explore their potential in a huge array of areas. The field trip and travel program is exceptional, the performing and visual arts program is unsurpassed, and the devotion and skill of the teachers is extraordinary. Is there anything better than a school filled with teachers who really know and appreciate your child? I would never have imagined my kids to leave 8th grade with such a breadth of skills, love of learning, mix of experiences, and solid academic achievement. All that, in a safe environment where kids can be kids, yet maturity comes naturally. Its physical education/outdoor program is developing in an exciting, Alaska-centric way, but I wish it had a more robust after-school athletic offering. Otherwise, I can't say enough good things about the program, from beginning to graduation. Anchorage is so lucky to have this school.
Submitted by parent on December 03, 2016

Our two children were at PNA for 3 years until we relocated overseas. Our kids still talk about their experiences at PNA; the inspiring and inventive teachers, the fun learning opportunities, the exciting adventures, the awesome art, music and Spanish program (and the amazing teachers of these specialist programs) and their lifelong friends. As a parent, I miss the caring teaching staff, the innovative and interesting learning opportunities my children had every day, the safe and nurturing environment and the welcoming and involved parent community. I would send my kids there again in a heartbeat. If you have the opportunity to send your kids to PNA, just do it. It's a wonderful independent school.
Submitted by parent on November 25, 2016

I was a skeptic when we decided to send our daughter to PNA. I felt like the public school system would be good enough. But within the course of a semester I had totally changed my mind, and embraced PNA wholeheartedly. Its worth it. Maybe it was when my kindergartner was accurately explaining what a non-newtonian fluid was, or watching her up on stage proudly performing. But in the end I think its the compassionate community that embodies PNA that makes it such a special place. That component rounds out the education the kids get to be so much more than books can give. PNA is simply an amazing place.
Submitted by parent on October 10, 2015

We had such high hopes for this school when enrolled our child in the elementary program.Staff seemed excellent, student/teacher ratio was exceptional. A very caring community amongst parents, etc. Everything was moving along nicely until PNA enrolled a child with serious behavioral issues in the program without any kind of vetting process. That child threatened others, physically hit/punched, spit in faces, threw chairs, threatened to "kill" classmates. Even pulled the fire alarm without so much as a repercussion of being sent home for the day. Administration initially decided to chalk it up to a "boys will be boys behavior." They didn't show support to the classroom teacher in the matter. This child disrupted the classroom from fall until the very last day of school. Several families communicated with administration and the board regarding the issues. The parents had to take measures to protect their own children. In some cases the measures including forgoing paid tuition and children being pulled during the school year.The child causing the problems was never expelled during the school year, but wasn't allowed to return the 2015-2016 school year. I blame all of this on not having enough behavioral policies in place to protect students and teachers. It doesn't matter how good academics are if a child is not safe. PNA has made several changes in administration for the new school year. I hope this makes a huge difference in policies and safety for all. We miss the strong academics, but could not risk safety.
Submitted by parent on September 27, 2014

As an alumni parent having just graduated our second child from PNA (EK-8th)I have nothing but the greatest things to say about this school. The staff, faculty and the new physical schoolhouse all are top notch. It is undeniable that this school shapes our young learners into exceptional people whom we all look forward to watching continue to achieve success throughout their lives.
Submitted by parent on April 10, 2014

Pacific Northern Academy is a fantastic independent school where children love to learn. Teachers are creative, nurturing and foster an environment in which students are able to develop character and learn according to their individual potentials. Students learn the core academic subjects as well as are taught by a team of specialists in Spanish, visual arts, music and performing arts and physical education. Small class size enables very individualized attention to each student's needs. The regular curriculum is one year ahead of their grade and in math, students are able to be in a class according to their abilities, allowing students who excel in math to be learning one to three years ahead of their grade level. PNA is the best school I can imagine. Any child would thrive in PNA's stimulating and warm environment. I know my 6th grade son has greatly benefited from his time at PNA.
Submitted by parent on April 08, 2014

PNA is a great school not only with amazing teachers, small class sizes and a wonderful art and music program, but all students also learn Spanish. I am thrilled my daughter is able to attend here and encourage others to check it out! It is well worth the investment!
Submitted by teacher on April 08, 2014

Pacific Northern Academy is a wonderful school. Instead of teaching to 'the test," students are taught 21st century skills and curriculum that applies to our modern day world and makes learning exciting. My students come in everyday excited for school and don't want to leave at the end of the day! The small class sizes (18 students max.) allow me to know each students needs and accommodate for them (both academically and socially). Pacific Northern Academy is the best school in Anchorage.
Submitted by teacher on April 07, 2014

As a 14-year veteran elementary school teacher who has taught in some great public and private school settings, and some not so great, I can honestly say PNA is the best institution I have had the privilege to teach at. The small class size, teacher support, parent involvement, and adequate time allotted for teachers to plan meaningful lessons all make a huge difference in my ability to make learning fun as well as profound. The feeling of camaraderie, the project-based learning, the infectious inquisitiveness that pervades our building is an inspiration! Teaching 28 students (in public school) is sort of like throwing a plate of spaghetti up against a wall and hoping some of it sticks there - even when using "best practices." Teaching 13 students at PNA is more like performing a fine-tuned medical examination. "Where can this student grow in writing?" "What social needs are not being met with that student?" "How can I better motivate the student over there?" These are the questions teachers at PNA have the luxury of asking themselves each day. School reformers would not be wasting their time by observing PNA on a typical day and taking copious notes...