Z. JOHN WILLIAMS MEMORIAL SCHOOL

Z. John Williams Memorial School is a Title I public school that is part of the Lower Kuskokwim School District school district, located in Napaskiak, AK with about 156 students offering grade levels from Pre-Kindergarten to 12th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 13 teachers, Z. John Williams Memorial School has a student/teacher ratio of about 12:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

The Z. John Williams Memorial School is a K–12 educational institution located in the remote village of Napaskiak, Alaska. Situated along the Kuskokwim River, the school serves as a central hub for the local community, operating under the jurisdiction of the Lower Kuskokwim School District (LKSD). The school is deeply integrated into the cultural fabric of the region, emphasizing academic instruction that reflects the unique heritage and values of the Yup’ik people living in the Yukon-Kuskokwim Delta.

Like many schools within the LKSD, Z. John Williams Memorial School focuses on providing a comprehensive education that balances state-mandated curriculum standards with culturally responsive teaching practices. The school works to support student success in a challenging rural environment by fostering strong ties between families, educators, and the village. Through its association with the district, the school strives to prepare its students for both local leadership and post-secondary opportunities, maintaining a strong commitment to literacy, technology integration, and the preservation of indigenous traditions.

For more information, contact Z. John Williams Memorial School at (907) 737-7212 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.