JAMES C. ISABELL SCHOOL

James C. Isabell School is a Title I public school that is part of the Bering Strait School District school district, located in Teller, AK with about 84 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 8 teachers, James C. Isabell School has a student/teacher ratio of about 10:1. 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 James C. Isabell School is a public K-12 institution located in the remote coastal community of Teller, Alaska. As a member of the Bering Strait School District (BSSD), the school serves a predominantly Alaska Native student population, playing a vital role in preserving local culture and language while providing standard academic instruction. Given its remote location on the Seward Peninsula, the school functions as a primary hub for the local community, emphasizing localized education that accounts for the unique challenges and traditions of life in rural Western Alaska.

The school’s academic environment is shaped by the district’s mission to support student success through a blend of rigorous curriculum and community-centered initiatives. Through the Bering Strait School District’s network, James C. Isabell School leverages regional resources to provide technological integration and professional development, despite the logistical hurdles of its isolated geography. By prioritizing a culturally responsive approach, the school aims to prepare its students for future opportunities while maintaining a strong connection to the heritage and values of the Teller community.

For more information, contact James C. Isabell School at (907) 642-3041 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.