HOLY CROSS SCHOOL

Holy Cross School is a Title I public school that is part of the Iditarod Area School District school district, located in Holy Cross, AK with about 30 students offering grade levels from 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 3 teachers, Holy Cross 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.

Holy Cross School, located in the remote Yukon-Koyukuk region of Alaska, serves as a vital educational anchor for the local community. Operating under the YKSD (Yukon-Koyukuk School District), the school provides K-12 instruction designed to meet the unique needs of students living in a rural, riverine environment. Because of its isolated location on the Yukon River, the school plays a central role in community life, often acting as a hub for cultural events, extracurricular activities, and local gatherings that help maintain the traditions of the area.

Academically, the school focuses on providing a standard core curriculum while integrating place-based learning to keep students engaged with their surroundings and heritage. Given the small population of Holy Cross, the school typically utilizes multi-grade classrooms and personalized instruction to ensure that students receive individual attention. Despite the challenges posed by extreme weather and geographical remoteness, Holy Cross School remains committed to fostering student success and preparing its youth for opportunities beyond the village, whether in higher education or the local workforce.

For more information, contact Holy Cross School at (907) 476-7131 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.