Chugach Optional Elementary School

Posted: September 8, 2016

Chugach is a nurturing community where the whole family is welcome, where family values are expected and encouraged and each individual play a role in the education of the young community. This is not a standardized program training kids to pass a test but rather an optional program raising deep thinkers, developing both emotional and intellectual beings who can solved problems on their own and find their own voice. Chugach prepare children to succeed in life, wherever life will take them. Chugach is a gem in the poor spectrum of public education, and should be a model to follow not only within the state but the country.

Posted: September 8, 2016

Posted: September 8, 2016

Posted: September 8, 2016

Students develop strong relationship within their peers; they seat in groups of four and work together toward the same goal. Since the school has no walls between classes (but a board/wall division) they learn from a young age to be respectful of the space of others, to manage noise and to move freely but mindfully. They are given respect the minute they get into the school and are expected to respect as well. Teachers and staff are called by their names: respect is a behavior, not a title.

Posted: April 7, 2014

Our family loves Chugach Optional Elementary in Anchorage, AK. It is a warm & inviting community made up of parents, staff & students. People reach out to each other to help in a variety of ways whether its in the classroom, library, special events or after school activities. Many of the teachers at this school share their life long love of learning by leading after school clubs or activities. Some of the clubs include; technology club, photo club, drumming, quilting club, & gardening club. Students & a parent are invited to participate on a weekly basis. Others are invited in to share something with the group such as when I was invited to garden club to share about keeping bees. Chugach Optional is not just a school it is a caring community that strives to enrich our student's lives & encourage learning on all levels of a child's development. Families readily offer to participate in the needs of the individual teachers & school. The principal is amazing & sets the tone for the school ~ always open to opportunities & challenges. Our family is honored to be a part of this community! Thank you Chugach Optional Elementary!

Posted: April 6, 2014

My granddaughter has excelled beyond our expections with this wonderfully community/family based enviroment. She has enjoyed being both a younger and an elder student in her classroom, learing/sharing with her peers. The school environment is not only welcoming and but it also encourages family participation. The teachers and staff are involved with with all aspects of our wonderful learning community. Our children have learned to give back to our community and to take pride in our school. We are truly blessed!

Posted: April 1, 2014

Chugach Optional Elementary School is a fantastic school for parents and children. Emphasis is on teaching kids how to learn, ask questions, and problem solve. That doesn't mean that the basics (reading, writing, arithmetic) are forgotten, though. Kids learn at the pace that is "just right" for them. The school boasts a fantastic community of parents who volunteer in meaningful ways to make the whole school a better place. Teachers are extremely thoughtful and prepared.

Posted: April 1, 2014

Chugach Optional School is an incredible learning space. It's philosophy encourages self-directed learning and cultivates a string love of learning in its students. It has been a fantastic place for our daughter.

Posted: September 22, 2013

When looking at the solid 10, you might be thinking: "What do they do to those kids to get such consistency in acing the tests? Are there HOURS of homework? Do I HAVE to be at school EVERY SINGLE DAY? Or, else, how do they threaten these kids into submission???" None of that... The answer is that the principal and teachers are doing something right and education process is really working here! Chugach library book selection is better than in a city's library; mixed ages classes teaching different levels of responsibilities; variety of after school activities help kids to discover their secret talents; also, school chickens and garden, and great mountain view from the top of the hill is what makes this school so successfull!