Pacific Northern Academy

Posted: March 2, 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!

Posted: March 2, 2024

Posted: March 2, 2024

Posted: March 2, 2024

Posted: March 2, 2024

Posted: March 2, 2024

Posted: March 2, 2024

Posted: 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!

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: January 25, 2024

Posted: 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.

Posted: November 16, 2023

Posted: November 16, 2023

Posted: November 16, 2023

Posted: November 16, 2023

Posted: November 16, 2023

Posted: November 16, 2023

Posted: November 16, 2023

Posted: 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!

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

Posted: November 15, 2023

I live PnA and so do my kids. They are always excited to go and sad on non-school days.

Posted: November 7, 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.

Posted: February 4, 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.

Posted: February 4, 2020

I love that my son isn't overwhelmed with homework. Rather, homework is used to practice/reinforce the material from the day's lessons.

Posted: February 4, 2020

The teachers at PNA really embrace the community spirit! Having a smaller school, with much smaller classes means they can get to know the kids. This, in turn, allows them to be more effective at finding ways to communicate with the students and the students want to behave because they feel like they are cared for.

Posted: February 4, 2020

The school, while not as diverse as larger ones, works really hard to bring all perspectives into play. They work with the kids to better understand the dynamics and politics that come into play in history and society. I feel that my son is more compassionate and respectful of others because he better understands divergent view points.

Posted: February 4, 2020

The leadership at the school communicates well with parents, and gosh do they work hard. I see that everyone pitches in when necessary, and they have a collaborative community spirit.

Posted: February 4, 2020

My son has been diagnosed with ASD and is on the high functioning side of the spectrum. He's been at this school since he was 3 (day-care --> preschool) and I hate the thought of him having to leave after 8th grade. The attention he gets at PNA is exceptional and we (parent/teacher/student) communicate well to overcome challenges when they arise.

Posted: February 4, 2020

Bullying is dealt with swiftly and appropriately. There are certainly consequences for bad behavior, but the school works to help kids empathize with their victims so that they understand why the behavior is bad. One of the kids that picked on my own child is now my son's best friend. I attribute that to the way the school handled the situation.

Posted: March 3, 2019

Posted: March 3, 2019

They are able to focus on each child individually. Small class sizes is something this school is committed to maintaining.

Posted: March 3, 2019

Very strongly agree with this, one of the core values of the school is character development.

Posted: March 3, 2019

Posted: March 3, 2019

Posted: March 3, 2019

Posted: March 3, 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.

Posted: February 26, 2019

Posted: 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.

Posted: February 26, 2019

Posted: February 26, 2019

Posted: February 26, 2019

Posted: February 26, 2019

Posted: February 26, 2019

Posted: December 10, 2018

Posted: December 10, 2018

Posted: 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!

Posted: December 10, 2018

Posted: December 10, 2018

Posted: December 10, 2018

Posted: December 10, 2018

Posted: February 8, 2018

Posted: February 8, 2018

The small class sizes allow the teachers to meet the individual educational needs of every child. The staff are dedicated and enthusiastic and foster a nurturing school environment.

Posted: February 8, 2018

Posted: February 8, 2018

Posted: February 8, 2018

Posted: February 8, 2018

Posted: February 8, 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.

Posted: December 13, 2016

Posted: December 13, 2016

PNA is not a school that has systems in place to assist comprehensive learning differences. However, the pedagogy is such that it suits a far larger group of learning styles than your typical classroom.

Posted: December 13, 2016

From the head of school to each and every student, leadership is valued and well modeled.

Posted: December 13, 2016

PNA's social-emotional program is impressive. The mission of the school is well understood and "lived". (Educate students to be exceptional learners and independent thinkers of vision, courage, and integrity). Daily morning meetings, fall retreats, all-school assemblies, spring trips and a buddy program really pull on all strings to help build a community of learners who are kind, courageous, and full of integrity.

Posted: December 13, 2016

Posted: December 13, 2016

Homework has a time and a place. Not too much, not repetitive, not busy-work. PNA's homework amount is age-appropriate, and its function is to support and enhance the work of the classroom.

Posted: 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.

Posted: December 3, 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.

Posted: 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.

Posted: 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.

Posted: September 26, 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.

Posted: April 9, 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.

Posted: April 7, 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.

Posted: April 7, 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!

Posted: April 6, 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...

Posted: April 6, 2014

Pacific Northern Academy is a beacon of light in the educational Alaskan darkness. It's a school based on high international standards, a place where all the children are expected to attend a quality university. Teachers teach, children learn, and parents support the process. PNA and the quality of instruction make it possible for my family to remain in Alaska, for without it my children would have no decent school to attend.

Posted: April 6, 2014

It is very important to us that our child be educated in a way that nurtures her innate curiosity, helps her learn to persevere through challenge, and fosters her sense of connection in her community. PNA has exceeded our hopes in every way. The teachers and administrators demonstrate in very subtle (meaning all action, not talk) but consistent ways their attention to developing the students' mind and spirit. We want our child to know that her value in society is as a good citizen before being "smart." We want a school that reinforces that hard work, collaboration, and perseverance will serve her better in life than any innate intelligence she may possess. We want her to know the value of serving her community and accepting help when she needs it. We believe that a good education requires lots of play time outside, art, music, and heart. Her teacher finds ways to challenge her to keep her engaged so that she continues to grow and learn. We are so grateful to the teachers and administrators at PNA that continue to help us nurture our daughter's love of learning.