Top 10 STEM and Magnet High Schools in Alaska
Curated by Chief Revenue Officer Kory White · CRO Syndicate
Top 10 STEM and Magnet High Schools in Alaska
Direct Answer
The Best Overall STEM and magnet high school in Alaska is West Anchorage High School in the Anchorage School District, whose long-running science and math magnet strands, deep AP catalog, and steady stream of state science-fair and robotics competitors make it the most complete STEM destination in the state.
The Best Value pick is Mat-Su Career and Technical High School in Wasilla, a tuition-free public choice school that pairs college-prep academics with hands-on engineering, health, and IT pathways for a far wider range of students than the selective Anchorage programs. This list is built for families and students across Alaska weighing where to enroll for a science, technology, engineering, and math focus, with attention to academics, college outcomes, and fit.
Every pick uses real, publicly reported data from the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development, U.S. News, Niche, and individual district sources.
How We Ranked the Top 10
We weighted each school against what Alaska families consistently tell counselors and survey firms they care about, drawing on published figures from U.S. News, Niche, GreatSchools, the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED), and the College Board. The weighting:
- STEM programming depth (courses, AP, dual-credit), 25%
- College and post-grad outcomes, 20%
- Value and access, 15%
- Teachers and resources, 15%
- Environment and safety, 15%
- Competitions and extracurriculars, 10%
A school that posts strong scores but offers thin STEM electives, or wins on reputation but graduates few students, drops fast. The winners balance all six in a state where geography and small enrollments make a deep program hard to build.
1. West Anchorage High School 🏆 BEST OVERALL
Type: Public Magnet | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students wanting the deepest math and science magnet in Alaska
Located in midtown Anchorage, West Anchorage High School enrolls roughly 1,700 students and is the longtime home of the district's science and mathematics magnet strands. West posts a graduation rate near 90% and one of the broadest AP catalogs in the state, with more than 20 AP courses spanning calculus, statistics, physics, chemistry, biology, and computer science.
The school fields perennial robotics, Science Olympiad, and math team contenders at the Alaska state level, and its magnet students routinely sit multiple AP exams before graduation. Matriculation skews toward the University of Alaska system, the University of Washington, and out-of-state engineering programs.
A student-teacher ratio near 18:1 supports a wide elective slate for a public school its size.
Pros:
- State-leading AP catalog of 20+ courses including STEM cores
- Established science and math magnet strands
- Competitive robotics, Science Olympiad, and math teams
- Graduation rate near 90% with strong UA and out-of-state matriculation
Cons:
- Magnet strand seats are competitive and fill early
- Large enrollment means bigger classes than choice schools
Verdict: West Anchorage wins on balance, the deepest, most complete STEM magnet programming in Alaska.
2. Mat-Su Career and Technical High School 💎 BEST VALUE
Type: Public Choice (CTE) | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting college-prep plus hands-on STEM pathways without a competitive magnet test
In Wasilla, the Mat-Su Career and Technical High School (MSCTHS) enrolls about 400 students by application lottery and delivers a focused blend of academics and career and technical pathways in engineering, health sciences, information technology, and natural resources.
The school reports a graduation rate above 95%, well ahead of the state average, and partners with Mat-Su College and the University of Alaska for dual-credit coursework that lets students bank college credit before graduation. Small classes, a project-based model, and strong employer partnerships make it the best value for families who want applied STEM without relocating to Anchorage.
Pros:
- Graduation rate above 95%, well above the state average
- Dual-credit pathways with Mat-Su College and UA
- Engineering, health, and IT career pathways
- Lottery admission, tuition-free, small classes
Cons:
- Small enrollment limits the breadth of electives and athletics
- Lottery seats are limited and demand exceeds supply
Verdict: The best value STEM school in Alaska, applied pathways and college credit, tuition-free and lottery-based.
3. South Anchorage High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families wanting a strong comprehensive school with deep AP STEM
In south Anchorage, South Anchorage High School enrolls roughly 1,900 students and consistently ranks among the top comprehensive high schools in the state. South reports a graduation rate near 92%, a deep AP catalog exceeding 20 courses, and standout results in AP math and science exams.
Its robotics and engineering clubs are active state competitors, and the modern campus supports well-equipped science labs. A high share of graduates enroll in four-year colleges, with strong UA and Pacific Northwest matriculation.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 92% with strong four-year college enrollment
- Deep AP catalog with strong math and science results
- Active robotics and engineering clubs
- Modern, well-equipped science facilities
Cons:
- Large enrollment means bigger STEM class sizes
- No competitive magnet strand for the most advanced students
Verdict: The best comprehensive STEM choice in Alaska, elite AP results with open enrollment.
4. Service High School
Type: Public Magnet | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Students seeking an International Baccalaureate STEM pathway
In east Anchorage, Service High School enrolls about 1,800 students and hosts the district's International Baccalaureate (IB) program, a structured, internationally recognized pathway with strong math and science coursework. Service reports a graduation rate near 88% and broad AP offerings alongside its IB diploma track.
The school's IB students take rigorous higher-level math, physics, and chemistry, and its science-fair participation is among the strongest in the district.
Pros:
- International Baccalaureate diploma pathway with HL STEM
- Broad AP offerings alongside IB
- Strong science-fair participation
- Graduation rate near 88% with solid college matriculation
Cons:
- The IB diploma is demanding and not a fit for every student
- AP and IB tracks can pull resources in two directions
Verdict: The top IB STEM pathway in Alaska, a structured route for globally minded students.
5. Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Southeast Alaska families wanting strong STEM in the capital
In Juneau, Juneau-Douglas High School: Yadaa.at Kalé enrolls roughly 1,000 students and anchors STEM education in Southeast Alaska. The school reports a graduation rate near 87%, a solid AP catalog in calculus, biology, chemistry, and computer science, and strong dual-credit ties to the University of Alaska Southeast.
Marine science and field-based environmental coursework take advantage of the capital's coastal setting, and its robotics teams compete at the state level.
Pros:
- Solid AP catalog with STEM cores
- Dual-credit ties to University of Alaska Southeast
- Marine and environmental science fieldwork
- State-competitive robotics
Cons:
- Smaller enrollment limits advanced course sections
- Isolated location restricts regional competition travel
Verdict: The strongest STEM school in Southeast Alaska, coastal science and college credit in the capital.
6. Eagle River High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Families north of Anchorage wanting strong AP STEM closer to home
In Eagle River, just north of Anchorage, Eagle River High School enrolls about 1,000 students and posts one of the higher graduation rates in the district, near 91%. The school offers a respectable AP slate in math and science and benefits from small-community engagement, active STEM clubs, and strong teacher-student relationships.
Its students compete in regional robotics and science events.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 91%
- Respectable AP math and science slate
- Active STEM clubs and engaged community
- Strong teacher-student relationships
Cons:
- Fewer advanced electives than the largest Anchorage schools
- Smaller competition program than midtown magnets
Verdict: A strong neighborhood STEM choice for Eagle River families, high graduation and solid AP access.
7. Colony High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Mat-Su Valley families wanting comprehensive STEM with dual credit
In Palmer, Colony High School enrolls roughly 1,300 students and is among the strongest comprehensive schools in the Matanuska-Susitna Borough. Colony reports a graduation rate near 90%, offers AP math and science courses, and provides dual-credit pathways through Mat-Su College.
Its agriculture and natural-resources programs add an applied STEM dimension uncommon elsewhere in the state.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 90%
- AP plus dual-credit through Mat-Su College
- Agriculture and natural-resources STEM programs
- Strong Mat-Su Valley community support
Cons:
- AP catalog is narrower than Anchorage magnets
- Rapid valley growth strains class sizes
Verdict: The best comprehensive STEM school in the Mat-Su Valley, AP, dual credit, and applied science.
8. Dimond High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Anchorage families wanting a large school with broad AP STEM**
In south Anchorage, Dimond High School enrolls about 1,900 students and offers a broad AP program with strong participation in math and science. Dimond reports a graduation rate near 89% and supports active robotics and engineering clubs. Its size funds a wide elective slate and well-staffed science departments, and graduates feed steadily into the UA system and out-of-state colleges.
Pros:
- Broad AP program with strong STEM participation
- Active robotics and engineering clubs
- Wide elective slate and well-staffed science labs
- Graduation rate near 89%
Cons:
- Large enrollment means bigger class sizes
- No selective magnet strand for top students
Verdict: A dependable large-school STEM choice in Anchorage, breadth of AP and strong clubs.
9. Thunder Mountain High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Juneau families wanting a modern campus with STEM labs
In Juneau, Thunder Mountain High School enrolls roughly 700 students on a modern campus with well-equipped science and technology spaces. The school reports a graduation rate near 86%, offers AP math and science, and partners with the University of Alaska Southeast for dual-credit.
Its smaller size supports close mentorship and active participation in regional science and robotics events.
Pros:
- Modern campus with strong STEM lab facilities
- AP plus UAS dual-credit
- Close mentorship in smaller classes
- Active regional STEM competition
Cons:
- Smaller enrollment limits advanced course sections
- Recent consolidation discussions create planning uncertainty
Verdict: A modern, mentorship-driven STEM option in Juneau, strong labs and college credit.
10. Kodiak High School
Type: Public | Tuition: Free (public) | Best for: Island and rural families wanting strong STEM with marine science
In Kodiak, Kodiak High School enrolls about 700 students and anchors STEM for one of Alaska's most important fishing communities. The school reports a graduation rate near 88%, offers AP math and science, and leans into marine biology and fisheries science that connect directly to the island economy.
Dual-credit ties to Kodiak College and active robotics participation round out a strong rural STEM profile.
Pros:
- Graduation rate near 88%
- Marine biology and fisheries science focus
- Dual-credit through Kodiak College
- Active robotics for a rural school
Cons:
- Remote island location limits competition travel
- Smaller enrollment narrows the AP catalog
Verdict: The standout rural and island STEM school in Alaska, marine science with real-world relevance.
What to Look For in a STEM or Magnet High School
When choosing a STEM or magnet high school in Alaska, weigh more than a single ranking number. Look at the depth of the AP and dual-credit catalog in math and science, not just whether AP exists. Ask about competition teams, robotics, Science Olympiad, science fair, since active programs signal real engagement and mentorship.
Check the graduation rate against the state average and the share of graduates enrolling in four-year colleges. Consider access: magnet strands and choice schools often require applications or lotteries, while comprehensive schools serve any zoned family. Finally, factor in geography and fit, in a state as large as Alaska, the right school is often the strongest program a student can realistically reach and thrive in.
FAQ
What is the best STEM high school in Alaska? West Anchorage High School earns the top spot for its established science and math magnet strands, a 20+ course AP catalog, and competitive robotics, Science Olympiad, and math teams, paired with a graduation rate near 90%.
What is the best value STEM high school in Alaska? Mat-Su Career and Technical High School in Wasilla is our best value, it delivers a graduation rate above 95% and dual-credit engineering, health, and IT pathways tuition-free by lottery, no competitive magnet test required.
Do Alaska STEM and magnet high schools require an application? Some do. Magnet strands at West Anchorage and choice schools like Mat-Su CTHS use applications or lotteries, while comprehensive schools such as South Anchorage, Dimond, and Colony are open to families in their attendance zones.
Which Alaska high school is best for an IB diploma? Service High School in Anchorage hosts the district's International Baccalaureate program, offering a structured pathway with higher-level math, physics, and chemistry for globally minded students.
Is dual credit available at Alaska STEM high schools? Yes. Schools including Mat-Su CTHS, Colony, Juneau-Douglas, Thunder Mountain, and Kodiak partner with the University of Alaska system and community colleges so students can bank college credit before graduation.
Which Alaska community has the strongest STEM high schools? Anchorage dominates on depth and competition through West, South, Service, and Dimond, while the Mat-Su Valley and Southeast Alaska offer strong applied and dual-credit options closer to home.
Bottom Line
For Alaska families, West Anchorage High School is our Best Overall STEM and magnet high school, its science and math strands, deep AP catalog, and competitive teams set the standard. Mat-Su Career and Technical High School is our Best Value, delivering applied engineering, health, and IT pathways plus dual credit tuition-free by lottery.
If your priority is an IB diploma, marine science, or a strong program closer to home, route yourself to Service, Kodiak, or Colony instead. Choose on program depth, outcomes, and access rather than a single ranking number, and your student will be set up to succeed.
Sources
- U.S. News, Best Alaska High Schools rankings
- Niche, Best Public High Schools in Alaska
- GreatSchools, Alaska school ratings
- Alaska Department of Education and Early Development (DEED)
- College Board, AP program data
- NCES, National Center for Education Statistics school search
- Anchorage School District, high schools and magnet programs
- Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
- Juneau School District
- University of Alaska, dual enrollment
*STEM and magnet high schools in Alaska review, best STEM and magnet high schools Alaska, rankings, ratings, and a review of the top picks for families.*