Shishmaref, AK is a small town located on Sarichef Island in the Chukchi Sea. It has a population of just under 600 people and is divided into two sections: the main village and ‘Old Shishmaref’. The residents primarily depend on subsistence living for their livelihoods, and their culture heavily relies on hunting, fishing, and gathering. In terms of education, Shishmaref has an elementary school which is part of the Bering Strait School District. Its school rating is highly rated among other districts in Alaska due to its dedication to providing students with personalized educational opportunities as well as access to after-school programs such as athletics, music, and art. The school district also offers local education initiatives such as summer camps, language classes that focus on preserving Alaska Native languages, and adult vocational education programs. Overall, the education system in Shishmaref is highly praised for its commitment to ensuring that all students have access to quality learning opportunities.
Shishmaref schools spend $42,825 per student (The US average is $12,383). There are 11 pupils per teacher, 635 students per librarian, and 381 children per counselor.