🏛️ NCES

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Swanson Elementary

📍 Palmer, Alaska Public

348

👥 Total Enrollment

Students enrolled

13.4:1

📏 Student–Teacher Ratio

Better than US avg (~16:1)

Pre-K–2

🎓 Grade Levels

4 active grades

26.0

👩‍🏫 Full-Time Teachers

FTE certified faculty

About this school

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Swanson Elementary, an elementary public school serving grades Pre-K–2 in Palmer, Alaska, with 348 students and a student-teacher ratio of 13.4:1. Data: NCES 2024-2025.

📖 Academic Overview & Key Context

Located in Palmer, Alaska, Swanson Elementary is a regular public school serving students from grades Pre-K–2. The school operates within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District in Matanuska-Susitna Borough. With a current reported enrollment of 348 students, it provides a smaller, close-knit learning environment designed to support academic and personal growth.

In terms of academic staffing and instructional attention, Swanson Elementary maintains a student-to-teacher ratio of 13.4:1. This favorable ratio is lower than the typical national public school average of approximately 16:1, offering opportunities for individualized guidance and collaborative classroom engagement. The campus educational team includes approximately 26.0 full-time equivalent (FTE) classroom teachers and certified instructional personnel.

Reflecting the multicultural fabric of Palmer, the student body at Swanson Elementary represents diverse backgrounds. The most represented ethnic demographics include White (62.4%), Two or more races (18.1%), Hispanic (9.2%). This diverse mix contributes to a rich campus experience that prepares students for higher education and global careers.

Through federal and state educational initiatives, Swanson Elementary participates in community support programs including the National School Lunch Program, with approximately 166 students (47.7%) eligible for free or reduced-price meals. This participation helps ensure equitable access to essential learning resources, nutritional support, and student welfare services.

👥 Student Demographics & Diversity

Official NCES reported race and ethnicity breakdown

348 Students reported

White 62.4%

217 enrolled students

Two or more races 18.1%

63 enrolled students

Hispanic 9.2%

32 enrolled students

American Indian / Alaska Native 7.8%

27 enrolled students

Asian 1.4%

5 enrolled students

Native Hawaiian / Pacific Islander 1.1%

4 enrolled students

Black / African American 0%

0 enrolled students

⚧ Gender Distribution Total 348

👦 Male 59.2% (206) 👧 Female 40.8% (142)

🥗 Economic Diversity 47.7%

166 students eligible for Free / Reduced-Price Lunch

📊 Enrollment by Grade Level

Student distribution across all enrolled grade levels

4 Grade Levels

Pre-K

115

1 ★ top

113

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School facts

Address 507 N Gulkana, Palmer, AK 99645

Phone (907) 861-5300

School district Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District

County Matanuska-Susitna Borough

Grades Pre-K–2

Students 348 students

Student–teacher ratio 13.4:1

Full-time teachers 26.0

Community type Suburb: Small

Level Elementary

Type Public

Virtual Not virtual

Coordinates 61.61132, -149.10189

Map Map ↗

NCES school ID 020051000233

School year 2024-2025

Source NCES

📍 Location

Address and how to get there

507 N Gulkana

Palmer, AK 99645 Matanuska-Susitna Borough

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❓ Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions asked by parents, students, and community members

What grades are taught at Swanson Elementary? +

Swanson Elementary serves students in grades Pre-K–2. The school curriculum is structured specifically for these grade levels in accordance with Alaska state educational standards.

How many students attend Swanson Elementary? +

According to official National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) records, Swanson Elementary has a total reported enrollment of 348 students.

What is the student-to-teacher ratio at Swanson Elementary? +

The student-teacher ratio at Swanson Elementary is 13.4:1, supported by approximately 26.0 full-time equivalent certified teachers.

Is Swanson Elementary a public or private school? +

Swanson Elementary is a traditional public school located in Palmer, Alaska under the administration of the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District.

Does Swanson Elementary participate in free or reduced-price lunch programs? +

Yes, approximately 166 students (47.7%) at Swanson Elementary are eligible for free or reduced-price lunch under federal National School Lunch Program guidelines.

Where is Swanson Elementary located? +

Swanson Elementary is located at 507 N Gulkana, Palmer, AK 99645. Families can reach the administrative office by telephone at (907) 861-5300 or by visiting the campus during regular school hours.