George H. Gilson Middle School

George H. Gilson Middle School is a public school in Valdez, Alaska, serving about 143 students in grades 6 through 8 as part of the highly rated Valdez City School District — ranked 3rd among 23 Alaska districts with a 5-star rating. No other schools exist within 20 miles, so Gilson appears to be the district's only middle school, meaning its performance essentially mirrors the district's own. The school earned a 3-star rating for 2025–2026, ranking 34th of 90 Alaska middle schools (62nd percentile) — a solid rebound from two consecutive off years in the mid-40s.

Academically, Gilson shines brightest in math and science. Just under half of students scored proficient in math in 2025–2026, versus roughly 32% statewide, while science proficiency hit 56.1% — more than 18 points above Alaska's average — after four straight years above the 50% mark. Math is also remarkably consistent, holding near 50% proficiency in every grade. English Language Arts is the softer spot. While the school's overall 40% ELA proficiency edges past the 32.89% state average, scores fall sharply across grades: 6th graders post an outstanding 62.86% proficiency, yet that number collapses to 33.33% in 7th grade and 27.5% in 8th grade, the latter slipping below the state average. Sustained literacy support in grades 7 and 8 is clearly the school's watch item.

The school also posted strong results for several specific student groups in recent years, and its latest rebound suggests it can perform at a higher level than its current 3-star rating suggests. Gilson's resource picture is solid, too — per-student spending approaches $20,000, class sizes run a manageable 14–17 students, and the surrounding Valdez City School District is one of the strongest in the state. Meanwhile, the share of students qualifying for free and reduced-price lunch has dropped from roughly 46% to 35% over three years, reflecting a changing community. For families, Gilson is best summarized as a school with real strengths in STEM, a supportive district behind it, and clear room to grow in upper-grade literacy.