Summary:
Zip code 99833 covers Petersburg, Alaska, and is served by three public schools—Rae C. Stedman Elementary (PK–5), Mitkof Middle School (6–8), and Petersburg High School (9–12)—all part of the Petersburg Borough School District, which ranks 7th out of 23 Alaska districts with a 4-star rating. These schools represent the complete K–12 pathway for the community, with total enrollment of 464 students and no alternative school options in the area.
Each school brings a distinct academic strength, so families may want to consider grade-level priorities. Rae C. Stedman Elementary shines in mathematics: its all-grades proficiency rate of 49.5% far exceeds the state average of 32.2%, and 3rd grade math hits 60.5% proficient versus 33.7% statewide. Mitkof Middle School is the science standout, posting a 67.6% proficiency rate compared to 37.8% statewide; its 8th grade science results are nearly double the state’s. Petersburg High School excels in English language arts and graduation, with 9th grade ELA proficiency at 56.3% versus 31.2% statewide and an outstanding 97.3% graduation rate. Notably, no school dominates all subjects—elementary reading lags, and high school math remains a concern (21.9% proficient, though still above the state’s 17.9%).
Interesting patterns emerge when comparing schools. Mitkof has the highest poverty rate (66.7% free/reduced lunch) yet produces the district’s best science results, while Petersburg High receives the most spending per student ($25,993) but shows the lowest math proficiency. Rankings at these small schools have been volatile—Petersburg High jumped from 5th in 2023–24 to 25th in 2024–25, then back to 17th—likely reflecting small cohort variation rather than program shifts. Overall, Petersburg’s schools are respectable by Alaska standards, with strengths in elementary math, middle school science, and high school ELA/graduation, but elementary reading and high school math deserve watchful attention.
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