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Teacher quality
Principal leadership
Parent involvement
I have a 9th grader and being a KNIGHT has been the best experience EVER for him. He looks forward to school with his peers and really enjoys all his classes. He's involved with hockey and enjoys the coaches and teammates as well. We couldn't be happier with our choice to be a KNIGHT
—Submitted by a parent
Colony is an amazing school, I am a 9th grader at Colony and it is GREAT. The teachers are extremely helpful and care about your succes. Colony has more advanced classes than any school in the valley, witch looks great for college. Colonys goal is to prepare you for life, and for college. College credit is available for most classes for a extremely cheap price. If you have kids going there tell them to take Hopkins tech apps class, He is a great teacher.
—Submitted by a student
The staff at this school really goes out of their way to help students succeed. Standards of behavior and academic performance are HIGH. Kids are expected to do their best and given the support they need to achieve. The principals and front office staff at the school treat parents like we are the custormer--which we are! It's the best school our children have attended anywhere and all 4 of our kids have loved it. Our two oldest say they got the best preparation possible for college because of the high quality of teaching and all the AP classes available to them. It would be nice if more parents attended the monthly principal's parent forum, but I know the principal does everything she can to get parents involved. We are just busy I guess.
—Submitted by a parent
I went to this school in the 9th grade and loved it. Everyone was so nice to me. Teachers were great. I had this one math teacher who would take time out of her lunch break to help me with my math. Loved choir. Only thing though was it was weird to have drivers ed on a simulator. Moved out of state to WA sucky school then to CA the worst no programs of any kind. You have to fundraise like no tomorrow here always asking for $. Still there's nothing.
—Submitted by a student
I spent my high school days at Colony and loved it. I only had one teacher which I deem to have not liked me very much, however, she was still an excellent teacher. If you're thinking about sending your children here, make sure they get McKenney for a teacher. He is fantastic. This school has teachers who care about you and are willing to work with you in order for you to be able to get what you need to get done. Drama program is amazing, not from experience, but from watching plays. Great school. By the far the best of all the Valley schools.
—Submitted by a student
I am a parent and I do not agree with the parent involvement rating. I think every parent is as involved as they choose to be. Colony has iParent so they can check on their children's grades. I'd call that involved.
—Submitted by a parent
I attend Colony High, and this is my second year of attendance. I am thoroughly content with the classes, teachers, and student body as a whole. Colony has a great music program, a good drama program, athletics are always considered a priority as well as education. There's much less drug usage compared to Wasilla and Palmer. Colony High School tomorrows are given high standards and expected to be kind and respectful to one another. If you're looking for a well-rounded school in the valley, Colony High is the right choice for you.
—Submitted by a student
My son has been at Colony High for three years now. This school is probably the best one in the valley. The staff work hard to offer classes to fit student's needs instead of teacher wants. The principal, Mrs. Duffin, is wonderful. She puts the needs of the students first and works hard to make Colony an environment where students will succeed.
—Submitted by a parent
We only moved here in July, but we are really blessed to have moved into this school district! The only marching band in the state of Alaska resides here! And they have been invited to go to march in the Inaugural Parade in Washington D.C.! How cool is that! We also like the fact that anything below 70% is considered failing. Our daughter is learing atleast as much as she was at her previous school, and it s a huge relief that the popular crowd here isn t the one that do drugs (like at the schools where we came from), but the athlete/brains! Sure, if you don t fit in that category (and she doesn t, quite), it s a bit harder, but she s not being pressured to do drugs, and she s got quite a few people that she at least knows and who know her, and as always, her best friends are in or around the band.
—Submitted by a parent
Awesome school and I only attended for one year before moving. Colony sports, teachers, JROTC and everything work together with no wasted time or lack of student abilites, students actually matter, teachers actually care, for those of you that remember I was a student the 2006-2007 School year (Freshman ) moved to Maryland (Perry Bryant) Whats up yall COLONY ROCKS!!!!
—Submitted by a student
Those comments about Colony being rich and snobby are ridiculous. I'm not a jock, student government member, leadership member or any of those things, and I don't feel snubbed by anyone. School is what you make it, and if you want drama, that is certainly what you'll get. While I don't agree with all the decisions the administration has made, I do believe that Colony is one of the most outstanding schools . Anything below 70% is failing, and i think that grading system pushes students to work harder. If you don't want to learn, then you fail. I'm definitely not the best student. but I've learned to wor hard. Also, yes, the classes are large, but that's an issue throughout the country. I really think Colony is a good school to go to for it's acaddemics, sports, and other extracurricular activities as well as meeting people. If you're willing tompeople,
—Submitted by a student
I loved going to colony. I switched to wasilla for a semester then went right back to colony. It is a great school. I agree the classes are a bit big, but the teachers give it their all to make it better for the students. But crowed schools is just an issue in the hole vally. And i wasnt rich, or have a nice car, its just me and my mom and i was accepted by most.
—Submitted by a student
Im really shocked by some of the comment on here about Colony High. I went to there for 3 years and thought it was a really good school education wise and enviornment wise. No one Colony is snobby or mean, I mean yeah there will always be those kids who are but not the whole school was like that. in fact everyone there in my 3 years were really close everyone knew who everyone was alot of people hung out together. I would hate for Colony to get a bad reputation by comments being made on here especially by parents who never went there and dont know what its like. I think Colony is a very good school to attend.
—Submitted by a student
Excellent staff & extracurricular activities! Students are smart and nice. Really clean too.
—Submitted by a student
The overall academic program at Colony is better than any other Valley schools. There is a great drama program at Colony and the music program is really good too. The athletic teams are as good as any in the state of Alaska. This school has excellent parental involvement. I am so glad that my kids will get to attend such a good school. Thanks to all of the staff and professional teachers and administrators.
—Submitted by a parent
This school is a good learning school, but in need of some serious attitude adjustment. Everyone there is snobby and preppy and down right mean. They think that they are better then everyone else. I do not recommend this school for anyone unless they are preppy, snobby, and mean. I will never let any of my kids go there. Never!
—Submitted by a former student
Great school compared to the surrounding other choices. Seemed to have a higher percentage of college bound students. Highly recommend.
—Submitted by a former student
Colony is a 'preppy' school. If your children do not wear the 'right' clothes or own a car they will be treated differently. The administration is a firm believer that all the kids must be the same without any individuality allowed. They are difficult to work with and although they have some very good teachers I wouldn't recommend this school to anyone.
—Submitted by a parent
I love this school. I'm glad I am able to come here because Colony upholds a lot of standards that I have. I like this school, more than ANY other in the Valley, because it has teachers that push the students to be the best they can be, and for the fun learning experience I've had so far (and I'm just a freshman). I wish they more people wanting to do choir and drama; while sports are good, so many people do sports, and not enough of the performing arts. One thing people need to keep in mind is, your high school experience will only be as good as you want it to be...Colony's done their job on providing a positive environment.
—Submitted by Megan Farnsworth, a student
Community ratings and reviews do not represent the views of GreatSchools nor does GreatSchools check their accuracy or verify the reviewers' identities. Use your discretion when evaluating these reviews.
The Community Rating is the school’s average rating from its community members (e.g., parents, students, and school staff). The highest possible rating is five stars; the lowest is one star.
The state average for Math was 60% in 2011.
325 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Reading was 81% in 2011.
326 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Writing was 74% in 2011.
326 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
Source: Alaska Department of Education
The state average for Math was 63% in 2011.
273 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Reading was 75% in 2011.
273 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Science was 65% in 2011.
272 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Writing was 73% in 2011.
273 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
Source: Alaska Department of Education
| All Students | 76% |
| Female | 75% |
| Male | 78% |
| Black | <=40% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | >=60% |
| Hispanic | >=60% |
| Multiracial | 70% |
| Native American | 63% |
| White | 80% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 59% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 82% |
| Students with disabilities | 20% |
| Students without disabilities | 81% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | >=80% |
| All Students | 91% |
| Female | 94% |
| Male | 88% |
| Black | >=60% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | >=60% |
| Hispanic | >=60% |
| Multiracial | >=80% |
| Native American | 83% |
| White | 92% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 83% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 93% |
| Students with disabilities | 48% |
| Students without disabilities | 94% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | >=80% |
| All Students | 87% |
| Female | 92% |
| Male | 82% |
| Black | <=40% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | >=60% |
| Hispanic | >=60% |
| Multiracial | >=80% |
| Native American | 74% |
| White | 89% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 70% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 92% |
| Students with disabilities | 28% |
| Students without disabilities | 91% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | 80% |
In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.
Source: Alaska Department of Education
| All Students | 77% |
| Female | 84% |
| Male | 67% |
| Black | 43% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | >=80% |
| Hispanic | 50% |
| Multiracial | >=75% |
| Native American | 68% |
| White | 80% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 56% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 81% |
| Students with disabilities | <=20% |
| Students without disabilities | 80% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | 73% |
| All Students | 92% |
| Female | 97% |
| Male | 86% |
| Black | >=60% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | >=80% |
| Hispanic | >=80% |
| Multiracial | >=75% |
| Native American | 89% |
| White | 92% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 82% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 94% |
| Students with disabilities | 39% |
| Students without disabilities | 95% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | >=80% |
| All Students | 80% |
| Female | 85% |
| Male | 74% |
| Black | 57% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | >=80% |
| Hispanic | 50% |
| Multiracial | >=75% |
| Native American | 74% |
| White | 82% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 67% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 83% |
| Students with disabilities | 25% |
| Students without disabilities | 83% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | 64% |
| All Students | 89% |
| Female | 95% |
| Male | 82% |
| Black | >=60% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | >=80% |
| Hispanic | 70% |
| Multiracial | >=75% |
| Native American | 86% |
| White | 91% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 79% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 91% |
| Students with disabilities | 46% |
| Students without disabilities | 91% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | >=80% |
In 2010-2011 Alaska used the Standards Based Assessment (SBA) to test students in grades 3 through 10 in reading, math and writing, and in grades 4, 8 and 10 in science. The SBA is a standards-based test, which means it measures specific skills defined for each grade by the state of Alaska. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.
Source: Alaska Department of Education
The state average for Math was 77% in 2011.
273 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Reading was 83% in 2011.
273 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
The state average for Writing was 71% in 2011.
273 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
2008
In 2010-2011 Alaska used the High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE) to test students in grade 10 in reading, writing and math. The HSGQE is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Alaska. The HSGQE is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
Source: Alaska Department of Education
The state average for Math was 38% in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Reading was 57% in 2011.
26 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Writing was 52% in 2011.
19 students were tested at this school in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
In 2010-2011 Alaska used the High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE) to test students in grade 10 in reading, writing and math. The HSGQE is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Alaska. The HSGQE is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
Source: Alaska Department of Education
The state average for Math was 32% in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Reading was 48% in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
The state average for Writing was 46% in 2011.
2011
2010
2009
In 2010-2011 Alaska used the High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE) to test students in grade 10 in reading, writing and math. The HSGQE is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Alaska. The HSGQE is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
Source: Alaska Department of Education
| All Students | 89% |
| Female | 93% |
| Male | 83% |
| Black | >=60% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | >=80% |
| Hispanic | 60% |
| Multiracial | >=75% |
| White | 90% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 73% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 92% |
| Students with disabilities | 23% |
| Students without disabilities | 92% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | >=80% |
| All Students | 95% |
| Female | 98% |
| Male | 91% |
| Black | >=60% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | >=80% |
| Hispanic | >=80% |
| Multiracial | >=75% |
| White | 96% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 88% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 96% |
| Students with disabilities | 46% |
| Students without disabilities | 97% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | >=80% |
| All Students | 86% |
| Female | 97% |
| Male | 73% |
| Black | >=60% |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | >=80% |
| Hispanic | 60% |
| Multiracial | >=75% |
| White | 88% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 73% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 89% |
| Students with disabilities | 31% |
| Students without disabilities | 89% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | 73% |
In 2010-2011 Alaska used the High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE) to test students in grade 10 in reading, writing and math. The HSGQE is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Alaska. The HSGQE is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.
Source: Alaska Department of Education
| All Students | 47% |
| Female | 56% |
| Male | 40% |
| Black | n/a |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| Multiracial | n/a |
| White | 56% |
| Economically disadvantaged | <=25% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 70% |
| Students with disabilities | <=40% |
| Students without disabilities | 58% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | n/a |
| All Students | 63% |
| Female | n/a |
| Male | n/a |
| Black | n/a |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| Multiracial | n/a |
| White | >=60% |
| Economically disadvantaged | <=40% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Students with disabilities | n/a |
| Students without disabilities | >=60% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | n/a |
| All Students | 73% |
| Female | >=80% |
| Male | 67% |
| Black | n/a |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| Multiracial | n/a |
| White | 70% |
| Economically disadvantaged | 64% |
| Not economically disadvantaged | 80% |
| Students with disabilities | <=40% |
| Students without disabilities | 85% |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | n/a |
In 2010-2011 Alaska used the High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE) to test students in grade 10 in reading, writing and math. The HSGQE is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Alaska. The HSGQE is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.
Source: Alaska Department of Education
| All Students | <=40% |
| Female | n/a |
| Male | n/a |
| Black | n/a |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| Multiracial | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Not economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Students with disabilities | n/a |
| Students without disabilities | n/a |
| English language learners | n/a |
| All Students | n/a |
| Female | n/a |
| Male | n/a |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Not economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Students with disabilities | n/a |
| Students without disabilities | n/a |
| English language learners | n/a |
| All Students | n/a |
| Female | n/a |
| Male | n/a |
| Black | n/a |
| Asian/Pacific Islander | n/a |
| Hispanic | n/a |
| White | n/a |
| Economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Not economically disadvantaged | n/a |
| Students with disabilities | n/a |
| Students without disabilities | n/a |
| English language learners | n/a |
| Migrant | n/a |
In 2010-2011 Alaska used the High School Graduation Qualifying Examination (HSGQE) to test students in grade 10 in reading, writing and math. The HSGQE is a standards-based test, which means that it measures how well students are mastering specific skills defined by the state of Alaska. The HSGQE is a high school graduation requirement. The goal is for all students to score at or above the proficient level.
The different student groups are identified by the Alaska Department of Education and Early Development. If there are fewer than 5 students in a particular group, the state doesn't report data for that group.
Source: Alaska Department of Education
GreatSchools Ratings are based on the most recent standardized test results for schools. Use the breakdown ratings below to compare types of students at this school. Learn more »
Grade 9
Grade 10
All students
Female
Male
All students
Black
Hispanic
Multiracial
Native American
White
All students
Economically disadvantaged
Not economically disadvantaged
Students with disabilities
Students without disabilities
Migrant
All students
| Ethnicity | This school | State average | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| White | 79% | 53% | ||
| American Indian/Alaskan Native | 10% | 23% | ||
| Two or more races | 4% | 7% | ||
| Hispanic | 3% | 6% | ||
| Asian | 2% | 5% | ||
| Black | 2% | 4% | ||
| Pacific Islander | 0% | 2% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program | 18% | N/A | 34% |
| This school | District average | State average | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Students per FTE teacher | 21 | N/A | 17 |
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9550 East Colony School Dr
Palmer,
AK 99645
Phone: (907) 861-5500
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