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GreatSchools Rating

Colony High School

Public | 9-12 | 1204 students

Last modified
Community Rating

4 stars

Community Rating by Year
2013:
No new ratings
2012:
Based on 1 rating
2011:
Based on 1 rating
2010:
Based on 6 ratings

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26 reviews of this school


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Posted May 21, 2012

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


Posted January 19, 2011

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


Posted August 22, 2010

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


Posted June 7, 2010

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


Posted April 26, 2010

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


Posted April 26, 2010

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


Posted January 3, 2010

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


Posted April 16, 2009

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


Posted December 22, 2008

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


Posted April 30, 2008

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


Posted April 9, 2008

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


Posted January 28, 2008

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


Posted January 15, 2008

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


Posted October 24, 2007

Excellent staff & extracurricular activities! Students are smart and nice. Really clean too.
—Submitted by a student


Posted June 21, 2007

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


Posted May 21, 2007

Simply the best school ever!
—Submitted by a former student


Posted February 15, 2007

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


Posted August 25, 2005

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


Posted June 3, 2005

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


Posted May 5, 2005

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.

About these ratings

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 test results by subgroup show how the designated group of students is performing in comparison to the general population.
Math

The state average for Math was 60% in 2011.

325 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
76%

2010

 
 
76%

2009

 
 
67%

2008

 
 
72%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 81% in 2011.

326 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
91%

2010

 
 
91%

2009

 
 
87%

2008

 
 
88%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 74% in 2011.

326 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
87%

2010

 
 
84%

2009

 
 
85%

2008

 
 
80%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


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.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 63% in 2011.

273 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
77%

2010

 
 
73%

2009

 
 
81%

2008

 
 
72%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 75% in 2011.

273 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
92%

2010

 
 
90%

2009

 
 
94%

2008

 
 
90%
Science

The state average for Science was 65% in 2011.

272 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
80%

2010

 
 
75%

2009

 
 
73%

2008

 
 
71%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 73% in 2011.

273 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
86%

2009

 
 
89%

2008

 
 
85%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


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.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students76%
Female75%
Male78%
Black<=40%
Asian/Pacific Islander>=60%
Hispanic>=60%
Multiracial70%
Native American63%
White80%
Economically disadvantaged59%
Not economically disadvantaged82%
Students with disabilities20%
Students without disabilities81%
English language learnersn/a
Migrant>=80%

Reading

All Students91%
Female94%
Male88%
Black>=60%
Asian/Pacific Islander>=60%
Hispanic>=60%
Multiracial>=80%
Native American83%
White92%
Economically disadvantaged83%
Not economically disadvantaged93%
Students with disabilities48%
Students without disabilities94%
English language learnersn/a
Migrant>=80%

Writing

All Students87%
Female92%
Male82%
Black<=40%
Asian/Pacific Islander>=60%
Hispanic>=60%
Multiracial>=80%
Native American74%
White89%
Economically disadvantaged70%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities28%
Students without disabilities91%
English language learnersn/a
Migrant80%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


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.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students77%
Female84%
Male67%
Black43%
Asian/Pacific Islander>=80%
Hispanic50%
Multiracial>=75%
Native American68%
White80%
Economically disadvantaged56%
Not economically disadvantaged81%
Students with disabilities<=20%
Students without disabilities80%
English language learnersn/a
Migrant73%

Reading

All Students92%
Female97%
Male86%
Black>=60%
Asian/Pacific Islander>=80%
Hispanic>=80%
Multiracial>=75%
Native American89%
White92%
Economically disadvantaged82%
Not economically disadvantaged94%
Students with disabilities39%
Students without disabilities95%
English language learnersn/a
Migrant>=80%

Science

All Students80%
Female85%
Male74%
Black57%
Asian/Pacific Islander>=80%
Hispanic50%
Multiracial>=75%
Native American74%
White82%
Economically disadvantaged67%
Not economically disadvantaged83%
Students with disabilities25%
Students without disabilities83%
English language learnersn/a
Migrant64%

Writing

All Students89%
Female95%
Male82%
Black>=60%
Asian/Pacific Islander>=80%
Hispanic70%
Multiracial>=75%
Native American86%
White91%
Economically disadvantaged79%
Not economically disadvantaged91%
Students with disabilities46%
Students without disabilities91%
English language learnersn/a
Migrant>=80%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


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.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 77% in 2011.

273 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
89%

2010

 
 
88%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
88%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 83% in 2011.

273 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
95%

2010

 
 
92%

2009

 
 
98%

2008

 
 
94%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 71% in 2011.

273 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
86%

2010

 
 
85%

2009

 
 
91%

2008

 
 
86%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


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.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 38% in 2011.

2011

 
 
47%

2010

 
 
40%

2009

 
 
44%
Reading

The state average for Reading was 57% in 2011.

26 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
63%

2010

 
 
>=80%

2009

 
 
>=75%
Writing

The state average for Writing was 52% in 2011.

19 students were tested at this school in 2011.

2011

 
 
73%

2010

 
 
63%

2009

 
 
59%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


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.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

The state average for Math was 32% in 2011.

2011

 
 
<=40%

2010

 
 
<=40%

2009

 
 
n/a
Reading

The state average for Reading was 48% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Writing

The state average for Writing was 46% in 2011.

2011

 
 
n/a

2010

 
 
n/a

2009

 
 
n/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


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.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students89%
Female93%
Male83%
Black>=60%
Asian/Pacific Islander>=80%
Hispanic60%
Multiracial>=75%
White90%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Not economically disadvantaged92%
Students with disabilities23%
Students without disabilities92%
English language learnersn/a
Migrant>=80%

Reading

All Students95%
Female98%
Male91%
Black>=60%
Asian/Pacific Islander>=80%
Hispanic>=80%
Multiracial>=75%
White96%
Economically disadvantaged88%
Not economically disadvantaged96%
Students with disabilities46%
Students without disabilities97%
English language learnersn/a
Migrant>=80%

Writing

All Students86%
Female97%
Male73%
Black>=60%
Asian/Pacific Islander>=80%
Hispanic60%
Multiracial>=75%
White88%
Economically disadvantaged73%
Not economically disadvantaged89%
Students with disabilities31%
Students without disabilities89%
English language learnersn/a
Migrant73%
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


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.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students47%
Female56%
Male40%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White56%
Economically disadvantaged<=25%
Not economically disadvantaged70%
Students with disabilities<=40%
Students without disabilities58%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Reading

All Students63%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White>=60%
Economically disadvantaged<=40%
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilities>=60%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a

Writing

All Students73%
Female>=80%
Male67%
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
White70%
Economically disadvantaged64%
Not economically disadvantaged80%
Students with disabilities<=40%
Students without disabilities85%
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


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.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Math

All Students<=40%
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Multiracialn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Reading

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a

Writing

All Studentsn/a
Femalen/a
Malen/a
Blackn/a
Asian/Pacific Islandern/a
Hispanicn/a
Whiten/a
Economically disadvantagedn/a
Not economically disadvantagedn/a
Students with disabilitiesn/a
Students without disabilitiesn/a
English language learnersn/a
Migrantn/a
Scale: % at or above proficient

About the tests


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.

See Alaska's state standards

Source: Alaska Department of Education

Breaking down the GreatSchools Rating

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 »


Student ethnicity

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%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student subgroups

  This school District averageState average
Students eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program 18%N/A34%
Source: NCES, 2008-2009

Student-teacher ratio

  This school District averageState average
Students per FTE teacher 21N/A17
Source: NCES, 2008-2009
Notice an inaccuracy? Let us know!

9550 East Colony School Dr
Palmer, AK 99645
Phone: (907) 861-5500

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