Six Great Reasons to Attend PNA

1. Rich Curriculum

The PNA curriculum encourages independent thinking and a global perspective. A real connection is made between school life and the world around them. Students develop sophisticated problem-solving skills, applicable to academics but to life issues as well. Great benefit is derived from regular multi-age activities that highlight the mentoring role older students with younger students.

PNA%u2019s curriculum, and the way it is incorporated into the classroom, helps to develop individual character and self-awareness. PNA students have the courage to be themselves. Students%u2019 average test score achievement places them in the top 10% in the country. It prepares them for being exceptional students in high school and college. More importantly, the education at PNA better prepares students to excel as generous and productive throughout the rest of their lives.

2. Ideal Class Size

PNA%u2019s academic classes never exceed eighteen students and typically average closer to fourteen. These small classes allow teachers to provide individualized instruction and attention. Students feel safe and emotionally supported in this setting. With a smaller class %u201Cfamily%u201D and with interpersonal communication skills heightened, discipline issues at PNA are very rare.

Research indicates that small school size is as high a predictor of student success as small class size. Here, too, PNA is a leader. Even as our current 100 student enrollment grows to 150 over the next few years, PNA will remain an intimate learning community where all children are known and supported by the adults in the school.

3. High-Quality Faculty

PNA is quite young, founded in 1996, but our average teacher has 14 years of classroom experience. Nearly half of them hold advanced degrees. Teachers at PNA really care about their students and provide them with the best possible education %u2013 a curriculum that is rich, varied and imaginative. The high degree of collegiality, teamwork, and esprit d%u2019 corps among teachers, students, administrators and involved parents helps to create a seamless web of support and quality education. (see the PNA webpage %u201CFaculty%u201D for more details)

4. Kids Enjoy School

PNA students are happy at school. The intellectual engagement, the supportive community, and the atmosphere of respect result in a school experience that satisfies emotionally and socially as well as academically. The love of learning leads to higher achievement and an enhanced sense of accomplishment and self-confidence.

5. Parent and Community Involvement

PNA parents are tremendously involved in their children%u2019s education, as well as in the life of the school community. Parents describe feeling %u201Cinvited%u201D rather than %u201Cpressured%u201D to be involved. Our school is a friendly and down-to-earth place where students enjoy engaging socially with adults. The opportunities for parent involvement are as varied as our families.

PNA also engages with the broader community. Through regular community service projects associated with classroom study, students learn the value and feel the satisfaction of contributing to the greater good. Whether visiting a social service agency or cleaning up a stream, students and parents are improving the quality of life in Anchorage and beyond. These activities help to provide a broader meaning and purpose to the school community.

That our students regularly engage with parents and the community creates a sense of togetherness, of being a family. The atmosphere at PNA is one of caring, where our actions and relationships matter.

6. The Arts

At PNA, the arts are a highlight for our students. Performing arts are especially popular. Our Winter Concert and Spring Musical include every child in the school and bring the community together in celebration of the arts. The annual Brown Bag Concerts provide students with an additional opportunity to perform befo