Charter Schools

Charter School Summaries

The Fairbanks North Star Borough School District has five public charter schools. Each charter school has a unique and exciting way to meet the needs of students and their families.  Please read below for a brief description of each school.  To learn more, click on the name of the school to visit their website. 

Boreal Sun Charter

     The Boreal Sun Charter School will provide K-8 students with a cross-curricular arts integrated program, inspired by the philosophy of Waldorf Education. State standards will be met with significant attention given to the developmental model of the unfolding child as practiced in the Waldorf philosophy.

 Chinook Charter

       Based upon a teaching philosophy and practices developed by Dr. Maria Montessori, Chinook Montessori Charter School, offers a nurturing multi-age environment which supports a highly rigorous academic program. The K-8 classrooms at Chinook are carefully crafted learning environments, where children work on a variety of often hands-on activities at their own pace. This promotes a blend of freedom of inquiry as well as a sense of self-discipline. Under the guidance of a trained teacher, children learn by making discoveries with materials, cultivating concentration, motivation, self-discipline and love of learning. Computers are also an integral part of the learning environment. Each classroom has networked models and older students have access to their own wireless laptops. Chinook's philosophy is also grounded in the belief that valuable learning extends beyond the classroom into the community.

 Discovery Peak Charter

     Discovery Peak is the newest charter school in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.  Learners at Discovery Peak will experience a rigorous, innovative, and personalized academic program in grades K-8. Through hands-on discovery, community-focused problem solving, and increased physical activity, our students will engage in a unique, learn-by-doing curriculum.

 Effie Kokrine Charter

     This free public school is for Native and non-Native students in grades 7-12 who are looking for a small school focusing on rigorous academics, an early start to college, individual and contemporary knowledge. While the school is grounded in Alaska Native cultural beliefs and values, we focus on all students, no matter what their cultural background, helping them learn and value their own culture. All students are welcome to apply.

 Watershed Charter

The Watershed School promotes the development of students with a strong sense of place who will be prepared to serve as stewards of their community. By gaining a working understanding of the history, government, people, places, and ecology of Alaska’s interior, students will be able to expand their competency to the rest of the world. We will teach each child with care, encouraging imaginative work and play, analytical and critical thinking skills, and a sense of social and ecological responsibility. At every opportunity, we will provide students with meaningful explorations and activities outside the classroom that will motivate the children towards academic excellence.