Education

• English 9:  1 credit (2 semesters)
• English 10:  1 credit (2 semesters)
• English 11:  0.5 credit (1 semester)
• English 12:  0.5 credit (1 semester)
• English Elective:  1 credit (2 semesters)

Specific course requirements in each subject area are set forth in the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District High School Course Catalog. Students will meet the requirements in the Course Catalog dated their freshman year.

* One-half (.5) credit is awarded for satisfactorily completing a required or elective course, which is one semester in length.

• Free Elementary and Secondary Breakfast
• $0.40 Elementary and Secondary Lunch

For information contact your school’s kitchen manager or Nutrition Services at 451-1004 ext. 16601, or email foodservice@k12northstar.org.

Please visit the school districts website for more information on whether your child/ren are eligible for free lunches during the 2023/2024 school year.

The schools on Eielson AFB are part of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District. State of Alaska law and school district policy governs all of the schools in the area. Thus programs and services are similar from school to school. Extracurricular and co-curricular activities, such as athletics, are provided within budget limitations. Senior high students are offered college preparation courses as well as vocational technical education courses. Special education is provided for exceptional children, as well as for children with learning disabilities, physical handicaps and other special needs. Eielson AFB  has a military representative on the school board to give a military perspective on policy issues.

The district's curriculum goal is to provide all students with an excellent educational program that meets basic academic needs, sets high expectations, and provides opportunities for each student to excel and develop individual talents.

The Alternative Learning System is a collection of programs in the district that fulfill needs for students in unique and sometimes unfortunate situations. This can include severe medical situations, disruptive secondary transitions for students with disabilities. ALS includes Residential Diagnostic Treatment Center, Youth Education Support Services, Students Making A Right Turn, LIFT, and the Bridge Program. For more information, visit RDT and YESS, SMART, call 907-452-2000 and call 907-452-2000 ext. 12501 for the Bridge Program.

Visit the website to learn about the OPTIONS Teen Parenting program or call Hutchison High School at 907-479-2261 ext. 119.

Kindergarten Eligibility

To enroll in Kindergarten, children must be 5 years old on or before September 1.  There are no exceptions or appeal process.

Please note:  If a child was legally enrolled in the public school of another district or state immediately preceding the move to the Fairbanks School District, the child shall be admitted to the Fairbanks school (A.S.14.03.080 (e)).

Please utilize the following link for additional information regarding Kindergarten schedules: https://www.k12northstar.org/Page/2421

For enrollment information, to include immunization requirements, please utilize the following link: https://www.k12northstar.org/enrollment

First Grade Eligibility

A child who is six (6) years of age on or before September 1 may be admitted to first grade.  There are no exceptions or appeal process.  (School Board Policy 1021.2 – Under Age and A.S.14.02.080(d)).

General Enrollment Checklist

Bring these important documents to ensure a speedy enrollment:

• Birth Certificate - A birth certificate is required for students entering kindergarten.
• Proof of Immunization
• Proof of Residency - Utility bills such as phone, water or electric

Special Education

The primary purpose of the district's Special Education department is to provide the least restrictive and most appropriate education for all students. All schools in the district offer special education programs. The pre-school program serving children ages 3-5 identifies and teaches children who are developmentally delayed or have communicative disorders; learning disabled students who need only minimal support to succeed in the regular classroom. Communicatively disordered students are placed in the Gifted and Talented Program.

High School Graduation Requirements

As of May 2017, the High School Graduation Requirements for the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District are as follows:

To receive the regular high school diploma presented by the School Board, students will be required to satisfactorily and fully complete a course of study that meets those requirements established by the State Board of Education and the district.  Students will be required to complete a minimum of 22.5 credits.

• $2.00 Elementary Breakfast 
• $3.50 Elementary Lunch 
• $2.25 Secondary Breakfast 
• $3.75 Secondary Lunch 
• $3.75 Visitor or Non-Student Breakfast 
• $5.50 Visitor or Non-Student Lunch 
• .75 cents for milk at elementary and secondary schools

Please visit the school districts website for more information on whether your child/ren are eligible for free lunches during the 2023/2024 school year.

• Alaska Studies:  0.5 credit (1 semester)
• World Studies:  1 credit (2 semesters)
• American Studies:  1 credit (2 semesters)
• Contemporary Government Studies:  0.5 credit (1 semester)
• Contemporary Economic Studies:  0.5 credit (1 semester)

• Physical Science:  1 credit (2 semesters)
• Biological Science:  1 credit (2 semesters)
• Additional Science:  1 credit (2 semesters)

One-quarter (.25) credit for the Physical Education requirement may be waived for each full season of participation in approved interscholastic or intramural athletic competition. The total credit waived shall not exceed one-full credit. Elective credit must be earned to replace the Physical Education requirement that is waived. A waiver of credit under this section does not affect the overall minimum requirements.

• Algebra I:  1 credit (2 semesters)
• Additional Math:  2 credits (4 semesters)

There are several options for families seeking private educational school opportunities within the local area, ranging from preschool through high school.  When researching private schools, be sure to inquire about any tuition assistance programs that may be available. Ask for application forms and information on school programs when contacting the schools directly. 

The Fairbanks Building Educational Success Together (BEST) is a home school for grades Kindergarten through 12 where parents bear the primary responsibility for the management of their children's education. BEST is committed to a framework in which the home is supported by the community as a viable educational alternative, a non-sectarian partnership between students, parents, professional staff, and community members where families and staff work together to customize an education for their children.

Families transitioning into Eielson AFB can contact the BEST office to schedule an appointment or to speak with an Education Specialist at 452-2000 ext. 11201 or 11202. You may also visit the BEST website for more information.

The educational opportunities at Eielson AFB, North Pole and the Fairbanks community are numerous. There are graduate, undergraduate, and doctorate degree programs as well as vocational and technical programs available. Whether you pursue your education through traditional or non-traditional means, the community offers you the opportunity to accomplish your goals. Winter months are a popular time to take courses. Registrations for each quarter are announced for both local community schools and courses given on base. Contact your Education Office for more information at DSN 317-377-5106 or 907-377-5106. All public schools in the area, including those located on base, are part of the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District.

The School Liaison Specialist (SLS) connects schools, families, and the Eielson community together in meeting the educational needs of the military child and serves as a point of contact for all who desire assistance with school-related matters. The School Liaison for Eielson AFB is Mr. Earnest Kincade.  Mr. Kincade works directly with the Fairbanks North Star Borough School District to ensure a smooth transition for military families.

Please contact Mr. Kincade at earnest.kincade.1@us.af.mil or 907-385-9460 if any assistance is needed in transition.

Tips to assist with your educational needs during your transitions both to and from Eielson AFB:

• Contact your Eielson Military & Family Readiness Center for information on your gaining installation and surrounding communities: 907-377-2178
• Visit the web page for the Alaska State Department of Education utilizing the following link: https://education.alaska.gov/. If coming from or going overseas, please visit the DODEA homepage at: https://www.dodea.edu
• Contact the housing office at the gaining installation to determine the waiting period for on-base quarters. This may determine the school your child will attend. If you will be in temporary housing, contact your School Liaison Officer for assistance.
• Check the new school calendar for starting and ending dates.
• Be familiar with the process of transferring of records, school eligibility requirements (kindergarten age) and subsequent placement of the students.
• If you have a child of high school age, get information on the gaining state's high school graduation requirements. Be familiar with the present and gaining school's grading system and weighted grades. This may affect your child's class standing/grade point average.
• Give losing school(s) adequate notice of withdrawal. It is Air Force policy to in/out process with the school.
• Hand carry all recommended school records. DO NOT PUT THESE RECORDS IN YOUR HOUSEHOLD GOODS!
• Contact the School Liaison Officer and school counselor for assistance.

Transitioning a Special Needs Student Checklist

Before you leave your current duty station: 

• Contact your local special education counselor/director and request assistance as to what should be done before the transition to the new school. Write or contact the special education director for the district that you are going to and request local policies. If coming to Eielson AFB, contact Family Advocacy at 907-377-4041 for assistance.
• Schedule an Annual, Review and Dismissal meeting to discuss the progress your child has made since your last Individualized Education Program review. Ask for written suggestions that may help your child and the staff at the new school.
• Request a copy of your child's complete educational record to include a copy of the latest IEP. Hand carry all records, samples of your child's work, and other information related to your child's education.
• Contact your local Core Compliance Expert who can recommend resources at your local base, 907-385-9640
• Take any special equipment and refill medication prescriptions that your child may need for the next few months.
• Contact the School Liaison Officer at 907-385-9460 to assist with transitioning your child to the new school.