As our community faces ongoing discussions about school closures and budget challenges, it’s time to take a broader look at what’s happening with education in Fairbanks. The conversation often centers around “right-sizing the district” due to declining enrollment, but this perspective may be missing a crucial piece of the puzzle.

The Numbers Tell a Different Story

According to the U.S. Census Bureau’s most recent data, we have over 17,000 school-aged children living within our borough. Yet last year, only 11,800 students were enrolled in our district — including both traditional schools and the BEST homeschool program. This means approximately 30% of our district’s children are receiving their education elsewhere, whether through out-of-district homeschooling or private schools.

This tr

See Full Page