School Overview
Birchtree Charter School, located in Palmer, Alaska, is a public charter school that operates under the mission of providing a holistic, arts-integrated education based on the Waldorf pedagogical model. Serving students from kindergarten through eighth grade, the school emphasizes a developmental approach to learning, focusing on the integration of academics, arts, and practical skills. By fostering a nurturing environment, Birchtree seeks to cultivate the intellectual, emotional, and social growth of its students, encouraging them to become lifelong learners who are deeply connected to their community and the natural world.

The school’s curriculum is distinct for its interdisciplinary nature, where subjects like mathematics, science, and literacy are often taught through creative storytelling, music, and hands-on projects. Community involvement and parent partnership are core pillars of the Birchtree experience, with the school maintaining a strong emphasis on fostering a close-knit, collaborative culture. By balancing rigorous academic standards with a focus on student well-being and creative expression, Birchtree Charter School offers a unique alternative within the Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District, preparing students for success both in high school and beyond.
416
Total Students
23.6
Full-Time Teachers
17.6
Student/Teacher Ratio
N/A
Free/Reduced Lunch
Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Birchtree Charter School
Demographic Student Count
White329
Hispanic17
Black1
Two or More51
American Indian17
Pacific Islander1
  • White
    329 (79.1%)
  • Two or More
    51 (12.3%)
  • Hispanic
    17 (4.1%)
  • American Indian
    17 (4.1%)
  • Black
    1 (0.2%)
  • Pacific Islander
    1 (0.2%)
School Location
School Details
Status: Open
School Level: Elementary School
School Type: Regular School
Charter Status:* Charter School
Virtual Instruction: No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status: No
District: Matanuska-Susitna Borough School District
Phone: (907)745-1831
Website: http://www.birchtreecharterschool.org/
Grade Range: K - 8th
Total Students: 416
Full-Time Teachers (FTE): 23.6
Pupil/Teacher Ratio: 17.6
NSLP Participation:1 No
Qualified Free Lunch: 0
Qualified Reduced Lunch: 0
Grades Taught
Kindergarten 63
Grade 1 48
Grade 2 49
Grade 3 48
Grade 4 49
Grade 5 45
Grade 6 48
Grade 7 38
Grade 8 28

Grades Taught Data Table

Grades Taught and Student Counts for Birchtree Charter School
Grade Student Count
Kindergarten63
Grade 148
Grade 249
Grade 348
Grade 449
Grade 545
Grade 648
Grade 738
Grade 828
Gender Ratio

Student Gender Ratio Data Table

Student Gender Ratio for Birchtree Charter School
Gender Student Count Percentage
Female22253.4%
Male19446.6%
Nearby Elementary Schools (Within 10 Miles)