Kake City School District (KCSD) serves the community of Kake, Alaska, through one school—Kake Elementary & High School—covering pre-K through grade 12, as well as the Shirley Jackson Community Library. With just over 100 students, the district provides small class sizes, close relationships, and strong community connections.

Grounded in Tlingit heritage and values, KCSD’s mission is to nurture integrity, confidence, and compassion in students, preparing them to be respectful, successful learners and responsible citizens. The district emphasizes both academic achievement and cultural education, offering programs such as marine safety training, cultural heritage projects, athletics, and hands-on learning tied to local traditions.

Challenges include addressing academic achievement gaps, reducing chronic absenteeism, and navigating the constraints of a small, rural setting. Strengths include its personalized learning environment, integration of cultural identity, and a strong sense of community support.

KCSD is led by a superintendent/principal and a locally elected school board, with staff who are deeply invested in student success despite the unique challenges of rural Alaska.