Nicholas J. Begich Middle School is a public middle school in Anchorage, Alaska, serving 882 students in grades 6-8 and is part of the Anchorage School District, which is ranked 14 out of 24 districts in the state.
Despite serving a diverse student population, Nicholas J. Begich Middle School consistently ranks in the bottom quartile of Alaska middle schools, with academic performance significantly below the Anchorage School District and Alaska state averages. The school has a higher percentage of African American, Hispanic, Native American, and Pacific Islander students compared to nearby schools like Mirror Lake Middle School, Goldenview Middle School, and Romig Middle School, which generally perform much better academically. Additionally, over 75% of Nicholas J. Begich Middle School students qualify for free or reduced-price lunch, indicating a high level of economic disadvantage among the student population.
The persistent academic underperformance of Nicholas J. Begich Middle School, combined with its diverse and economically disadvantaged student population, raises questions about equity in educational opportunities and outcomes within the Anchorage School District. The school's challenges suggest the need for a comprehensive review of its resources, instructional practices, and support systems to address the underlying factors contributing to the achievement gap.
Students at Nicholas J. Begich Middle School are 19% Two or more races, 19% White, 16% Asian, 15% Hispanic, 13% Pacific Islander, 11% American Indian, 7% African American.
Anchorage School District
In the 2022-23 school year, 882 students attended Nicholas J. Begich Middle School.
Nicholas J. Begich Middle School ranks in the bottom 6.6% of Alaska middle schools.
Students who attend Nicholas J. Begich Middle School usually go on to attend Bartlett High School