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Ketchikan High School

Room 221

Office Hours: 8:00 am - 4:00 pm

(907) 225-9815

KETCHIKAN HIGH SCHOOL PROFILE

ECONOMY

Ketchikan is economically diverse. Fishing, timber, health, education, governmental agencies and tourism comprise our major industries. We are the major southernmost city in Southeast Alaska. Ketchikan is often referred to as the Gateway to Alaska. As the fourth largest city in Alaska, we are a major commercial hub for all of Southeast Alaska and the cruise ship industry.

LIFESTYLE

Island life in Alaska offers a unique background for students. Ketchikan is situated among a tropical rainforest. Airways and waterways are our only connection to the rest of Alaska. We receive an annual rainfall of 165” that creates lush forests among scenic mountains. Endless coastlines act as a backdrop to unparalleled outdoor recreational opportunities and water activities. Remote island life offers lessons in resourcefulness -- teaching students to overcome challenges different from those of continental U.S.

HIGH SCHOOL DESCRIPTION

Ketchikan High School (Kayhi) has accreditation with Northwest Association of Accredited Schools for its four-year program. Enrollment is typically about 650 students. Students take six 55-minute classes with an option for a 7th class (a zero hour). PTR is normally <30 per class for rigorous academic subjects and <20 in vocational skill development areas.

PROGRAMS AND EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES

Ketchikan High School participates in many team and individual sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross-Country, Diving, Football, Swimming, Softball, Soccer, Track & Field, Volleyball and Wrestling. Inter-scholastic sports and clubs find teams ferrying up to two days to reach a tournament -- making each competition an adventure. The Music Department consists of Concert, Jazz and Pep Band; Wind Ensemble; Jazz and Concert Choirs. Yearbook (“The Williwaw”), Drill Team, Pep Club, Class Act (Freshmen Mentor Program), SBA, National Honor Society, Academic Decathalon, Impact, Debate, Cheerleading and other clubs enhance a challenging school program.

Students can also backpack, hike, mountaineer or snowboard down local peaks such as Deer Mountain. The archipelago is conducive to kayaking, fishing, boating, diving, and photography. Ketchikan is also known for its fine arts programs, an outstanding ballet program as well as many nationally acclaimed artistic opportunities. The arts community regularly attracts many prominent artists.

CURRICULUM

A comprehensive curriculum includes the following: college preperation; medical terminology and applied child psychology; career & tech education (CTE) such as welding, auto, construction, drafting, photo, culinary arts, video production; Business classes including accounting; computers; and fine arts. A full range of native, migrant and special education services exists. We have correspondence and on-line instructional opportunities to expand and enhance our core classes that also allows credit recovery for struggling students.

ADVANCED PLACEMENT COURSES & HONORS CLASSES

We offer Advanced Placement (AP) courses in English (Literature & Language/Composition), Science (Biology and Chemistry), Social Studies (one semester of Economics, European History alternates yearly with World History) and Math (Calculus and Statistics). Enrollment (except Economics) is limited to juniors and seniors and we recommend no more than two AP courses per year. Our partnership with the University of Alaska Southeast (UAS) in rigorous academic and vocational areas allows dual enrollment opportunities in such advanced classes as Medical Terminology, Applied Childhood Psychology and Welding. Besides AP offerings, UAS offers Kayhi students non-traditional classes while in high school. Those specific college opportunities vary from year to year.

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

One school year equals 180 days split into two semesters with 22 credits overall to graduate: 4- English, 3- Science, 3- Math, 3- Social Studies, .5- Health, .5- PE, .5 - Careers, 7.5- electives. One semester course is equivalent to .5 credits. Student must pass state competency tests such as the High School Graduation Qualifying Exam (HSGQE) in reading, writing, and math plus perform 100 hours of paid or volunteer work experience as well as complete the State of Alaska job application.

GRADING

Weighted letter grades are to be awarded in each subject area on a four-point scale as follows: A (4.0) = 90-100%, B (3.0) = 80-89%, C (2.0) = 70-79%, D (1.0) = 60-69%, F (0) = less than 60%. AP classes A (5.0), B (4.0) while a C or below receives an unweighted grade. Non-Credit (NC) classes are calculated into the GPA by a pass/no-pass system. A Pass (P) gives credit, but does not figure into the GPA. Credit/No-Credit is available for electives if requested during the first two weeks of a semester. Incomplete (INC) are changed to an F (0) ten school days after the end of the grading period unless replaced by a passing mark.

PREVIOUS SENIOR PLACEMENT STATISTICS

58% of our graduates go to a four year college/university; 20% go to community colleges; 3% head off to a vocational-technical school; while 19% opt for other opportunities (military, work or unsure).