Pacific Northern Academy

08/31/2026

✨Meet Nancy✨

Profe Boxler is beginning her fifth year at Pacific Northern Academy and brings more than 30 years of experience in education. She was honored as one of Alaska's Top 20 Educators in 2020.

Profe has a Master's Degree in Curriculum and Instruction and is a passionate advocate for language learning, believing that every student deserves the opportunity to become proficient in another language.

We're grateful to have Profe Boxler as part of the PNA community and look forward to another year of inspiring students through Spanish learning.

Want to learn more about PNA 👇

📍Book a tour and apply on our website. Link in bio/comments

08/27/2026

Huge congratulations to our very own Lea Rueter for receiving the national 2026 Matthew Gillam Award, presented at the JETAA (Japan Exchange and Teaching Alumni Association) USA National Conference 🎉

This honor celebrates Lea's 10+ years of incredible leadership and dedication as the driving force behind JETAA Alaska.

Thank you, Lea, for your wonderful work mentoring alumni, building community, and sharing Japanese culture across our state. PNA is proud of you! 💛💚

08/21/2026

✨Meet Val✨

This is Val’s first year as the Development Director at PNA. With 14 years of experience in education and training, plus a background in event coordination, she is looking forward to engaging and building connections with the community.

She holds a bachelor’s degree in history from the University of Tennessee at Martin, and a master’s degree in outdoor and environmental education from Alaska Pacific University. 📚

Want to learn more about PNA👇

📍Book a tour and apply on our website. Link in bio/comments

08/20/2026

✨Meet Candice✨

Ms. B brings 15 years of teaching experience from schools across the Lower 48 and has proudly called Alaska home for the past five years. When she's not teaching, you'll likely find her exploring the outdoors: hiking, biking, camping, skiing, and adventuring with her partner, their two daughters, and their Alaskan Malamute, Zuko. Candice is passionate about helping students develop healthy habits and discover the joy of movement

She is excited to begin her second year at PNA! During her first year, she introduced Barefoot Day, a tradition that quickly became a favorite among students. 👣

Here's to another great year of learning, movement, and adventure with Candice at PNA! 🏃‍♀️

Want to learn more about PNA👇

📍Book a tour and apply on our website. Link in bio/comments

08/12/2026

What an amazing first day of school! 🎒📚

New friends, amazing teachers, and a new climbing dome and water fountain!!

Huge shoutout to:
, , and Siegel's Construction for their amazing work on the climbing dome.

The Sowinski/Scordino, Fregly, and Vetter families for their help in assembling the structure.

Brian O'Kronley, who installed the new water fountain 💧

See you tomorrow for another fun day of learning 💚💛

07/31/2026

We have great news to share! 📢

PNA has received a garden grant from Whole Foods Market Foundation!

We’re also excited to share that we made our first garden donation to Beans Cafe. It’s our first step in giving back to our wonderful community.

Thank you to Jessica Sowinski, Lea Rueter, Rita Lorenz, and the advancement team for making this possible 💛💚

We’re so grateful to be growing together🌱

07/29/2026

The countdown is on! ⌛

We can't wait to welcome our students back for another year of learning and growth.

Whether you're joining us for the first time or returning for another incredible year, we're excited to see you soon!

Enjoy the rest of your summer! We'll see you in 15 days! 💚💛

07/27/2026

✨Meet Meghan✨
This year marks Ms. Meghan's fourth year at PNA! After joining our community in 2022 as a kindergarten teacher, she is now teaching second grade and loves helping her students grow each day.

Originally from the Midwest, Meghan spent nine years teaching Junior Kindergarten at Park Tudor School in Indianapolis. She holds dual master's degrees in Early Childhood Education and Special Education, is trained in LETRS, and is currently working toward her Handwriting Without Tears certification.

She is an amazing teacher who truly connects with every one of her students.

Want to learn more about PNA? 👇

📍Book a tour and apply on our website. Link in bio/comments.

07/24/2026

07/22/2026

✨Meet Marcella✨

For more than 22 years, Ms. Hitchcock has inspired students at PNA through creativity, curiosity, and a love of learning. She's taught several different grades at PNA and is currently our Arts Integration teacher and our PBL Coach.

She has been recognized as one of Alaska's Top 20 Educators of the Year. She holds a degree in Elementary Education with an emphasis in Language Arts and an Arts Integration certification, is about to complete her Master's in Art Education, and continues to expand her expertise in Project-Based Learning. 🎨

Marcella loves helping students connect academics with the arts, encouraging creativity, critical thinking, and meaningful learning every day. Her passion for lifelong learning and growth inspires everyone in her classroom.

Want to learn more about PNA? 👇

📍Book a tour and apply on our website. Link in bio/comments