Inlet View Elementary Praised for Inclusive, Nurturing Environment

Anchorage parent highlights dedicated teachers and diverse, supportive community at local public school.

Published on Feb. 17, 2026

In an opinion piece, Aadika Singh, a parent of a kindergartner at Inlet View Elementary School in Anchorage, Alaska, praises the school's inclusive and nurturing environment. She highlights the efforts of the dedicated teachers, who go above and beyond to support students of all backgrounds and abilities, as well as the school's embrace of diversity and focus on preparing children for the real world.

Why it matters

Inlet View Elementary's approach to education serves as a model for public schools, emphasizing inclusivity, individualized support, and a well-rounded curriculum that prepares students for life beyond the classroom. In a time when public education faces many challenges, this story showcases the positive impact a school can have on a local community.

The details

Singh's son, a bright and bilingual kindergartner, has thrived at Inlet View thanks to the efforts of his teachers, who meet students where they are and push them to reach their full potential. The school's staff, including the kindergarten teacher, program coordinator, P.E. teacher, and specialists in subjects like art and Spanish, all go above and beyond to support the diverse student body. The school also embraces cultural diversity, with students learning greetings in different languages and the opportunity for parents to share aspects of their own cultures with the class.

  • In October, the children learned to greet each other every day in Punjabi before moving on to another language in November.
  • In December, the kindergarten teacher invited Singh to teach the kids a 30-minute lesson having to do with something from her Asian culture.
  • Over the winter break, Singh's son got to meet a cousin whom he hadn't met before and who speaks only with the assistance of a handheld device.

The players

Inlet View Elementary School

A public elementary school in Anchorage, Alaska, known for its inclusive and nurturing environment.

Aadika Singh

An immigrant, civil rights attorney, and mother to a toddler and a kindergartner at Inlet View Elementary School.

Mrs. Vaaia

The kindergarten teacher at Inlet View Elementary who goes above and beyond for her students.

Ms. Shepherd

The program coordinator, crossing guard, and librarian at Inlet View Elementary who supports students' interests and challenges them.

Mrs. McEvoy

The P.E. teacher at Inlet View Elementary who created an engaging scooter play village for the students.

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What they’re saying

“Teaching is clearly a calling for these educators. Their competence and care regularly bring me, a grown-up who still wears the marks of being a public school kid misfit, to tears.”

— Aadika Singh, Parent (Anchorage Daily News)

“You can prepare the road for your child, or you can prepare your child for the road.”

— Older, wiser friend (Anchorage Daily News)

The takeaway

Inlet View Elementary's inclusive and nurturing approach to education serves as a model for public schools, highlighting the positive impact a school can have on a local community when it prioritizes individualized support, cultural diversity, and preparing students for the real world.