Welcome to Newtok Ayaprun School, home of the Jaegers!
We strive to create a culture of belonging, and we operate with an emphasis on our four core values: Respect, Community, Growth, and Well-Being.
Newtok Ayaprun School has approximately 80 students in grades K-12, with four certified teachers, three Yugtun-speaking teachers, and additional (amazing) support staff. We are a Dual Language Enrichment (DLE) school, with learning rooted in the Yugtun language, values, and traditions, allowing students to learn through their culture and participation in real-life projects and activities.
At the end of 2024, after years of land erosion and permafrost degradation, the village of Newtok completed their relocation to Mertarvik. Mertarvik, on Nelson Island by the Ninglick River, is known as “the place of the spring,” where people traditionally came to gather water.
Our families enjoy subsistence activities such as hunting, fishing, and berry picking. There is a rich cultural history, including Yup’ik dance (Yuraq) and handicrafts.
We have been temporarily housed in the Mertarvik evacuation center, while our beautiful new school building is being constructed. We expect it to be finished by the end of 2026, and we look forward to adding a Pre-K class at that time.
Thank you for your interest and support!

Principal – Ashley Atkins