Rocky Mountain School is located in Goodnews Bay, Alaska, a small and welcoming village of about 243 residents. Situated on the north shore of Goodnews Bay at the mouth of the Goodnews River, our community is surrounded by breathtaking landscapes—rolling tundra, gentle mountains, and spectacular sunsets over Beluga Point.
Goodnews Bay has a rich history deeply connected to the Yup’ik culture, with traditions of fishing, hunting, and subsistence living passed down for generations. The area became known beyond the region when platinum was discovered in the early 20th century, attracting miners and shaping part of the village’s past. Today, while the mining era has faded, the strong connection to the land and sea remains central to daily life.
With an annual rainfall of about 22 inches and 43 inches of snowfall in winter, Goodnews Bay experiences the full beauty of Alaska’s changing seasons. Residents take pride in their efficient post office, one of the best stores in the region, and running water in most homes—luxuries not all remote villages enjoy. Whether it's fishing for all five species of salmon in the Goodnews River, hunting moose and caribou, or gathering berries in the tundra, life here is deeply rooted in the land. The sense of community, culture, and connection makes Goodnews Bay a truly special place to call home.