NISN Affiliated Schools
Learn more about each of the NISN affiliated schools and their communities.
Network Schools in New Mexico
Native American Community Academy
Albuquerque, New Mexico Grades 6-12
In 2006, the Native American Community Academy (NACA) launched as a community-led school in Albuquerque, New Mexico. It is the first urban charter school specifically focused on increasing the number of Native American students who choose the path of college - many as the first person in their family. By using a culturally-competent model, NACA students establish their path toward success.
Since inception, NACA grew from a middle school, then added a high school, and has now graduated three senior classes. Of graduates, 90-95% of were accepted to colleges and universities, with Yale, Brown, Cornell, University of New Mexico, and Princeton among the 45 higher education institutions extending invitations. The school has been recognized by the National Association of Secondary School Principals as a Breakthrough School, among other notable commendations, and has received early growth capital to identify “what works” and share best practices.
NACA’s student body is diverse with many cultural and ethnic backgrounds represented, including students from more than 60 different tribes. NACA integrates culture, wellness, language, community, family, and preparation for college into each child’s education, which integrates partnership with families and the larger NACA community.
Raíces del Saber Xinachtli Community School
Las Cruces, NM Grades K-1
Raíces opened its doors in the fall of 2019, providing a new way for the next generation to learn about their culture, and apply it directly within their education. Innovative in its approach, Raíces uses a Dual-Language two-way immersion 90/10 model integrating a MesoAmerican Indigenous Curriculum Knowledge approach.
Raíces creates an environment where students and parents are valued as participants in the construction of knowledge and the creation of a learning community that promotes high academic performance, positive identity formation, and the reclaiming of cultural heritage.
DREAM DINÉ
Shiprock, New Mexico Grades K-4
Dream Dine’, started in 2014, offers an integrated experiential curriculum grounded in the unique culture, geography and history of Shiprock and the Dine’ (Navajo) people. This dual language program, in English and Dine’, strives to nurture curious and fearless young people who are fully committed to their personal and their community progress, relationships, identity and wellness.
Native American Community Academy Elementary School
Albuquerque, New Mexico Grades K-4 (eventually K-5)
Building off of the success of the Native American Community Academy (NACA) middle and high schools, in the Fall of 2016, we will be launching the inaugural NACA Elementary school beginning with kindergarten and first grades. The curriculum will be rigorous, engaging, and relate to students' identities and communities in a relevant way.
Kha'p'o Community School
Santa Clara Pueblo, NM Grades K-6
In the Fall of 2016, Kha'p'o Community School became officially recognized as a Tribally-Controlled school of the Pueblo of Santa Clara. Making the transition from a BIE school has allowed them to engage in education that embodies Kha’p’o Owinge culture, language, and values that are academically challenging and enjoyable.
Kha’p’o believes that by working together as a community we enable our youth to be proficient Tewa and English speakers, support their physical and emotional well-being, encourage their critical thinking and imagination, and inspire their love of learning.
DZIŁ DIT Ł'OOÍ SCHOOL OF EMPOWERMENT, ACTION AND PERSEVERANCE (DEAP)
Navajo, New Mexico Grades 6-9
DEAP opened in Fall 2015 offering grades 6 and 7. They anticipate adding a grade each year until it is a functioning Grades 6-12 school.
DEAP honors the history and legacy of Dził Ditł'ooí by consciously balancing the needs of the land with the needs of the people through Dine’ culture revitalization, community action and empowerment, service learning, experiential learning based in Agriculture education, a wellness and perseverance philosophy, and career and college prep focus.
SIX DIRECTIONS INDIGENOUS SCHOOL
Gallup, New Mexico Grades 6-12
Recognizing the need to re-imagine education for Native Youth in the Gallup area, SDIS was launched in the fall of 2016. With a commitment to ensuring students' cultural identities are seen as assets and are represented in the curriculum, SDIS incorporates daily instruction in both Zuni and Diné language and strives to present applicational opportunities for students to be active learners rather than passive participants in academia.
