NACA Inspired Schools Network
Resource Hub
The NACA Inspired Schools Network (NISN) is building a movement of students, families, and educators to create excellent schools relevant to the communities they serve. NISN works with fellows who are committed to Indigenous communities to establish schools in New Mexico and throughout the country that will create strong leaders who are academically prepared secure in their identities, healthy, and ultimately transforming their communities.
About NISN
Learn more about NISN Fellowships and Teams
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Visit the NISN Website
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.
NACA School-wide Resources
Native American Community Academy Elementary
Albuquerque, NM Grades K-1 Est. 2016
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.
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.
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.
Santa Clara, NM Grades K-6 Tribally Est. 2016
It is the mission of the Kha'p'o Community School to nurture children through education that embodies Kha'p'o Owinge culture, language, and values that is academically challenging and enjoyable. Working together as a community, we enable them to be proficient Tewa and English speakesr, support their physical and emotional well-being, encourage their critical thinking and imagination, and inspire their love of learning.
The Six Directions Indigenous School, approved in 2015 to open it's doors in 2016, is committed to culturally relevant indigenous education and interdisciplinary project-based learning to develop critically conscious students who are engaged in their communities, demonstrate holistic wellbeing, and have a personal plan for succeeding in post-secondary opportunities. Its six priorities include: rigorous academics, language, purpose and power, community, culture, and holistic wellbeing.