As Native American Heritage Month continues, we pay tribute to three charter public schools in California that serve Native American or Indigenous students and offer unique educational programs focused on teaching Native American history and culture.

Anawakalmekak (Los Angeles)

Anawakalmekak is a high-quality TK-12 charter public school dedicated to educating students about Native wisdom and appreciating Indigenous peoples’ cultural and intellectual heritage.

As an International Baccalaureate World School, Anawakalmek is the only charter public school in the United States that offers language instruction in Nahuatl (Mexihkatlahtolli), a language spoken by Nahuas who mainly live in Central Mexico, with smaller populations residing in the U.S.

Nahuatl has been spoken in central Mexico since at least the seventh century.

Photo courtesy of Anawakamelkak.  

Anawakalmekak is also a social advocacy organization that empowers and uplifts the Indigenous community in Los Angeles. For example, Anawakalmekak was vital in returning 12 acres of hillside land in northeastern Los Angeles to the Gabrielino Shoshone Nation of Southern California.

The area is now known as Chief Ya'anna Learning Village. While the Shoshone group holds legal land ownership, Anawakalmekak will remain a steward.

As such, Anawakalmekak is collaborating with local and regional Indigenous organizations to promote ecological sustainability along the hillside, restore the ecosystem, and utilize the space to educate students about Native culture.

CLICK PLAY: Learn more about Anawakamelkak's efforts to return 12 acres of land to a local tribe which is now known as Chief Ya'anna Learning Village. 

Barona Indian Charter School (San Diego County) 

Barona Indian Charter School is a K-8 charter public school where educators blend ancient teachings with modern principles of effective instruction. 

Established on the Barona Indian Reservation, many students are affiliated with the Barona Band of Mission Indians. Tribal and non-tribal students learn side-by-side about the history and cultural legacy of the Kumeyaay peoples who first inhabited the region. In addition, the charter public school offers instruction in the Kumeyaay language. 

Another unique program is the “Leader in Me” student leadership initiative, which combines Native American wisdom with effective leadership practices, helping empower students so they advocate for themselves and reach their full potential.

Barona Indian Charter School’s partnership with the Barona Cultural Center and Museum also ensures the school’s art, dance, and music programs impart the unique traditions and character of the Kumeyaay people.

WATCH THIS VIDEO: Learn about Barona Indian Charter School's unique approach to education.

Ipakanni Early College Charter School (Oroville)

Inspired by the Native American idea of open engagement with all cultures, Ipakanni Early College Charter School offers TK-12 grade students a multicultural and interdisciplinary education in Oroville, located in Northern California.

The hallmark of this charter school is how it promotes unity between students, families, community, and educators because “each of these groups plays an equally crucial role in the ecosystem of student success.” As a result, Ipakanni works to ensure students learn about the healthy stewardship of both human and ecological ecosystems.

Three Maidu tribes  opened the school in 2010 to address falling graduation rates among local Native American youth. To advance students’ academic success, educators maintain small class sizes where they can personalize instruction. 

Students at Ipakanni are encouraged to be critical and independent thinkers, as well as globally-minded citizens who use their knowledge and talents to “contribute to their community while demonstrating respect for self and others.”

Photo courtesy of Ipakanni Early College Charter School 

CCSA commends Ipakanni Early College Charter School, Barona Indian Charter School, and Anawakalmekak for offering students and their families a rigorous educational experience that beautifully mixes the past and present.

Education goes beyond academics at these charter public schools. They nurture pride, purpose, and the strength of Native peoples and traditions.