Overview

Chemawa Indian School is an off-reservation residential learning environment serving American Indian and Alaska Native youths. Our students from grades 9 through 12 are engaged in rigorous academic programs designed to challenge and reward individual efforts. Through this approach, we equip our students with the knowledge, skills, and experiences to make meaningful contributions to their Tribal communities and society.

On this campus, we are one. We are Chemawa, strong and proud. Our Braves will develop mentally, physically, socially, and spiritually while reaching the highest academic standards and embracing every educational opportunity. Our educational program introduces students and staff to the correct application of the latest technologies that enable student connectivity beyond school walls.

Chemawa’s campus offers a safe, culturally engaging, fun atmosphere for all students and staff. Our living and learning environment includes age-appropriate dormitories, a state-of-the-art fitness center and a full-service counseling center. Students always receive adequate protections, provisions, and support services while attending our residential program.

Chemawa’s dynamic learning process maintains the highest expectations for its students and staff, who increase and capitalize on all opportunities for growth and development. Our caring and professional staff fosters mutual respect among its diverse cultures and provides mentorship for each student. We strive to fundamentally and systematically enrich and empower our students’ lives.

Mission

Our mission is to create opportunities for Native American youth to achieve success through quality education, cultural diversity, and life skills development.

We strive to maintain the highest academic standards and foster excellent educational opportunities for American Indians and Alaska Natives. Cognizant of the diversity among American and Alaska Native cultures, Chemawa shall endeavor to preserve a safe and affirmative learning environment in which caring professional staff will demonstrate their commitment, through mutual respect and input given to decision making, as mentors and role models to each student. Chemawa will strive to fundamentally and systematically administer rigorous academic programs that will challenge and reward both students and staff and facilitate the transformation of individual effort and enthusiasm into knowledge, skills, and experience necessary to make choices that enrich life, enabling each person to become positive contributors to their respective Tribal communities and society as a whole.

Chemawa fully acknowledges the learning process as "dynamic" and will continually attempt to maintain higher levels of expectations for its students and staff, affording each a diverse opportunity for meaningful growth and development. The impetus of Chemawa will be the sound use of all resources and the application of "leading edge" technologies, enabling student connectivity beyond the boundaries of school walls. Chemawa shall afford each student an opportunity to achieve his/her full potential as a shared success between themselves, parents/guardians, and our community.

Vision

Our vision is a united community embracing tradition and empowering students to develop the knowledge and skills needed to be successful in an ever-changing world.

Principal’s Message

Dear Chemawa Community! 

As an educator and now principal, my primary focus has always been empowering students to achieve success. Student success is not just about academic performance; it encompasses their personal growth, social development and overall well-being. Success is personal and individual. It is our job as a school to give students the tools and knowledge to walk through any door that defines success for them.

The staff and faculty at Chemawa have high expectations for our students. We work hard to ensure that all students have equal access to the education here and work to address any barriers that may hinder their success. Our policies and procedures promote student safety, while striving to maintain a homelike, inclusive atmosphere.

I am a firm believer that student engagement is a key factor in achieving success. I am striving to create a learning environment that actively engages students by using innovative teaching methods, incorporating technology, and providing hands-on learning activities. We encourage student voice and choice, meeting with student council monthly to listen to concerns and engage in problem-solving. We are constantly adding new programs – including textiles, culinary, agricultural, automotive and metalworks – to allow students to discover their passions and excel in areas beyond academics.

Relationships and rapport are a cornerstone to building student success and through our Check and Connect mentoring program; we are fostering positive, trusting relationships between staff and students. Through this program, a supportive environment is created allowing students to feel comfortable taking risks and asking for assistance when needed. Recognizing and acknowledging each students’ unique strengths and challenges, we can maximize their potential for success.

Thank you for choosing Chemawa and allowing my team to work with you and your children every day. We encourage you to participate in any parent open houses, teacher conferences (in person or via zoom) or even visit the campus if you have the opportunity. We would love to show you what Chemawa has to offer! 

Amanda Ward 
Principal