Kwiyagat Community Academy

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why Kwiyagat Community Academy was nominated

Kwiyagat Community Academy (KCA) distinguishes itself through a profound commitment to integrating Nuchiu culture and language into its educational framework, thereby advancing equity and fostering student-centered learning. Advancing Equity: • Cultural Revitalization: KCA emphasizes the revitalization of Nuchiu language and culture, grounding students in a positive self-identity and fostering mutual respect within the community. • Community Integration: As the first Colorado charter school located on an Indian reservation, KCA serves the Ute Mountain Ute community, ensuring that education is accessible and relevant to its students' cultural backgrounds. Student-Centered Learning: • Small Class Sizes: The academy maintains small class sizes, allowing for personalized instruction and stronger student-teacher relationships, which cater to individual learning needs. • Interdisciplinary, Indigenous, and Project-Based Approach: KCA employs a holistic teaching methodology that integrates indigenous knowledge with modern perspectives, engaging students actively in their learning processes. • High Academic Expectations: The school upholds rigorous academic standards, aiming to develop desired character skills, personal wellness, and community involvement among students. Through these initiatives, Kwiyagat Community Academy effectively promotes equity and student-centered learning, preparing students to be contributing members of both their local and global communities., Kwiyagat Community Academy (KCA) reimagines the purpose of school by centering Indigenous knowledge, Nuchiu language, and cultural identity within every aspect of teaching and learning. KCA restructures learning around small class sizes, holistic development, and a curriculum that integrates traditional ecological knowledge, community values, and project-based learning. This approach creates an environment where students feel known, grounded, and empowered, and where school becomes a meaningful extension of cultural revitalization and community strength. By honoring students’ identities and expanding their academic and personal capacities, KCA creates a transformative, engaging learning experience.

Student experience design

After generations of systemic violence in district schools, the Kwiyagat Community Academy was created in 2021 to empower Nuchiu youth through an inclusive educational model grounded in our language, culture, and traditions. As educators and community members, we know that in order to uplift our language and culture, we must reclaim the story of education for our people, heal the rifts dividing the Towaoc community, and provide young people with meaningful opportunities to engage with traditions and ceremony. Through the capstone process, students will lead by example as good relatives, demonstrating responsibility and advocacy for their community, the people, and the land at home and in the outside world.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
Culturally Responsive Practices	3-4 years
Dual Language Programming	3-4 years
SEL Integration School-wide	1-2 years
Trauma-informed Practices	3-4 years
Tutoring	3-4 years

All Practices

Advancement On Mastery

Anti-racist Practices

Assessments For Agency And Self-directed Learning

Assessments For Social-emotional Skills

Flexible Staffing & Alternative Teaching Roles

Project-based Learning

Performance Based Assessment

High Quality Instructional Materials

SEL Curriculum

Service Learning

key reasons for innovating