SIX DIRECTIONS INDIGENOUS SCHOOL

SIX DIRECTIONS INDIGENOUS SCHOOL is a Title I public charter middle school that is part of the SIX DIRECTIONS INDIGENOUS SCHOOL school district, located in GALLUP, NM with about 72 students offering grade levels from 6th Grade to 8th Grade. A Title I school provides supplemental financial assistance to school districts for children from low-income families. Its purpose is to provide all children significant opportunity to receive a fair, equitable, and high-quality education. With about 4 teachers, SIX DIRECTIONS INDIGENOUS SCHOOL has a student/teacher ratio of about 18:1. The national average for public schools is about 15:1. A lower student/teacher ratio is a key factor that determines how much a teacher can devote his/her time to each individual student thus improving, or reducing (in the event of a higher student/teacher ratio) the attention each student is given for their educational needs.

SIX DIRECTIONS INDIGENOUS SCHOOL (SDIS), located in Gallup, New Mexico, is a unique, community-driven institution dedicated to serving Indigenous students through an educational model that deeply integrates culture, language, and community engagement. As a public charter school, it emphasizes a holistic approach to learning, prioritizing not only academic proficiency but also the development of "well-being" through a framework rooted in Indigenous values. By creating a culturally responsive environment, the school seeks to bridge the gap between traditional Western education and the distinct knowledge systems and identities of its students, who primarily come from the surrounding Diné (Navajo) and other regional tribal communities.

The school is distinguished by its commitment to student-led learning and place-based education, often focusing on projects that address real-world issues within the local Gallup community. The curriculum is designed to foster critical thinking, leadership, and a strong sense of belonging, aiming to empower students to become active contributors to their tribal nations and the broader society. By fostering a supportive, family-like atmosphere and emphasizing the importance of ancestral knowledge, SIX DIRECTIONS INDIGENOUS SCHOOL functions as more than just an academic center; it serves as a space for cultural revitalization and the holistic empowerment of the next generation of Indigenous leaders.

For more information, contact SIX DIRECTIONS INDIGENOUS SCHOOL at (505) 863-1900 or visit the school personally to speak with a faculty or administrative member about any specific questions you may have.