About Us

Six Directions Indigenous School began as a grassroots vision in 2014: a group of educators, families, and advocates seeking to transform public education for Native youth in northwest New Mexico. In a region long marked by systemic inequities—from staggering achievement gaps to disproportionate discipline of Native students—we believed something different was possible.

We listened. Over 70 one-on-one conversations and community meetings shaped the foundation of our school. Parents, educators, chapter houses, and youth told us they wanted a school grounded in Indigenous knowledge, cultural responsibility, and high expectations—one that would prepare students for college, careers, and community leadership.

In September 2015, our charter was approved by the New Mexico Public Education Commission by a vote of 8-1. We opened our doors soon after with a bold mission: to nurture students who are holistically well, academically prepared, and culturally grounded—ready to carry their communities forward.

Today

Now a fully accredited 6–12 charter school, Six Directions Indigenous School is a model of educational transformation:

• In 2025, we received the Public Education Commission Turnaround Recognition Award for Excellence, the only charter school in the state to do so.

• Our ELA proficiency rose from 6% to 56.6% in just one year.

• We moved from the state’s CSI/MSI designation to “Traditional” status in a single cycle.

• We boast a 100% graduation rate, with seniors matriculating to college, career, and community-based leadership roles.

• Our students lead advocacy efforts, participate in governance, and are engaged in land-based learning, language revitalization, and civic action.

• Our interdisciplinary model integrates Indigenous knowledge systems, hands-on projects, critical literacy, and high academic rigor, aligned with culturally responsive practices.

We are not replicating a Western system. We are reclaiming Indigenous education—community-led, future-facing, and grounded in ancestral brilliance.