Curriculum + Programs

NACA's Curricular Framework includes:

Integrated Curriculum
• Core content and Skills Development.

Wellness Philosophy
• Intellectual Wellness, Physical Wellness, Social/Emotional Wellness and Community Relationships/Connection.

Culture/Language Context
• Student Centered Approach

NACA students will grow from adolescence to adulthood while successfully completing a college preparatory curriculum, learning the importance of overall wellness and healthy life practices. NACA students will learn through diverse cultures and engage in community projects. NACA students will have access to community mentors spanning a variety of careers and cultures found in New Mexico.

Curricular Development:
NACA’s founding advisory team members were selected to represent various tribes and backgrounds, multicultural perspectives, and contributed their broad professional expertise to create the overall curriculum for each content area and program.

NACA was recognized as having one of the best charter applications by the local school district. The Albuquerque Public School’s charter review team noted that NACA had met or exceeded the NM state standards while staying true to the unique learning focus integrated throughout all content areas – “NACA has been recognized as an A+ charter” as stated by Dr. Elizabeth Everitt, APS Superintendent upon approval January 18, 2006.

NACA Student Day
Students will experience a truly integrated model of learning with adults and community members serving as their teachers in addition to the core NACA staff. Specific community collaborations will guide the overall content and everyday learning in the classroom and in the community.

Courses in the middle grades include:

Math
Science
Language Arts
Literacy/Reading
Native American Studies or Navajo Language
Physical Education/Wellness
Social Studies

University of New Mexico Tribal Service Core
NACA students will transition into a full time out of school program throughout the school year that will support NACA’s learning philosophy and provide students with enrichment, athletics/intramurals, tutorials and a cultural learning.

NACA and UNM Americore have collaborated to offer NACA students with a unique opportunity in our inaugural year. The UNM Tribal Service Core will provide a 2.5 hour after school program Monday – Friday onsite. The tribal service core is a program facilitated by local Native American Undergraduate and Graduate students from the University of New Mexico who believe in supporting our youth. They will share their experience, knowledge and serve as positive role models for NACA students and provide a strong out of school program that supports NACA students in reaching their academic, physical, social/emotional and community goals.

First Nations Run to the Sun Collaboration
NACA and First Nations have collaborated to offer on site Experiential Education and related services for NACA students. Access to an experiential educator will enhance the daily instruction and out of school programs by offering students a highly engaging learning experience designed to support culture, academic learning and physical health.

This partnership will provide our families and students with access to weekend programs and off site experiential opportunities throughout the school year and summer.