Kwiyagat Community Academy in Towaoc is welcoming students back to school for its sixth year. The school now serves over 70 students from kindergarten through fifth grade, and applications for enrollment are still open.

Social media: Kwiyagat Community Academy in Towaoc welcomes students back to school for the sixth year.

KCA is a Public Charter School authorized by the Colorado Charter School Institute.

“As we embark upon our sixth year of programming in Towaoc, it is heartening to see so many new and returning faces come through our doors,” a news release from the school said.

Even with the “significant” growth, the school is remaining committed to its founding mission. With this mission, the school works to “ensure an educational program where the Nuchu culture and language guides the educational experience.”

The school’s culture is defined by small class sizes “with an interdisciplinary, Indigenous and project-based approach” resulting in high academic expectations and desired character skills, personal wellness and community involvement,” the release said.

Every day, students attend culture classes that allow them to learn and practice Nuchu language and cultural traditions.

“These traditions are also woven into the fabric of the school, integrated into classrooms and core academic classes,” the school said.

The news release added that KCA has been using “Wonders” as its reading curriculum and “Everyday Mathematics” as its math curriculum to provide its teachers with academic structure and resources that are in line with Colorado Academic Standards. The curriculum was selected with input from parents, community members, school board members, Tribal Council representatives and KCA staff.

The curricula also allows the academy to “build consistency grade to grade.”

Students are provided electives such as art, music, social-emotional learning and PE, with bike riding offered as an option in physical education.

The school also commits itself to serving students holistically by having interventionists on campus to support students both academically and socially-emotionally.

“We appreciate the continued support of our KCA families and community. We are proud of the work our teachers and students have accomplished over the past five years, and we remain committed to providing an education that is academically strong while remaining true to the mission and identity of Kwiyagat Community Academy,” the release said.

Those who wish to enroll, have questions or would like a tour of the school can call 238-6716.

bduran@the-journal.com