INFORMATION ABOUT CENTER SCHOOL
What is Center School? | Who
attends Center School?
What are
the goals? | What does the school offer?
| How can I help?
What
and where | Students | Culture
 
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What is
NAWAYEE Center School
NAWAYEE Center School was a founding member of the Minneapolis
Foundation of Alternative schools in the early 1970's. With a strong
commitment to alternative education and serving American Indian
youth, Center school evolved from an informal drop-in service to
what it is today -- an alternative urban high school focusing on
American Indian youth in grades 7 through 12. since 1981, NAWAYEE
Center School has received accreditation through the North Central
Association of Schools and Colleges, the recognized governing body
of public and private school certification. The majority of the
school's Board of Directors is American Indian parents and professionals
from the community.
[Top]
 Who attends
NAWAYEE Center School
The school is open to students 12 to 21 years old enrolled in grades
7 through 12 who have experienced problems within the regular school
system. Primarily students are American Indian and are considered
at risk under MN Statue 126.22. Minneapolis Public School personnel,
parents, and community members may refer students.
NA-WAY-EE is an Ojibwe term that means 'the center.' [Top]
What are the goals
Mission: Providing transformative education, grounded in indigenous
life-ways and love of learning
Tagline: Nawayee -- Learning from the Center. Inspiring a sense of place and direction, within the Circle of Life, from which students discover strength, purpose
and vision.
Long Term Vision: Center School will exemplify excellence in indigenous education. [Top]
 What does the school offer
Our mission is carried out by:
- Providing accredited junior and senior high school classes
- Promoting chemically healthy lifestyles through prevention teachings
and monthly activities
- Youth leadership through a joint decision making partnership
between staff and students
- Opportunities to develop and strengthen cultural pride through
daily practice of positive cultural values
- Small classes that allow students to learn more about their
culture such as Ojibwe/Dakota Language, Native Issues, Drum Group,
and Outfit Making
[Top]
How can I help
NAWAYEE Center School is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization. We
appreciate the contributions from funders and generous donations
from the community.
Our student population is grouped according to a clan system, from
youngest to oldest.
- Otters
- Bears
- Buffalos
- Wolves
- Eagles
[Top]
 What and Where
Located on the 2400 block of Bloomington Avenue, Center School
has been educating Native American youth for 30 years. Na-way-ee
means "The Center". The Center School is one of only four
alternative or charter schools focusing on Native American education.
Of those four, we are the oldest and the only one located in Phillips
neighborhood, the heart of the Native American Community. Accredited
by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, the Center
School is a member of the Metropolitan Federation of Alternative
Schools. [Top]
Students
This year, Center School is enrolling 60 young people in grades
7-12. Most of our youth come from the immediate Phillips neighborhood.
Typically, students at center School have encountered difficulties
at public school. Many of them have dropped out of lost credits
because of poor attendance. Center School provides a fresh start
with small classes and a culturally focused curriculum. [Top]
Culture
We integrate Native culture with academics and support services.
Cultural classes include art, spirituality, family, community, and
oral traditions. American Indian cultural value and beliefs are
modeled and integrated throughout the entire curriculum. In addition
to accredited academic, elective classes include Beadwork, Drum
Group, Outfit Making, and Positive Indian Parenting. [Top]
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