Welcome
to Our School
Situated in the heart of Arizona just North of the Mazatzal Mountains, the Tonto Apache Community School is the only tribally controlled school on the Tonto Apache Reservation serving students in Kindergarten through 8th grade
Achieving Sovereign Education
Our K-8th elementary program at the Tonto Apache Community School is a comprehensive elementary education program offering in-person, curriculum-based instruction in math, sciences, social studies and language arts. As a tribally-controlled school, our institution has flexibility in curriculum choice for all grades. While fully aligned with Arizona state standards to prepare our students for high school, much of our curriculum exceeds the national standards in math and literacy while also incorporating community-based extracurricular activities such as nutrition classes, physical education, health education, gardening, cultural arts & Apache Language.
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Personalized Learning
Our community school offers a unique and personalized educational experience for students. Unlike traditional schools, we provide a multi-age "one-room schoolhouse" setting that allows for one-on-one instruction and small group collaboration.
We believe in personalized education for all students. That's why we offer one-on-one and small group learning. Innovative play and project-based learning opportunities allow students to expand their learning in a fun and engaging way while small group sizes allow teachers to differentiate instruction that meet the unique needs of each student.
Blended Environment
Our unique "one-room schoolhouse" approach allows for a multi-age group of students to develop real-world relationships and improve their social skills by interacting with peers of different ages and stages of development. Through learning, intentional play, and caring for one another, students of all ages benefit from this inclusive environment.
Self Paced
Our approach focuses on mastery-based learning rather than standard grade levels, giving students the freedom to learn at their own pace. We prioritize play and exploration, allowing children to take responsibility for their own learning and develop important executive functioning skills.
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This approach to teaching can be challenging for those used to the traditional classroom model. The old idea assumes that all students should learn the same content at the same time. However, we challenge this idea by allowing students to help pave the course based on their interests and readiness. With the guidance of their teachers (and parents) this approach encourages students to learn at their own pace and gain true understanding through experiences and collaborative interactions.
Community-based
As a small community and tribe, one of our goals at the Tonto Apache Community School is to revive the notion that community is an essential part of child development.
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We truly believe it takes a village, and we are proud to help foster the relationship between our community and invite them to be part of the learning experience at the Tonto Apache Community School.
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Current extracurricular programs offered at our school are graciously provided by members of our community including tribal health departments and cultural representatives.
Tonto Apache Community School is non-sectarian in its programs, admissions policies, employment practices and all other operations. It shall not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, disability, age, religion, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, genetic information, alienage, parental status, veteran status, family status, nor marital status in its programs or activities, or in its employment decisions, and provides equal access to designated youth groups.