St. Michael Indian School

The philosophy of St. Michael Indian School is to create a community of faith and learning in which students can develop spiritually and intellectually. Saint Michael Indian School recognizes parents as primary and principal educators of their children. Saint Michael Indian School strives to provide a comprehensive curriculum combining traditional academic subjects, formal religious instruction, a wide range of technology, art, and athletic programs, and opportunities for philanthropic service in the community. Saint Michael Indian School makes a genuine effort to assure each student’s progress, to build self-confidence, and to create a healthy self-image, helping the student to grow in integrity, responsibility, and preparation for higher education.

Our role as Catholic educators calls us to Evangelization to share the message of the Gospel by word, worship, and the witness of our lives. Respect describes how we want to treat each other. Excellence is what we strive for in all areas, and Empowerment is a means to assure our decisions and actions are in line with our mission. A belief in Diversity enables us to value differences and expand our awareness of others. Four pillars drive newly developed (and still developing) Integral Student Outcomes (ISO’s):

BODY that is active
· Our students will participate in rigorous exercise and/or team sports to learn the value of fairness, competition, and team-building
· Our students will graduate from SMIS with the ability to lead a healthy lifestyle.
· Our students will understand the value of physical education, healthy eating and a stress-free lifestyle that refrains from the use of alcohol, drugs and violence.

MIND that is prepared
· Our students will become 21st-century learners by exploring the latest in academics, technology, and the arts.
· Our students will be college-ready and able to explore jobs that will be developed in the future.
· Our students will be college-ready, learning all the academic skills necessary to succeed in college.
· Our students will have the ability to think critically, write effectively and solve problems in any subject area.

SPIRIT that is nurtured
· Our students will understand the Catholic faith and be infused with the knowledge of the Holy Spirit as well as the Navajo Way.
· Our students will develop a deep understanding of their own identity and be able to walk in beauty throughout their lifetime.
· Our students will learn Navajo language, culture and government in order to continue the strong emphasis on Dine values for future generations.

COMMUNITY understanding that is central
· Our students will learn about other cultures, Native American and non-Native American, in order to gain a perspective on the larger world and become global citizens.
· Our students will be upright citizens of their respective communities, treating others with honor, dignity and respect.
· Our students will be prepared to engage in volunteer activities that support their local chapters, parishes and/or network of relations.

SMIS has weekly professional development for educators (faculty and teaching assistants) from August to May. Active professional development enables them to develop a broad base of knowledge and grow their skillsets to be able to address students' learning challenges. Professional development is for teachers to improve their instruction for the overall quality of individual learning of each student.

93% of the graduating classes of St. Michael Indian School continue to university studies. An average of one Gates Millenium Scholar is awarded from the graduating class each year. 40% of the teaching staff are alumni and