'A desire and a need for cultural-based education': Knik Charter School set to open

Just as the dust had settled from the buses dropping children from the last day of school, it’s time for them to return to school. And this year marks the beginning of a new option in education, specifically parents and students looking to enhance education that is grounded in indigenous culture.

The Knik Charter School (KCS), not to be confused with Knik Elementary, is a pre-K through 12th grade cultural school, set to open this year to students all across the Borough, a project that is coming to fruition after many years of hard work to see the school come to life.

“There has been a push for culturally relevant education here, and with the help of the community, the elders, parents, families, and the tribe, we have been able to bring that to the students and families,” said Carl Chamblee, Native Education Program Development Director of the motivation to create this school.

The sentiment was shared by Isha Twitchell, the Academic Policy Committee (APC) Chairperson for the Knik and has participated in the elder engagement and mission and vision teams for the charter school.

“Everyone has been involved and is passionate about this. The community is ready and the tribe is involved. There is definitely a desire and a need for cultural-based education,” said Twitchell.

KCS development began with 7 teams to provide opportunities for input. The teams focused on not just culture and curriculum, but elder engagement, social emotional learning and wellness, as well as extra and co-curricular activities. Over the course of multiple meetings with interested stakeholders, goals were developed and guidance through the application process with the state and MSBSD.

After surveying with families who reside within the school district, nearly 300 families expressed interest in sending their children to the school. As the school prepares to launch, there are currently 77 students fully registered, though the numbers will likely change the closer to the start of the school year.

The APC will administer the contract with Matanuska Susitna Borough School Board (MSBSD) for the operation of Knik Charter School and ensure operations compliance with applicable federal, state and local laws and regulations. They will also work to provide input, guidance, and decision making into educational decisions in KCS.

The school will offer a unique blend of educational options that draws from the rich Alaska Native and American Indian cultural learnings and traditions, while aligned with the Alaska state education standards required by all schools.

Our charter school will strive to provide culturally rich education options for students in environments that respect and honor indigenous students and their families.

KCS curriculum has a host of culturally responsive education programs that will be offered through several options including on-site learning, blended learning, and a home-school correspondence program. The school also boasts robust opportunities in career and technical education and advanced academic classes that includes welding, aviation, entrepreneurship, teaching, and health. Students will have access to supplemental development and educational opportunities on and off the school’s campus to support programs.

Another aspect of KCS that Chamblee is proud of is the STEAM Academy, which promotes alternative learning that provides education in science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics to all students grades K-12.

“My kids have completed courses over the summer, making their own electric guitars, drums, and fish drying rack,” says Esther Shade, STEP Assistant Project Director and Life Skills Instructor.

Courses offered over the summer have included Drone Camp, Fish Camp, and Archaeology Camp. Shade went on to explain that the classes are hands-on and they are being offered from different locations and will continue to be available to every student.

“We want this to be a 1-stop shop, if you will, where students’ need are met for education, culture, and STEAM,” said Chamblee.

Another important aspect that KCS is very proud of is the grassroots development of the school, ensuring that the entire community is a stakeholder in the program.

“It’s easy to build a building, but it truly takes a community to make a school,” said Chamblee, who said that the goal is to make it a community education center housing great educational opportunities.

“This is awesome. Everything is about community, families, and the culture. It’s important that the community is invested,” echoed Twitchell of the importance of having the community support.

KCS also has had the support of the MSBSD as they worked closely, supporting the mission and vision of the school and has been helpful in the development of the curriculum and obtaining a charter.

The physical location of KCS will be on Shoreline Drive, off of the Palmer-Wasilla Highway. As KCS moves into its main facility, the students and staff will use portables donated by Anchorage School District until everything is in place.

“We really want to wrap our arms around our children, and we want to share the diversity and traditional values we have with the community,” said Twitchell.

Swade added that the tribe has a passion to lead and this is the time to do that.

There will be a “meet and greet” informational meeting on Aug. 11 for families interested in learning more about the school.

“We’re offering something unique and we’re excited for it.”

For pre-enrollment and more information about KCS, visit knikculturalschool.org or their Facebook page Knik Cultural Charter School.