Nawayee Center School has grown from a simple drop-in space into a vibrant alternative urban high school serving American Indian youth in grades 7-12. Rooted in Indigenous life-ways, we provide transformative, student-centered education that nurtures cultural identity, personal growth, and a lifelong love of learning. We strive for excellence in Indigenous education and in the empowerment of our students and community.

Nawayee is the Ojibwe word for “the center.” At Center School, we strive to help students find their own center while also strengthening our collective center within the Native community.

We integrate Native culture throughout our academic and support services. Cultural classes include Dakota and Ojibwe languages, art, spirituality, family, community, and oral traditions. Indigenous values and beliefs are modeled and woven into the entire curriculum.