STAR School

An off-grid school serving Native American students near Flagstaff, AZ

“To inspire each other to do our best in service to all relations”

ETWC Report Summary: As the first totally off-grid public school in the United States, STAR stands out, not only as a model green school, but as one that demonstrates what can happen when vision willingness to think outside of the box, and moral courage combine to envision a new kind of school. Serving an Indigenous community and striving to honor and continue its culture, traditions, and language through public education could only be achievable with incredible dedication. The use of the natural environment as the basis for place-based learning, the use of outdoor spaces, commitment to wellness through nutrition and movement, and the integration of the arts in this true community school make it a model of whole child education.

The first distinctive element is that it is 100% off-grid, generating its own electricity with solar panels and wind turbines throughout the campus. All power generated is either used directly in the school during daylight hours or stored in two large banks of batteries at the school, to be inverted to standard AC current when needed. STAR was recognized as a U.S. Department of Education Green Ribbon School in 2012 for operating entirely off the grid and pioneering sustainable, solar-powered campus practices.

The second distinctive element is the use of the community as the context for place-based learning. The relationship between the school and the community is a mutually beneficial one. The school benefits the community in many ways, including teaching wellness and providing safe water for those on the reservation. Local farmers helped create farming operations at the school. Local tribe members interact with the students to teach them gardening, farming, and care of livestock. Middle school students learn about butchering and shearing sheep from community members, with these interactions forming the basis for integrating the Diné language into learning.

The third distinctive element is integration of the arts. Students are encouraged to express themselves through visual and performing arts, which are woven throughout the curriculum. Artists, musicians, and performers visit the school to share their creativity. The arts reflect the culture and natural environment of the surrounding community, and STAR students create traditional Navajo art projects for the County Fair. An after-school arts program includes traditional arts and crafts, beadwork, drawing, painting, mosaics, sculpture, music, drama, expressive movement and dance, photography, and video making. The beautiful influence of Navajo art and culture is visible throughout the school buildings and the grounds.

A fourth distinctive element is a focus on movement throughout the school day. Students at STAR School are extremely active, with movement built into day-to-day learning and not reserved only for physical education classes. Students spend a great deal of their time outdoors, interacting with nature, caring for the livestock and gardens, and engaging in scheduled wellness walks. Although Arizona does not mandate recess for middle school students, it is part of the day for those students at STAR, as part of the wellness program. There is a large outdoor playground and basketball court on the school grounds, as well as a beautiful, well-designed gymnasium for its vibrant sports programs.

Contact to request the full report: tomprnny@gmail.com