Chief Kitsap Academy facts for kids
Chief Kitsap Academy (CKA) is a special school for students in grades 6 through 12. It is located in Suquamish, Washington. The school is run by the Suquamish Tribe Department of Education. It sits on a large piece of land, about 27 acres.
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How Chief Kitsap Academy Started
From District to Tribal Control
Before 2014, the school for Suquamish students was managed by the North Kitsap School District. In August 2014, something big changed. The Suquamish Tribe signed an agreement with the State of Washington. This agreement allowed the tribe to run the school directly. The state would still provide money for the school. This was the very first time a tribe in Washington State operated its own school with state funding.
In 2014, Chief Kitsap Academy had 78 students. There were also seven full-time teachers. When it first became independent, the school was in a building that used to be the tribal center.
Moving to a New Campus
The school moved to its current campus in 2018. This new location used to be the Northwest College of Art & Design. The Suquamish Tribe bought the building on November 28, 2017. They paid about $5.03 million for it. The building was also known as Mains Manor.
What Students Learn at CKA
Learning Suquamish Culture
Chief Kitsap Academy teaches important subjects like math and science. But it also has a special focus. Students learn about the rich culture of the Suquamish people. This helps them connect with their heritage.
Learning the Suquamish Language
Another key part of the school's lessons is the Suquamish language, Lushootseed. Learning Lushootseed helps keep the language alive. It also helps students understand their history and traditions even better.
