Yocha Dehe Wintun Academy

A commitment to education

It has long been a tradition of Yocha Dehe to preserve and revitalize our culture. Each generation is dedicated to preparing the succeeding generation for its role in the community, tribal government, leadership and life. This tradition is a central and guiding value as well as a demonstration of the Tribe’s commitment to education.

Yocha Dehe’s tribal school—Yocha Dehe Wintun Academy—imparts a strong foundation of Patwin culture by weaving modern education techniques with cultural traditions in art, music and the tribal language. Since its opening in 1998, the Academy has helped students develop confidence and integrity while respecting each other, the environment and the world around them.

Students at the Academy have the benefit of an individualized instructional experience that recognizes their own personal goals and needs. With Patwin language classes taught regularly and tribal values woven into the Academy’s curriculum, the Yocha Dehe Wintun Academy is creating and maintaining a rigorous and unique academic program that instills a lifetime of success within today’s world, while still upholding the Tribe’s core human values.

Students in pre-kindergarten through eighth grade benefit from access to a state-of-the-art facility and enriching off-site visits, as well as a committed school board and parent groups. Graduating students are carefully placed and followed throughout their continued courses of education and are encouraged to pursue ongoing studies and areas of interest.