Our History

Origins and Growth (1958 - 1986)

Our school's history is a testament to growth, resilience and community spirit. Originally known as the Red Lake Day School, our institution was established in 1958, with its doors officially opening in the following year. The school's humble beginnings were rooted in its commitment to serving the educational needs of the community's youngest members, from kindergarten through 2nd grade.

The inaugural campus featured a multi-purpose room that served as both a gymnasium and a dining area. This versatile space also housed a small library in the back, which was designed to accommodate the learning needs of the first 100 students. As the 1960s dawned, the school experienced a surge in enrollment, prompting an expansion that included the addition of four classrooms and two restrooms. This allowed the school to extend its reach to students up to the 5th grade.

Evolving to Serve (1985 - Present)

The mid-1980s marked a significant turning point in the history of our school. The student population had tripled, reflecting its growing significance in the community. By the 1985-1986 academic year, Tonalea Day School had transformed to include students through the 8th grade. This period was marked by an ambitious expansion effort, resulting in the construction of seven new classrooms, a media center, and a gymnasium equipped with showers for physical education activities.

These additions provided students with state-of-the-art facilities, offering them the space and tools necessary to thrive both academically and physically. The multi-purpose room became a dedicated dining area. This shift in space utilization exemplified the school's commitment to offering specialized environments for its growing and diverse student body.

A School Beyond Boundaries

Tonalea Day School is not just a place of education; it's a beacon of hope and progress within the larger context of the surrounding community. Situated in Tonalea, the school has faced unique challenges and forged a special connection to the land it serves. The name Tonalea, derived from the Navajo word "Red Lake," paints a vivid picture of the desert landscape that envelops the area, defined by towering sandstone mesas.

The school's history intertwines with a fascinating legal dispute between the Hopi and Navajo tribes over the land it stands on, situated within the Navajo Reservation. Despite these complex dynamics, Tonalea Day School has continued to shine as a bastion of opportunity for the children of the region.

Today, students from surrounding Tribal communities and locations, including Red Lake/Tonalea, Cowsprings, Road Going Up Hill, Inscription House and Table Mesa, attend Tonalea Day School to participate in a dynamic elementary and middle school educational program.