Admission

The Navajo Preparatory School, Inc. operates a college preparatory program that serves talented and highly motivated Native American Youth preparing for college. The academic program provides to approximately 200 students from grades 9th -12th. Our program utilizes advanced teaching methods and strategies in a dynamic learning environment.

Contact the Admissions department
505-326-6571, xt 129.

Residential Student Admission deadline was April 1, 2010. All documents received should have been postmarked by this date.

OPEN ENROLLMENT is still available for DAY Students only. Local Transportation will be provided daily for Bloomfield, Aztec, Kirtland, and Shiprock areas.

Download the Application Packet here.
Note there is a $20 application fee to apply to Navajo Prep (though downloading the packet is free).

Admission Frequent Questions and Answers

What are the dates and times for the Entrance Exam?

Forms for Downloading

Students are selected based on a comprehensive screening process. Admissions criteria includes a strong performance on the entrance exam, personal essay, recommendation forms, GPA of 3.0 or above and an interview with NPS Staff. Admissions are accepted based on Navajo Preparatory School admissions policies and criteria with emphasis placed on students who would most benefit from a college preparatory program for grades 9th – 12th.

For more information about our Admissions Program, contact our Admissions/Enrichment/Development Specialist, Sandra Westbrook.

Phone: 505-326-6571, Extension 129
Email: Sandra Westrbook: SANDRA.WESTBROOK@BIE.EDU
Fax: 505-564-8099

GRADUATION REQUIREMENTS

• Mathematics 4 Fine Arts 2
• Language Arts 4 Communication 1
• Social studies 6 Health Ed 1
• Science 4 Physical Ed 1
• Languages 4 Computer 1
• Elective 2
• Total 30 credits

Forms for Downloading

Download the Admission Day Parent Discussion Document

Download the Complete FAQ Sheet for the 2010-2011 School Year

Download the Application Packet.
Note there is a $20 application fee to apply to Navajo Prep (though downloading the packet is free).

Download the Registration form for Admissions

Read the Admissions brochure

Frequently Asked Questions about
Navajo Preparatory School

1. When is the best time to begin the Admissions Process for New Student Admissions?
2. What is the mission of Navajo Prep?
3. What is Navajo Prep's goal and is this the right school for my child?
4. What will life be like at Navajo Prep for my child?
5. Will my child be in a safe environment?
6. What is the Process for new Student Admissions?
7. Where do I register for Admissions Day Orientation?
8. How are students admitted to Navajo Prep?
9. Does Navajo Prep Administer the Entrance Exam?
10. What Type of test or entrance exam do the students take?
11. Who takes the Entrance Exam?
12. Do transfer students take the Entrance Exam?
13. Does my child need to sign up for the Entrance Exam?
14. How long does the test take?
15. What are the dates and times for the Entrance Exam?
16. What happens when a prospective student is late for the entrance exam?
17. Will the Entrance Exam be offered at any other place other than Navajo Prep?
18. Will there be on site campus tours?
19. When will my child be interviewed?
20. When will I know if my child has been accepted or not accepted?
21. What will it cost to attend Navajo Prep School and is there a deposit fee?
22. When will I be notified to pay for the student fees?
23. What if my child applies for the Navajo Scholarship, do I still need to pay the whole amount?
24. Are refunds allowed if a student withdraws or is dismissed during the school year?
25. Are there scholarships available to attend Navajo Prep?
26. What courses do students take at Navajo Prep?
27. What are the graduation requirements at Navajo Prep?
28. What about AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress), does Navajo Prep maintain their AYP?
29. What is the Senior Atsa Exhibition and is it a requirement to graduate?
30. Can students take classes at San Juan College?
31. What other opportunities does Navajo Prep offer?
32. Is there a dress code for students?
33. How does the residential program fit into NPS?
34. How do most students travel back and forth from home?
35. Does Navajo Prep offer a daily bus run for day students?
36. What athletic teams does Navajo Prep field?
37. What are the requirements for athletic eligibility?
38. What percentage of graduates from Navajo Prep are accepted to colleges?
39. When should I start the process for college preparations?

Q: When is the best time to begin the Admissions Process for New Student Admissions?

A: The best time to begin the Admissions Process is during your child’s eighth grade year and to begin planning for the upcoming admission days and entrance exam dates:

Testing Times:

• Testing begins promptly at 9:00 AM
• Parent Discussion at 9:00 AM
• Campus Tours at 12:45 PM

The Parent Discussion, Campus Tours, & Entrance Exam dates and times are as follows:

• Saturday, January 09, 2010 Plan to be at the test site by 8:30 AM
• Saturday, January 23, 2010
• Saturday, January 30, 2010 Each Testing begins promptly at 9:00 AM.
• Saturday, February 06, 2010
• Saturday, February 20, 2010 Parent Discussion begins at 9:00 AM.
• Saturday, February 27, 2010
• Saturday, March 06, 2010 Campus Tours at 12:45 PM.

Overview of the Admissions Process:

1. Completed NPS Application
2. Entrance Exam
3. Interview
4. Letter of Acceptance
5. Official Registration Enrollment Packet
6. New Student Orientation
7. Fall Registration

Q: What is the mission of Navajo Prep?

A: The mission of NPS is to educate talented and motivated college-bound Navajo and other Native American youth who have the potential to succeed in higher education and become leaders in their respective communities. The school provides a rigorous
academic program based on a strong foundation of Navajo philosophy supported by a residential environment that enhances individuality and independence. The mission is reflected in the school’s motto — Leaders Now and Into the Future.

Q: What is Navajo Prep’s goal and is this the right school for my child?

A: Our primary goal is to prepare students for college, supported by our mission statement, and if you are looking for a school that can give your child self-discipline, time management, confidence, motivation, independence, and ultimately, preparing for college and more success in life, then Navajo Preparatory School is the school for your child in preparation for college and higher learning.

Q: What will life be like at Navajo Prep for my child?

A: Though we are not a military school, we are very structured, emphasizing attention to homework, proper dress code, punctuality, and being where students are supposed to be. We encourage reducing teenage distractions by limiting use of phones, the Internet and TV. We have nightly study halls and mandatory tutorials for students whose grades drop below “C.” And yet, our students also experience some of the freedoms of college. Students live in dorm rooms and learn independence—which serves them well when they go off to college—as 95% of our students do.

Q: Will my child be in a safe environment?

A: Navajo Preparatory School is a closed campus. Navajo Preparatory School’s secure campus gives emphasis to a safe drug-free school and community, along with structure and caring attentive staff, which is also ideal for students who need to adapt to a new dormitory setting. Here, respect for others is not just a philosophy—it’s a daily practice. We believe that the development of success is a daily exercise. In ways large and small, our teachers and staff seek out each student’s strengths through our advisement program, and build them slowly and consistently, over time. Through a combination of structure and support, established rules and well-defined expectations, we see students now reach for success in preparing them for college and other higher learning. Perhaps your child will be one of them. We hope you will consider Navajo Preparatory School. We may or may not be the right school for your child; therefore, we strongly recommend that both parents and their child be present during the entrance exam, parent discussion, campus tour, and interview process which are all part of the admissions criteria.

Q: What is the Process for New Student Admissions?

A: Parents and their students must first register for Admissions Day which will include Parent Discussion, Application Packets, Entrance Exam, and Campus Tours.

Q: Where do I register for Admissions Day Orientation?

A: The registration form is online at http://www.nps.bia.edu/. The forms are also available in the NPS Admissions Office. You may download this form and submit or email to me at shood@nps.bia.edu. This first process of getting to know our program is very important for parents and their student which brings us back to the question “Is this the right school and program for my child?”.

Q: How are students admitted to Navajo Prep?

A: To be considered for admission to Navajo Preparatory School, Students must obtain,
complete, and submit the following:

1. Parents and their student must register for Admissions Day to receive an Application Packet
2. NPS Parent Application
3. NPS Student Questionnaire with a 200 word personal essay
4. Three NPS recommendation forms from the Math and English Instructors and Principal or Counselor. We provide the recommendation forms.
5. All incoming freshman students need to take the Entrance Exam
6. Official Transcripts from your current school with a minimum 3.00 GPA and above for transfer students
7. The most current grade report card with a minimum 3.00 GPA and above for all freshman
8. Certificate of Indian Blood (CIB)
9. Updated Immunization Record
10. Birth Certificate & Social Security Card
    

After the application has been completed, a NPS staff member will interview the candidate. Each is rated and ranked based upon the above criteria and interview. Admission is competitive. All non-Indian applicants must meet the same criteria with the exception of proof of Indian Blood.

Q: Does Navajo Prep Administer the Entrance Exam?

A: Yes, the Entrance Exam is offered here on Navajo Prep campus.

Q: What type of test or entrance exam do the students take?

A: The entrance exam is called the ACT EXPLORE TEST. EXPLORE is a program designed to help your student and their teachers, counselors, and parents—learn more about themselves. The information you’ll receive through EXPLORE will give you a good idea of how well prepared your child is now in English, math, reading, and science.

Q: Who takes the Entrance Exam?

A: Only those prospective students who are applying for their freshman year.

Q: Do transfer students take the Entrance Exam?

A: No, transfer students do not take the Entrance Exam. Transfer students are those prospective students who are applying for 10th, 11th, or 12th grades, but must submit their most recent state assessment test such as AIMS, NMSBA, etc.

Q: Does my child need to sign up for the Entrance Exam?

A: Yes, your child will need to sign up for the Entrance Exam to make sure that those slots for those test dates are not over the limit for capacity, and you must attend parent orientation/ discussions before you sign up for the Entrance Exam.

Q: How long does the test take?

A: The test will take (4) hours with breaks in between and this is also a timed test. Dress comfortable and you may bring bottled water and healthy snacks for breaks in between test taking.

Q: What are the dates and times for the Entrance Exam?
A: The Entrance Exam dates and times are as follows:

Q: What happens when a prospective student is late for the entrance exam?

A: The entrance exam begins promptly at 9:00 AM. The doors will be shut at that time. If you are late to take the entrance exam, you will not be allowed to take the exam for that day and will have to reschedule for the next testing date. This is a timed test so you will need to plan on being at the test site before 9:00 AM. During the duration of the exam, there will be restroom and water breaks only at designated times.

Q: Will the Entrance Exam be offered at any other place other than Navajo Prep?

A: No, we only offer the Entrance Exam at Navajo Prep since we have to order and pay for the Exam through our school.

Q: Will there be on site campus tours?

A: Yes, students and their parents/guardians will have the opportunity to tour the campus once they have registered for one of the orientation and entrance exam dates.

Q: When will my child be interviewed?

A: Your child will be interviewed once he or she has completed parent orientation and application process. We will scheduled the interview date most likely at the next Entrance Exam date.

Q: When will I know if my child has been accepted or not accepted?

A: You will be notified through the mail in early May whether your child has been accepted, accepted but placed on the waiting list, tentatively accepted but with conditions, or not accepted.

Q: What will it cost to attend Navajo Prep School and is there a deposit fee?

A: An annual fee of $500.00 for the Fall Semester plus $50.00 dormitory deposit and $500.00 for the Spring Semester is required of all Native American dormitory students totaling $1,050.00 per year. Native American day students pay $400.00 for the Fall Semester and $400.00 for the Spring Semester totaling $800.00 per year.

Q: When will I be notified to pay for the student fees?

A: You will need to pay the student fees once your child has been notified with an acceptance letter for official enrollment.

Q: What if my child applies for the Navajo Scholarship, do I still need to pay the whole amount?

A: If your child applies for the Navajo Scholarship, the Navajo Scholarship office will need to submit a copy of your child’s award letter to Navajo Preparatory School Business Office indicating that you have proof of such an award to supplement your child’s student fees. In any case, should there be an outstanding balance; it is the parents/guardians responsibility to pay for their child’s student fees.

Q: Are refunds allowed if a student withdraws or is dismissed during the school year?

A: All student fees refunds are based according to the Student / Parent Handbook and approved by the NPS Board of Trustees.

Q: Are there scholarships available to attend Navajo Prep?

A: You may request and apply for Scholarships at the following address:

Department of Din4 Education
Office of Youth Development
P.O. Box 1599
Window Rock, Arizona 86515

For more information and questions, you may contact their office at (928) 871-6882/6518 or
their web address is: http://www.youth.navajo.org

Q: What courses do students take at Navajo Prep?

A: Generally students follow the guidelines listed below, however there is flexibility in the curriculum for students to follow their interests.

Q: What are the graduation requirements at Navajo Prep?

A: To graduate, all students are required to meet the 30 credit requirements as listed below.
Students earn 8 credits per year totaling 32 credits for 4 years.

	Mathematics	4
	Language Arts	4
	Social Studies	6
	Science	4
	Languages	3
	Communication	1
	PE/Health	1
	Computer	1
	Fine Arts	2
	Electives	4
		Total 30 Credits

Q: What about AYP (Adequate Yearly Progress), does Navajo Prep maintain their AYP?

A. Yes indeed, Navajo Prep has completed six (6) consecutive years of success in making Adequate Yearly Progress (AYP) since the No Child Left Behind Act (NCLB) was implemented in 2001.

Q: What is the Senior Ats1 Exhibition and is it a requirement to graduate?

A. The Senior year is a time of transition from high school to college. The senior project (Senior Ats1 Exhibition) is a curricular experience designed to measure 12th graders knowledge of core concepts learned throughout their four years in school. (Shaunessy, Gifted Child Today, summer, 2004). Yes, the Senior Ats1 Exhibition is a requirement to graduate from Prep.

Q: Can students take classes at San Juan College?

A: Students can take classes at San Juan College during their Senior and Junior year but they must meet San Juan College criteria for acceptance to their program.

Q: What other opportunities does Navajo Prep offer?

A: Navajo Prep offers placement opportunities for its 50+ summer programs across the country. Many of the programs offer full scholarships while others cover all costs with the exception of travel. Summer enrichment provides opportunities for our students to make new friends, experience, learning at another school, spend time on a college campus and keep academically stimulated. Over the past years Navajo Prep has established and maintained relationships with programs at New Mexico State University, University of Arizona, Colorado School of Mines, Northern Arizona University, and others. Leading college preparatory programs that have supported our students at their summer programs include: The Coast Maine Semester, Phillips Exeter Academy, Northfield Mount Herman, Choate Rosemary Hall, and Phillips Andover Academy.

Q: Is there a dress code for students?

A: Yes, students are expected to maintain the type of appearance that is not distracting to students, teachers, or the educational process of the school. As a college preparatory school, Navajo Preparatory School strives to encourage a “dress for success” appearance that is tasteful, clean, neat, and unexaggerated. The following dress code is required in classes, assemblies, when representing Navajo Prep at other schools, colleges, and for occasions when “dress code” attire is specified.

Female – Skirt, dress, slacks or nice fitted jeans with blouse, cardigan sweater, collared shirt, or knit shirt is acceptable. Traditional native attire is acceptable and encouraged.

Male – Polo, knit or collared dress shirts with nice fitted jeans or slacks is acceptable. Traditional native attire is acceptable and encouraged.

Male/Female Students (General Rules) –

• Collared shirts with long tails must be tucked in and buttoned
• Shirts without tails must be buttoned, unless the t-shirt underneath is a solid color.
• Obscene, disrespectful, lewd and/or sexually or suggestive statements or pictures on clothing are considered disruptive. Wording on clothing with inappropriate double meanings are considered disruptive.
• No extremely baggy pants not fitted at the waist and/or dragging on the floor.
• No extremely low rise jeans.
• No t-shirts, sweatshirts, military fatigues, overalls, or athletic wear. (New Moon Run t-shirts are acceptable on the day of the run).
• No headwear (i.e.: hats/bandanas/hoods/stocking caps) to be worn inside academic buildings during academic hours unless it is culturally appropriate and approved by the Dean of Instruction.
• No torn, frayed, dirty, provocative, immodest or gang related clothing.
• Clothing such as see-through, fish-net fabrics, halter tops, tank tops, low-cut tops, bare midriffs and bare back tops, and excessively short skirts are considered inappropriate and will not be allowed.
• Clothing considered revealing (cleavage, exposes too much skin) will not be allowed.
• Hemmed shorts (must be one inch above the knee) may be worn in warm weather.
• Hickies will not be tolerated.
• Body piercing, other than the earlobe, is unacceptable.
• Chains attached to wallets or clothing is prohibited.
• No distracting hair styles such as spiked hair, unnaturally colored hair and other extremes that disrupt the learning process may be worn.

Because fashion in dress change rapidly, members of the community are encouraged to consult the Dean of Instruction if there is significant confusion about an item not covered in the code stated above. The Dean may then offer a clarification after consultation with student advisor and representative of the Student Senate. Exceptions to the Dress Code will be made on Fridays and on “Spirit Days” when NPS t-shirts, NPS sweatshirts and NPS jerseys are acceptable.

Q: How does the residential program fit into NPS?

A: Residential life begins with learning how to care for yourself, your personal belongings, as well as for the Navajo Prep School Community. Students should bring acceptable clothing, essential supplies, and equipment for a clean and comfortable life at school. Students are expected to respect other people’s belongings and should maintain a clean and safe residential hall and room. All students are required to abide by the Residence Hall Policies.

Other Student Life with the Residential Program:

• Safety Rules, Rising Time, Residential Discipline & Cleaning Responsibilities
• Room Checks, quiet hours, curfew, telephones & mail
• Laundry: Although coin—operated washers and dryers are in the Residential Halls for student convenience, students are encouraged to do their laundry at home.

Q: How do most students travel back and forth from home?

A: Transportation to and from school is provided on Sundays and Fridays. On Fridays, busses leave campus at 4:00 p.m. and on Sundays students arrive in time to prepare for the following day. A transportation schedule is provided for specific information concerning drop-off / pick-up times and locations. Bus runs terminate in the areas of Chinle, Kayenta, and Window Rock, in Arizona and Crownpoint and Cuba in New Mexico.

Q: Does Navajo Prep offer a daily bus run for day students?

A. Yes, daily bus runs are provided for day students who live near or in Bloomfield and Shiprock. The bus stops are listed below during school from Monday through Friday:

Q: What athletic teams does Navajo Prep field?

A: Prep currently complements its academic program by offering the following Interscholastic sports: Football, Volleyball, Cross Country, Golf, Wrestling,Cheerleading, Basketball, Baseball, Softball and Track & Field.

Q: What are the requirements for athletic eligibility?

A: All student athletes must have a signed physician examination before they are allowed to participate (including try-outs and practice). Health consent and parental permission forms are also required. In addition, students are required to pass all classes and to have a 2:00 GPA or better with no failing marks. All athletes are required to abide by the Student Athlete Handbook which they will receive as part of their athletic orientation and procedures.

Q: What percentage of graduates from Navajo Prep are accepted to colleges?

A: College counseling at NPS provides opportunities for students to meet with College officials, visit college campuses and provide guidance while proceeding through the application process. Over 95% of graduates are accepted to a wide variety of post-secondary educational institutions both close to home and in distant regions of the country. Most popular among NPS students within the Four Corners States are: Din4 College, Northern AZ Univ., AZ State Univ., Univ. of AZ, San Juan College, Univ. of NM, NM State Univ., NM Highland Eastern NM University, Western New Mexico Univ., Fort Lewis College, Adams State College, Colorado School of Mines, Colorado College, Eastern Utah University & B. Y. U.

Q: When should I start the process for college preparations?

A: The Academic Counseling department assists students in planning a successful secondary school academic experience. The services provided include the development of a four year academic plan, course selection, assisting students in overcoming difficulties during the high school career, and multiple testing assessments are done at Navajo Preparatory School to measure school achievement and to coordinate faculty instruction. These include the, New Mexico Standards Based Assessment New Mexico High School Competency Exam (NMHSCE), PLAN and Pre-ACT, & PSAT for selected students. The test results are made available through the academic counselor to school administrators, faculty, and parent(s)/guardian(s) and students. The college counseling process begins during the freshman year. In addition to taking national exams each fall, all underclassmen are exposed to a range of possible post-secondary schools and seminars for all grades. There is an expectation to attend ACT prep classes in the fall to prepare for college entrance exams. The senior year activities include attending college fairs, meeting with college representatives, selecting a college, and completing applications for college admission, financial aid, and scholarships.