The high poverty rate, the high rate of alcoholism which contributes to abuse and neglect, and the isolation contribute to the many unique challenges faced by the Monument Valley High School students and staff. Students from these homes have many chores to do when they get home and then must do homework by the light of kerosene lamps. Few jobs exist in the area, so those who do work often must leave the community to do so. This often leaves young people at home without adequate supervision by adults and assumes that the students can and will take responsibility for their younger siblings. Problems of jurisdiction between San Juan County and the Navajo Tribal Police exist regarding police protection and, more often than not, crime reports are never investigated.
Alcohol abuse contributes to most of the accidents and conflicts in the community.
An equally great challenge stems from the educational background of the parents and the grandparents. Most of the parents and grandparents did not attend school when they were younger. Those who did, often attended BIA boarding schools where they were harshly treated and usually made to feel ashamed of their language and their culture. They were often punished for speaking their language by having their hair cut off, their hands swatted with a ruler, or their mouths washed out with soap. For these people school does not conjure up pleasant memories and they are skeptical.