Many students live in the high desert without electricity or running water, and their cultural lives center on tribal rather than academic involvement. Extending the availability of school resources enables them to strengthen academic competencies. Support for Implementation About 50 percent of the school's 85 staff members are Native American, more than usual for schools serving Native Americans. However, the staff at Tuba City High is stable despite frequent changes in principal leadership over the past decade. Teachers remain dedicated to helping students succeed at all costs, even when it means sacrificing personal time to keep open a lab or teach supplemental lessons during a weekend or after school.
Many students receive college scholarships.
Tuba City High students consistently outperformed similar populations on ASAP writing and math tests, however, and were competitive in reading. The district reports that ITBS scores have risen slightly over recent years. The jury is still out on the success of Next Century Warriors. The district attributes this success to school support groups and an AIDS prevention program. Support groups are also credited for keeping substance abuse low among Tuba City students.