Our History
Establishment and Growth of Borrego Pass Community School
Borrego Pass Community School was established in the early 1950s, starting a proud legacy of providing quality education to Navajo students in northwestern New Mexico. Known as Dibe' Yazhí Habitiin Óltaʼ in the Din é language, the school was founded as part of an initiative to expand educational access to remote areas of the Navajo Nation.
Borrego Pass was among the first locations selected for a trailer school, a temporary structure designed to provide classroom space for students living in isolated parts of the reservation. During the 1952-53 school year, students attended classes in these trailers, often facing challenges such as limited classroom space and inadequate heating.
By 1954-55, the trailer school initiative had expanded to 37 locations, serving over 4,000 Navajo students across the reservation. The Borrego Pass trailer school quickly became a key educational hub for local families. As enrollment increased and community support grew, it was determined that permanent school facilities should be constructed in these remote areas.
A new four-classroom school was constructed to support a full-day academic program serving 120 students. Enhanced kitchen and dining room facilities allowed staff to prepare and serve daily meals, and three two-bedroom duplexes were built for staff. The development also included utilities, roads, and walkways, creating a fully functional school campus.
In 1972, Borrego Pass Community School became one of the first contract schools under the Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA), granting the local community greater control over school operations. Over time, the school transitioned to the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and later became part of Gallup-McKinley County Public Schools, reflecting the ongoing evolution of tribal-controlled education.
The Learning Environment at Borrego Pass Community School
Borrego Pass Community School has always prioritized providing a safe, supportive, and culturally relevant learning environment. Navajo families embraced the opportunity for their children to attend school locally, reducing the need for them to be sent to distant boarding schools.
As the school evolved, the educational program began to incorporate modern teaching methods with the cultural values of the Navajo Nation. After the permanent school building was constructed, the curriculum expanded to include core subjects such as math, science, reading, and social studies. At the same time, the school integrated the Navajo language, culture, and traditions to ensure students remained connected to their heritage. We prioritized bilingual education—English and Navajo—which helped preserve the Diné language. Traditional Navajo arts, history, storytelling, crafts, music, and ceremonial practices became essential parts of the curriculum, reinforcing students' cultural identities.
Our learning environment focuses on student-centered education, where each student receives personalized attention and academic support. Teachers and staff work closely with families, creating a collaborative, community-driven school experience.
The Navajo Community of Borrego Pass
Borrego Pass Community School serves students from several local Navajo communities, including:
- Littlewater
- Borrego Pass
- Mariano Lake
- Casamero Lake
- Crownpoint
- Smith Lake
- Baca
These communities belong to the Eastern Navajo Agency, an area deeply rooted in Diné traditions, language, and cultural heritage.
The town of Borrego Pass is historically significant within the Navajo Nation. Known for its rugged landscape and agricultural heritage, Borrego Pass has been home to generations of Navajo families who maintained traditional livelihoods such as sheep herding, farming, and weaving.
The school’s Navajo name, Dibe' Yazhí Habitiin Óltaʼ, meaning "School of the Young Sheep Path," reflects the deep connection between the land, livestock, and Navajo way of life. Many families in this region continue to practice ranching and farming, passing down skills and knowledge to younger generations.
Despite challenges such as geographic isolation, limited access to resources, and economic hardship, the surrounding Navajo communities have remained resilient and deeply connected to their cultural identity. The school plays a vital role in supporting this strong sense of community, ensuring that students receive a meaningful and empowering education.
Borrego Pass Community School students learned about their Diné heritage in the classroom and experienced it firsthand through storytelling, ceremonies and community events. We collaborated with local Navajo leaders, elders, and cultural educators to provide students with opportunities to:
- Participate in traditional ceremonies and celebrations
- Learn Navajo oral history and storytelling
- Develop skills in weaving, beadwork and other traditional arts
- Engage in community service and leadership projects
Borrego Pass Community School continued to serve as a center of cultural education and community engagement, reinforcing the kinship, respect, and self-determination values that define Navajo life.
Connections to Other Tribes and School Communities
Borrego Pass Community School is part of a larger network of BIE-operated schools that serve Native American students across the United States. This network allows for collaboration with other tribal schools and educational organizations, creating opportunities for:
- Intertribal student exchanges – Students engage with peers from other Indigenous communities, learning about different tribal traditions and histories.
- Cultural and Language Revitalization Programs – The school partners with other Native communities to share best practices in language preservation and cultural education.
- Educational Partnerships – Collaborations with Diné College, Navajo Technical University, and other institutions create higher education pathways for students.
As part of Gallup-McKinley County Public Schools, Borrego Pass Community School has access to regional educational resources that ensure that students receive high-quality instruction and academic opportunities.
Additionally, Borrego Pass has established relationships with other Navajo schools and communities through participation in athletic competitions, academic competitions, environmental and sustainability projects, and cultural festivals.
By fostering connections beyond its immediate community, Borrego Pass Community School has expanded opportunities for students while strengthening ties with other Indigenous educators and leaders.
Conclusion
Borrego Pass Community School has stood as a symbol of resilience, cultural preservation, and educational excellence within the Navajo Nation. From its humble beginnings as a trailer school to its current role as a thriving Navajo school community, the school has continuously adapted to meet the needs of its students and families.
Through strong community involvement and partnerships with other Native schools, Borrego Pass Community School continues to empower future generations of Navajo learners. The school remains dedicated to its mission of providing a strong academic foundation while honoring the traditions and values of the Diné people.
