About Us

Mission Statement

Comanche Academy is a place-based elementary school where the Comanche (Numunu) culture, language, and history are the foundation of an experiential curriculum. Through a dual-language instructional format, we will nurture strong, compassionate, bilingual young people who are committed to their personal and community health, wellness, relationships and progress. Moreover, the Comanche Academy is committed to maintaining and promoting an inclusive environment, accessible to all in a physical, mental, emotional and spiritual manner while supporting academic excellence. Overall, Comanche Academy strives to provide a culturally sustaining and academically rigorous education for all learners. Our holistic model is learner-centered; participant action research based; and rooted in the water, land, culture, language, and community.

Land Acknowledgement

Long before the Comanche Academy was established in 2021, we want to recognize the land on which the Comanche Academy now resides to show respect to the traditional stewards of the land, and to remind ourselves of the lasting effects of colonization in southwest Oklahoma. Lawton, Oklahoma was the traditional home of the Comanche, Kiowa and Wichita & Affiliated Tribes. We acknowledge this territory once also served as a hunting ground, trade exchange point, and migration route for the Apache Tribe, Ft. Sill Apache, Delaware, and Caddo Nations. Today, 39 tribal nations dwell in the state of Oklahoma because of settler-colonial policies that were designed to assimilate Indigenous peoples.

Comanche Academy recognizes the historical connection our charter school has with its Indigenous community on whose traditional lands we learn, live, reflect, and teach. We have a moral responsibility to fully acknowledge our Indigenous connections, as well as critically reflect on the histories of dispossession and forced removal, as well as the enduring strength of Indigenous communities. We commit ourselves to turning this knowledge into action by encouraging young people and learners of all ages to think critically about their own place in history. Let us continue also to advocate for and partner with our Indigenous neighbors as we continue our lifelong work together as a dynamic and inclusive community of educators, leaders, and learners.

History

COMING SOON…

Initial vision

Taft

Modulars behind Dorothy Sunrise Lorentino Education Center

Now located within the Dorothy Sunrise Lorentino Education Center thanks to our generous sponsors – Comanche Nation of Oklahoma.