End of Gallery
History
Founded by Saint Katharine Drexel
St. Michael Indian School’s long and storied history of providing Catholic education on the Navajo Nation began with the mission of Saint Katharine Drexel. Born into a family of significant resources and influence, she devoted her life to serving Native American communities by founding the Sisters of the Blessed Sacrament.
With the support of Franciscan missionaries and local Navajo leaders, St. Michael Indian School opened its doors on December 3, 1902, welcoming 76 enrolled students. Today, the school serves 328 students from preschool through twelfth grade.
Each day, faculty and staff carry forward this enduring mission, imparting knowledge within a vibrant and spiritually enriching environment. St. Michael’s nurtures the full development of every student, guiding them toward academic success, personal growth, and a life rooted in faith and purpose.
discover smis
Robotics
St. Michael Indian School’s Middle School Robotics Team is part of the exciting Friday Labs program, where students explore hands-on STEM learning through building, coding, and problem-solving. Team members work together to design and program robots, strengthening skills in engineering, teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. Friday Labs give students the opportunity to discover new interests, develop confidence, and engage in innovative learning beyond the traditional classroom.
Robotics
St. Michael Indian School’s Middle School Robotics Team is part of the exciting Friday Labs program, where students explore hands-on STEM learning through building, coding, and problem-solving. Team members work together to design and program robots, strengthening skills in engineering, teamwork, creativity, and critical thinking. Friday Labs give students the opportunity to discover new interests, develop confidence, and engage in innovative learning beyond the traditional classroom.
Design and Print
St. Michael Indian School’s Design and Print class introduces students to the latest design software and hands-on, in-house printing production. Students create custom apparel and school merchandise while gaining real-world experience in retail sales, entrepreneurship, and customer service. The program supports the school through projects like uniform printing and also takes apparel orders from the local community, helping students build practical business and career-ready skills.
PreMed Society
St. Michael Indian School offers an exclusive healthcare pathways class for high school students interested in exploring careers in medicine and wellness. In collaboration with TMC Medical Center in Fort Defiance, students have the opportunity to meet with medical professionals and learn about a wide range of healthcare fields. This hands-on experience helps students discover future career possibilities while building knowledge, confidence, and connections in the medical community.
Design and Print
St. Michael Indian School’s Design and Print class introduces students to the latest design software and hands-on, in-house printing production. Students create custom apparel and school merchandise while gaining real-world experience in retail sales, entrepreneurship, and customer service. The program supports the school through projects like uniform printing and also takes apparel orders from the local community, helping students build practical business and career-ready skills.
PreMed Society
St. Michael Indian School offers an exclusive healthcare pathways class for high school students interested in exploring careers in medicine and wellness. In collaboration with TMC Medical Center in Fort Defiance, students have the opportunity to meet with medical professionals and learn about a wide range of healthcare fields. This hands-on experience helps students discover future career possibilities while building knowledge, confidence, and connections in the medical community.