Each generation of the Rumsey Band of Wintun Indians is dedicated to preparing the succeeding generation for its role in the community, in tribal government and leadership, and in life.
This preparation is a central and guiding value. The Yocha-De-He Wintun Academy is a physical manifestation of the Tribes commitment to education.
The school opened in 1998 and provides learning, training and education to students from toddler age through middle school.
library From the start, Yocha-De-He was designed to be a unique learning center.
The Rumsey Band, in consultation with education and learning experts, developed a school and a philosophy that encompassed the best teaching practices while meeting and exceeding the California state and national standards for childhood education.
Yocha-De-He has a large staff of teachers who are dedicated to students and sensitive to the learning habits of each child.
The school is fortunate to draw the finest teachers from around the state; they come to Yocha-De-He because the school offers them freedom to deliver education informed by best practices.
Students at the school also get the opportunity to learn the history and, most importantly, the language of the Rumsey Band.
Weekly, a tribal elder visits the school to teach the children the Wintun language.
Once only a spoken language, it now lives on in the school for each new generation.
Though the Yocha-De-He Wintun Academy was originally designed for the Rumsey children, the high quality education has drawn the interest and enrollment of children from the surrounding valley communities.
Now, the school is truly a community education center where students, teachers and parents work together to share the lessons of the past and present, and prepare for a lifetime of learning.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
Grades: Kindergarten-9
Enrollment: 15 students
Average class size: 15 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
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