Sustainable Living

is practiced and demonstrated
at the STAR School

As far as we know, the STAR School is the first solar powered charter school in the country. In the rural area served by the school NE of Flagstaff, which includes the Southwestern corner of the Navajo Nation, many homes are far from utility lines. Therefore, we are solar powered by necessity as well as by choice.

The STAR School founders began to use alternative energy sources in their own home because there were no other options, and over the years they have grown to appreciate the value of being independent of large utility companies while realizing their dependence on the natural cycles of sun, wind and rain. The daily necessity of knowing where power and water comes from, how much is available, and where waste products go, helps all of us to appreciate our connection with the larger systems within which we live.

The STAR School buildings are built with the maximum available insulation to conserve energy and were designed to take advantage of passive solar heat in the winter. To the extent that building codes permit, the school's design will allow for the recycling of wastewater and collection of rain and snowmelt off of the roof. This allows the school to grow gardens and and orchards in our arid climate.

As the STAR School expanded to accommodate increased enrollment, additional buildings demonstrated earth-friendly methods like straw bale and Rastra block construction. During 2004-2005 we constructed a passive solar straw bale building which provides room for arts and crafts, indoor sports, science projects and a greenhouse area on the Southern side next to the large windows. Families are invited to participate in these buildings projects so that the whole community will gain skills for using low cost recycled and renewable resources.

Students at the STAR School will be involved in after school service learning projects to install and upgrade alternative energy systems for homes throughout the community that are off the power grid. Native Science Connection and Learn and Serve projects will also encourage students to gain knowledge of plants and animals in the area. Students have experienced the deep satisfaction of helping "all our relations," and are realizing how much more we can do when we work together, in harmony with natural forces.

If you have interest in learning more, or would like to stop by or get involved in the STAR School, click on the contact us link for phone numbers, e-mail addresses, and directions to the school.