Pine Hill education program reaches highest-ever assessment scores

By Robert Bettis
Navajo Times

WINDOW ROCK – The Pine Hill Schools is being celebrated for its remarkable achievements, as the beginning-of-the-year assessment scores for 2024-25 have reached new record highs.

David C. Nez, the Pine Hill Schools superintendent and principal, who is Táchii’nii, shared that the students enrolled in the FACE (Family and Children Education) Program achieved the highest scores ever recorded, earning national recognition from the Bureau of Indian Education.

“The FACE Program is a preschool initiative that emphasizes early childhood education and parental involvement,” explained Nez. “We’ve seen our highest-scoring students coming from this program, and that success is now trickling up to the first, second, and third grades.”

The FACE Program, which serves families through early childhood, has become a cornerstone of academic preparation at Pine Hill Schools in Pine Hill, New Mexico, helping to lay a strong foundation for continued student success. The program is unique because it emphasizes parental involvement, teaching parents how to introduce new concepts to their children. Nez highlighted that the recent assessment results reflect a significant improvement, with the school achieving over a 13% increase in reading and math scores—a remarkable feat compared to the national average of 3%.

“This year, there is a different feel at the school. Everyone—from the parents and local government to the teachers and students—is working together to create a positive and thriving school culture,” Nez noted. “This collaborative effort has resulted in not only high test scores but also a noticeable improvement in student attitudes toward academics and sports.”

The Pine Hill community’s commitment to education extends beyond classroom instruction. The school recently secured funding through the Indian Self-Determination Act for several major infrastructure projects. These include a new elementary building, a renovated gym, and upgrades to the middle and high schools. A new state-of-the-art electrical system and plans to overhaul the water infrastructure are also underway, ensuring a safer and more reliable environment for students and staff.

In addition to academic and infrastructural advancements, Pine Hill Schools are also making strides in athletics. The Pine Hill Warriors’ football team recently made history by securing their first-ever win against Ramah High School, a traditionally dominant opponent. Nez described this victory as symbolic of the broader progress at the school.

“For years, we struggled against Ramah, facing blowout losses. This year, our football team came prepared, with new uniforms, new helmets, and a winning attitude,” he said. It was more than just a game. “It’s a reflection of all the good things happening across the entire school.”

The success of Pine Hill schools can be seen at all levels, from the youngest FACE students to the high school seniors preparing for graduation and beyond. Nez shared that many recent graduates have gone on to pursue higher education at prestigious institutions such as Dartmouth College and the University of New Mexico.

“Our goal is to ensure that every student is ready for life beyond high school, whether that means attending college or pursuing a career,” Nez said. “The community’s support and the dedication of our educators are what make this possible.”

The Pine Hill FACE Program’s recognition by the BIE, along with the school’s academic and extracurricular achievements, is a testament to the optimism and hard work of the entire Pine Hill community. With plans for continued growth and improvement, Pine Hill Schools are on a path to even greater success in the years to come.