BIA Chi Chil Tah Jones Ranch Community School

The Bureau of Indian Affairs (BIA) and Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) sought to replace the existing Chi Chil Tah Jones Ranch Community School (CJRS) in Vanderwagon, New Mexico, parts of which date back to the 1930s. A team within the Bodwé Professional Services Group was contracted to provide planning and conceptual design services and were retained to complete construction administration and quality assurance services throughout construction. Ground broke at CJRS on February 15, 2025.

The new 70,000-square-foot facility will be used to teach students in grades K-8.The project will also include a 20-unit student dormitory to house up to 40 students. Staff quarters will also be built onsite and include a variety of housing types such as a detached home, three two-bedroom duplexes and one triplex. The project will also include a 3,000-square-foot bus maintenance building.

Project challenges included designing the new facility and its critical site infrastructure on a constricted hilltop location. Our team designed the facility with sustainability in mind by implementing high-performing, long-lasting building materials and systems that are easy to maintain due to the remote nature of the school. The facility is projected to achieve LEED Silver Certification.

Interior and exterior design concepts reflect the Navajo (Diné) culture, including an east-facing entry to welcome the first light of the morning into the school. Colors representing the four directions have been incorporated into wayfinding and floor elements. Selected building and design materials resonate with the distinctive New Mexico landscape.

A classroom will be dedicated and specially designed to support cultural learning. The interior of the cultural classroom is inspired by the octagonal floor plan and layered ceiling of a Hogan, the traditional dwelling of the Navajo people.

‍