About Our School
About Cali Calmécac Language Academy
-
Serving TK - 8th Grade -
Spanish–English Dual Language Program -
Public Charter School -
Windsor, CA
Name Meaning
The name Cali Calmécac comes from Nahuatl, the language of the Aztecs. “Cali” means home, reflecting the strong partnership between school and families, while “Calmécac” refers to traditional schools of higher learning and represents our commitment to academic excellence, rigorous bilingual education, and personal growth.
Origins & History
Established in 1980 as part of Windsor Unified School District, Cali Calmécac transitioned in 1987 into a dual-immersion charter program. For more than four decades, the school has served as a cornerstone of education in Windsor, rooted in dual-language immersion, cultural celebration, and strong community connection, while fostering lifelong learning and academic achievement.
Mission & Curriculum
We follow a 90/10 dual language immersion model in early grades, gradually increasing English instruction as students progress.
Our curriculum prepares students to become:
- Bilingual
- Biliterate
- Cross-culturally competent
- Ready for post-secondary success
Cultural Enrichment & Community
Día de Muertos & Cultural Celebrations
Students participate in traditions that honor cultural heritage through art, music, and performance.
Community Events
Events like the Spring Festival and Move-a-Thon build school spirit and family connection.
Belonging & Inclusion
We create opportunities for all students to feel represented, valued, and included.
Student Support & Achievement
We support student success through small-group instruction, reading interventions, classroom aides, and English Language Development (ELD) support.
Our focus is the whole child—academically, socially, and emotionally.
Cali Calmécac Today
- ~1,100 TK–8 students
- 37% English learners
- On-site preschool program
- Full dual-immersion pathway
Students who complete their journey at Cali Calmécac leave as bilingual, culturally grounded, and confident learners—prepared for high school, college, and beyond.
Land Acknowledgement
Cali Calmécac Language Academy acknowledges that our school is located on the unceded traditional and ancestral homelands of the Wappo and Southern Pomo peoples, including the Dry Creek Rancheria of Pomo Indians. We recognize that these lands were taken through colonization, violence, and forced removal, and that Indigenous communities continue to experience the impacts of these injustices today. As a school committed to equity, language, and cultural respect, we honor the enduring presence of Indigenous peoples and commit to ongoing learning, partnership, and actions that support Native sovereignty and visibility. We invite our staff, students, and families to join us in learning about the Native communities of our region and in working together toward a more just and inclusive future.
Reconocimiento de Tierras
Cali Calmécac Language Academy reconoce que nuestra escuela se encuentra en las tierras tradicionales y ancestrales no cedidas de los pueblos Wappo y Pomo del Sur, incluyendo la Ranchería Dry Creek de Indios Pomo. Reconocemos que estas tierras fueron tomadas mediante la colonización, la violencia y el desplazamiento forzado, y que las comunidades indígenas continúan experimentando los impactos de estas injusticias en la actualidad. Como escuela comprometida con la equidad, el lenguaje y el respeto cultural, honramos la presencia continua de los pueblos indígenas y nos comprometemos al aprendizaje continuo, la colaboración y acciones que apoyen la soberanía y visibilidad de las comunidades nativas. Invitamos a nuestro personal, estudiantes y familias a unirse a nosotros para aprender sobre las comunidades nativas de nuestra región y trabajar juntos hacia un futuro más justo e inclusivo.
SCHOOL BIO
ABOUT OUR SCHOOL
Cali Calmécac Language Academy brings together Spanish and English speaking students to help them become bilingual and bi-literate while promoting cross-cultural understanding and academic excellence. Programs such as intensive, small-group reading instruction, paraprofessionals, after-school programs, carefully leveled ELD classes for English learners, and cross-age tutoring provide extra support for students who are not thriving at grade-level.
Our students in grades TK-8 benefit from programs that promote positive social interaction and personal development. A gardening and nutrition program has enriched students' health and our curricula with project-based learning activities. The gardens themselves help beautify our campus year-round. We constantly strive to create a school wide, college-going culture. Students are publicly rewarded for their scholastic progress and achievement both on State and school-based measures. Our graduates are strongly encouraged to continue their language education as they enter high school and are provided the opportunity at the local high school to apply for The Seal of Biliteracy, recognizing their bilingual achievements and alerting future employers to the extent of their abilities.
Parents are a vital part of our school community and are always welcome. We recognize parents as their children's first and most important teacher. Therefore, the Cali Calmécac Language Academy staff encourages active participation and frequent communication between school and home.