About Our School
Land Acknowledgment
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.
About Cali Calmécac
The name Cali Calmécac comes from the Aztec language, Nahuatl.
Cali means home and reflects our strong partnership between school and families.
Calmécac refers to the Aztec schools of higher learning and represents the academic and social goals we hold for every student.
For more than four decades, Cali Calmécac has been a cornerstone of Windsor’s educational landscape — a charter institution rooted in dual-language immersion, cultural celebration, and a supportive learning environment, while continuously striving for academic excellence and strong community connection.
Origins & Founding
Established July 1, 1980, as part of Windsor Unified School District, Cali Calmécac transitioned in 1987 from a general elementary school into a dual-immersion charter program.
The name “Calmécac” evokes the Aztec term for a highly esteemed school for priests — a nod to the school’s commitment to rigorous bilingual education.
Mission & Curriculum
From early on, Cali Calmécac adopted a 90/10 two-way bilingual immersion model, teaching primarily in Spanish (90%) in the early grades and gradually increasing English exposure.
The curriculum prepares students to become biliterate, bilingual, cross-culturally competent, and ready for post-secondary success.
Cultural Enrichment & Community
Cali Calmécac celebrates and uplifts the rich cultural traditions of our diverse community. Signature experiences — including Día de Muertos and folklórico festivals — nurture cultural pride and honor the identities of our students and families through arts, music, and performance.
Rooted in a deep commitment to inclusion and belonging, the school creates opportunities for all students to see themselves reflected and valued. Annual traditions — such as the Spring Festival and Move-a-Thon — have strengthened community connections and school spirit since the late 1980s.
Growth, Achievements & Support
Programs to support struggling students include small-group reading interventions, classroom aides, leveled English Language Development (ELD) classes, and peer tutoring.
The community at Cali Calmécac is focused on the whole child and on developing future citizens who are educated and culturally competent.
Present Day
Currently, the school enrolls approximately 1,100 students in grades TK–8, with about 37% identified as English learners. The school also offers an on-site preschool program.
Students who complete their nine-year journey at Cali Calmécac emerge as culturally grounded, bilingual global citizens, prepared with the skills, confidence, and perspective to embrace whatever comes next.
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.