Lummi Nation School

Lummi Nation School (LNS) is a K-12 tribal school for the Lummi people, in unincorporated Whatcom County, Washington, with a Bellingham postal address.^[1] It is affiliated with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).^[2]

It has a compact with the state of Washington and receives a grant from the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE).^[3]

According to Kira M. Cox of the Seattle Times, circa 2003-2008 the school had significant staff and principal turnover, low test scores, and low student discipline. Five superintendents and three principals were in place during that period.^[4]

According to Cox, after 2008, when Heather Leighton became principal, conditions improved.^[4] In 2008 there were 350 students.^[4]

A related boarding facility for the tribal school, Lummi Youth Academy, opened in 2008. It cost $2.1 million to build and was to hold up to 40 boarders in grades 8–12, with a staff of 21 employees. The Gates Foundation and other charitable entities planned to help cover the $1.4 million yearly cost of operations.^[5] An equal number of male and female students may be accommodated. Students may live at school year round, or they may visit family on weekends.^[6]