Where Academic Rigor Meets Dena'ina Heritage.
Tułen Charter School is a public K-4 charter school in Kenai, Alaska. Operated through an innovative partnership between the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and the KPBSD, we empower students through place-based literacy, STEM, and outdoor subsistence culture.
Qunshi & Tułen
Pronunciation: [KOON-shee & too-LEN]
"Beluga Whale & The Flowing River"
Qunshi is the Dena'ina word for Beluga Whale, honoring the white beluga whales of Cook Inlet and Kahtnu waters that symbolize strength, navigation, and community.
The Four Pillars of Tułen Charter School
Our curriculum weaves Alaska State Academic Standards with centuries of Dena'ina wisdom, environmental stewardship, and community identity.
Dena'ina Language & Heritage
Daily language immersion, oral storytelling, and cultural traditions taught in partnership with Tribal Elders and certified linguists.
Subsistence & Ecology
Hands-on outdoor science including salmon lifecycle monitoring, plant foraging, river stewardship, and annual Subsistence Harvest Week.
Rigorous Literacy & STEAM
Structured reading interventions, project-based mathematics, and technology integration designed for foundational early elementary mastery.
Tribal & Family Partnership
Governed by an active Academic Policy Committee (APC), welcoming parent involvement, community potlucks, and Elders-in-Residence.
Kimberly Daniels
Principal / Head of School
"Welcoming Every Child to a Flowing River of Learning"
At Tułen Charter School, we believe that education flourishes when children feel rooted in their community and connected to the rich heritage of our land. Named after the Dena'ina concept of a flowing river, our school guides students through foundational academics while fostering cultural pride and stewardship.
"Our partnership with the Kenaitze Indian Tribe and KPBSD ensures that every student receives a top-tier public education wrapped in warmth, respect, and traditional values."
Our Classrooms, Land & Culture
Located at 12271 Kenai Spur Highway in Kenai, Alaska, our modern facilities provide purpose-built indoor learning spaces and direct access to outdoor ecosystems.
Modern Educational Facilities
Equipped with bright elementary classrooms, specialized literacy spaces, multi-purpose halls, and secure playgrounds.
Native Language & Artistry
Students engage in beadwork, birch bark craftsmanship, song, and Dena'ina language practice alongside Tribal Elders.
River & Forest Ecosystems
Hands-on exploration of Kenai salmon habitats, forest ecology, weather patterns, and Alaska wildlife tracking.
Upcoming Campus Events
Annual Fall Subsistence & Harvest Week
Students and families participate in traditional salmon smoking, berry gathering, fish processing, and environmental stewardship with Kenaitze Elders.
Academic Policy Committee (APC) Monthly Meeting
Monthly public meeting of the Tułen Charter School APC Board. Public comments open at 5:35 PM. All parents and community members welcome.
Fall Open House & Prospective Student Info Night
Tour our classrooms, meet Principal Kimberly Daniels and teaching staff, view Dena'ina cultural displays, and learn about K-4 enrollment for mid-year and upcoming terms.
Ready to Join the Tułen Learning Community?
Tułen Charter School is open to all K-4 elementary students residing in the Kenai Peninsula Borough. Submit your Intent to Enroll today!