Named after the residential neighbourhood it was constructed in. An Indigenous-based name: Tipaskan is the Cree word for "reserve." The name Tipaskan was chosen because the Mill Woods area, where this neighbourhood is located, lies within the original boundaries of the Papaschase Indigenous Reserve No. 136. In 1889, the 103.3 sq km reserve was allotted to Chief Papaschase and his band under Treaty No. 6.

Named after Chief Satoo of the Cree Nation. The Cree word satoo means "jumping." The Satoo area is on the traditional Papschase Reserve. An addition to the school was added in 1977.

An Indigenous-based name: Sakaw is the Cree word for "wooded area," this area was once part of the Papaschase Indigenous Reserve. An addition was added to the school in 1982.

Named after the residential neighbourhood it was constructed in. An Indigenous-based name: Meyonohk (miyonohk) means "an ideal place to be," in Plains Cree. An addition was added to the school in 1982.

An Indigenous-based name: Meyokumin meaning "good water," in Plains Cree. Additions were added to the school in 1982 and 1983.

An Indigenous-based name: Menisa means "berry," in Plains Cree. An addition was added to the school in 1982.

An Indigenous-based name: Mee-Yah-No means "fair view" in Plains Cree. An addition was added to the school in 1966.

An Indigenous-based name: Kameyosek meaning "the beautiful," in Plains Cree.

An Indigenous-based name: Ekota is the Cree word meaning "special place." An addition was added to the building in 1978.

Additions were added to the building 1981 and 1990. Formerly known as Dan Knott School and was renamed in 2022. "kisêwâtisiwin" meaning kindness, kind-heartedness, compassion or goodness in Plains Cree. kisêwâtisiwin is pronounced ki-se-wât-si-win.

In 2002, a building near the Edmonton municipal airport was repurposed to become amiskwaciy Academy. amiskwaciy is the Cree word for "Beaver Hills." amiskwaciy is pronounced ah-misk-wah-chee.

Students come from across Edmonton and surrounding areas as well as from First Nations communities and Métis settlements throughout Western Canada and the Northwest Territories. Most are First Nations, Métis or Inuit, but the school welcome students of all cultures.

In addition to its academic programming and teachings on the Medicine Wheel, amiskwaciy Academy offers CTS programs such as Cosmetology, Construction Technology, and Foods and Fashion Studies. Through community partnerships, amiskwaciy Academy provides hot breakfast and lunch programs, family support and the University of Alberta Community Service-Learning program.