Pierre Indian Learning Center facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Pierre Indian Learning Center |
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|---|---|
| Information | |
| Other name | Pierre Indian School Learning Center |
| Established | February 5, 1891 |
| Grades | 1-8 |
The Pierre Indian Learning Center (PILC) is a special school for students in grades 1 through 8. It is also known as the Pierre Indian School Learning Center. This school is a tribal boarding school located in Pierre, South Dakota. It works with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), which helps support schools for Native American students.
School History
The Pierre Indian Learning Center first opened its doors on February 5, 1891. It started with just five students. Some people believe the school was built because the city of Pierre was trying to become the state capital.
In 1895, leaders from this school and another Indian school in Minnesota traveled to the White Earth Reservation. They were looking for students to join their schools. A few years later, in 1904, the government bought more land for the school. This added about 300 acres (120 hectares) for the school to use. By 1908, the school had grown to 156 students.
In the past, the education at the school did not always prepare students for jobs. Over the years, there were some disagreements about how the school was run. In 1988, a group of people, including former employees, asked for changes in the school's leadership.
School Campus
Students who live at the school stay in dormitories. These dorms are set up so that boys and girls are in separate areas. Younger students (elementary) and older students (middle school) also have their own separate sections. This means there are four different living areas for students.
Student Life
In 2017, about 200 students attended the Pierre Indian Learning Center. These students came from South Dakota, Nebraska, and North Dakota. They represented 15 different Native American reservations. Many students at the school have special learning needs or are considered "at-risk" students. This means they might need extra support to succeed.
Related Schools
- Other boarding schools run by the Bureau of Indian Education:
- Chemawa Indian School
- Flandreau Indian School
- Riverside Indian School
- Sherman Indian High School
- Boarding schools run by tribes:
- Circle of Nations Wahpeton Indian School
- Sequoyah Schools
