Pierre Indian Learning Center facts for kids

Pierre Indian Learning Center (PILC) is a special school for Native American students in grades 1 through 8. It's a boarding school, which means students live there during the school year. The school is located in Pierre, South Dakota. It works with the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), which helps support schools for Native American students.

History of Pierre Indian Learning Center

The Pierre Indian Learning Center opened its doors on February 5, 1891. It started with just five students. Some people believe the school was built because the town of Pierre wanted to become the state capital.

In 1895, leaders from the Indian schools in Pipestone, Minnesota, and Pierre, South Dakota, visited 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 (121 hectares) for the school's use. By 1908, the school had grown to 156 students.

Later, in October 1988, some people had concerns about the school's leadership. A group of about 150 people, including former staff, met to discuss these issues. They asked the tribes who oversee the school to make changes. A staff member who spoke out about these concerns was later able to re-apply for a job at the school.

School Campus

The school has dormitories where students live. These living areas are separated into four different sections. Boys and girls live in different wings. Also, elementary school students and middle school students have their own separate areas. This helps keep students of similar ages together.

Our Students

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 PILC receive special support to help them succeed in their learning journey. The school works hard to help every student reach their full potential.

See also

• Off-reservation boarding schools operated by the BIE
  • Chemawa Indian School
  • Flandreau Indian School
  • Riverside Indian School
  • Sherman Indian High School
• Off-reservation boarding schools operated by tribes
  • Circle of Nations Wahpeton Indian School
  • Sequoyah Schools