Pierre Indian Learning Center

pilc.k12.sd.us/

156 Students

Elementary School 1st - 8th

School Overview

The Pierre Indian Learning Center (PILC) is a unique educational institution located in Pierre, South Dakota, that serves as a residential school for American Indian students in grades 4–8. Operated under the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE), the school is dedicated to providing a supportive, culturally responsive environment that bridges the gap between academic achievement and Native American heritage. Its residential model allows students from various tribal communities to live and learn on campus, fostering a close-knit community focused on holistic development.

Beyond standard academic curricula, the school places a strong emphasis on character building, personal growth, and the integration of Native American values and traditions. By providing a structured living environment combined with targeted educational support, the Pierre Indian Learning Center aims to empower its students to succeed in their future academic endeavors while maintaining a strong connection to their cultural identity. It serves as a vital resource for families seeking an alternative, community-centered schooling experience for their children.

156

Total Students

8.0

Full-Time Teachers

19.5

Student/Teacher Ratio

98.1%

Free/Reduced Lunch

Student Demographics

Student Demographics Data Table

Student Demographics for Pierre Indian Learning Center
Demographic	Student Count
American Indian	156

American Indian
156 (100.0%)

School Location

School Details

Status:	Open
School Level:	Elementary School
School Type:	Regular School
Charter Status:*	Public Non-Charter
Virtual Instruction:	No virtual instruction
Shared Time Status:	No
District:	Pierre Indian Learning Center
Phone:	(605)224-8661
Website:	http://pilc.k12.sd.us/
Grade Range:	1st - 8th
Total Students:	156
Full-Time Teachers (FTE):	8.0
Pupil/Teacher Ratio:	19.5
NSLP Participation:¹	Yes participating without using any Provision or the CEO
Qualified Free Lunch:	153
Qualified Reduced Lunch:	0

* Charter Schools: A public charter school is a publicly funded school that operates independently under a legislative contract (or "charter") with a state, school district, or designated authorizing entity. Charters grant these schools greater operational flexibility over curriculum, staffing, and budgeting in exchange for strict accountability to achieve performance standards established in their charter agreement.

¹ National School Lunch Program (NSLP): The National School Lunch Program is a federally assisted meal program operating in public and nonprofit private schools. It provides nutritionally balanced, low-cost or free lunches to eligible children each school day based on household income thresholds or community eligibility options (CEO).

Title I Program Overview: Title I, Part A of the Elementary and Secondary Education Act (ESEA) allocates federal financial assistance to local educational agencies and public schools with high percentages of children from low-income families to help ensure that all children meet challenging state academic standards.

Grades Taught

Grade 1 10

Grade 2 11

Grade 3 16

Grade 4 13

Grade 5 25

Grade 6 21

Grade 7 35

Grade 8 25