The Red Cloud Indian School, Inc., is a non-profit corporation (501C3) operating as an accredited private school and organized under the laws of the state of South Dakota.
Private donations support 97 percent of Red Cloud Indian School.
We receive no Federal, State, or Tribal funds. The Red Cloud Indian School provides a quality education of the mind and heart for almost 600 Native American students every day.
The main campus near Pine Ridge Village consists of one of the largest private Native American schools in the country.
The mission of The Red Cloud Indian Schools is to provide a quality education from kindergarten through high school to the Native American children on the Pine Ridge Reservation.
The educational process at Red Cloud Indian School attempts to give lakota students the skills they need to compete in the larger society while retaining the traditional values and culture of the Lakota heritage.
Course work includes a basic educational curriculum (Math, Science, History, etc.) as well as courses in ethics, religion, Lakota culture, Lakota religion, and Lakota language.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked SD School
- Grades: Kindergarten-12
- Enrollment: 435 students
- Average class size: 15 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Red Cloud Indian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Kindergarten-12
Year Founded
1888
Colors
White, Blue
School Calendar
Last Day of School
Mon. May 25, 2026
Student Body
Total Students
435 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
99%
State avg.: 21%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
65 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
7:1
National avg.: 13:1
Average Class Size
15 students
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Red Cloud Indian School's ranking?
Red Cloud Indian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Dakota for: Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Red Cloud Indian School?
The application deadline for Red Cloud Indian School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
5 1/6/2015
I AM A 54 YEAR OLD RETIRED CERTIFIED LA TEACHER. I SPENT 15 OF THOSE YEARS IN READING ENGLISH LANGUAGE ARTS. MY RETIREMENT DREAM HAS ALWAYS BEEN TO TEACH AND LEARN FROM A CULTURE THAT I HAVE STUDIED AND LOVED FOR OVER 20 YEARS OF TRAVEL IN SOUTH DAKOTA. I WOULD GREATLEY APPRECIATE ALL INFORMATION THAT I WOULD NEED FOR ANY FUTHER CERTIFICATION AND REQUIREMENTS TO APPROACH MY DREAM IN THE FALL
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