St. Joseph Indian School in Chamberlain, SD, serves 132 udents in grades 1 through 8 within a rural community setting.
Founded in 1927, the school operates with a Catholic religious affiliation and is a member of the Southern Bapti Association of Christian Schools.
The udent–teacher ratio of 5:1, supported by 27 teaching staff, allowing for smaller class sizes in elementary and middle school grades.
The udent body is 100% students of color, reflecting the school's diverse enrollment in the rural South Dakota area.
The campus occupies 55 acres, supporting the school's elementary and middle school educational programs.
Quick Facts (2026)
- Top-Ranked SD School
- Grades: 1-8
- Enrollment: 132 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
St. Joseph Indian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Diversity
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 1-8
Year Founded
1927
School Calendar
Campus Size
55 acres
Student Body
Total Students
132 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
100%
State avg.: 22%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
27 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
5:1
National avg.:
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
School Notes
- School Motto: educate Native American children and their families for life — mind, body, heart and spirit.
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What is St. Joseph Indian School's ranking?
St. Joseph Indian School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in South Dakota for: Highest percentage of students of color and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for St. Joseph Indian School?
The application deadline for St. Joseph Indian School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse St. Joseph Indian School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Choosing Between a Traditional ²ÝÁñÉçÇø School and a Microschool
Compare traditional private schools and microschools to understand differences in academics, class size, flexibility, cost, and student experience before choosing the best educational fit.
The Second Visit Strategy: What to Look for After the Open House
A second campus visit can reveal what an open house cannot. Learn what to observe, which questions to ask, and how to determine whether a private school is truly the right fit for your child.
How Policy Changes Could Affect Your Tuition Bill in 2026
Learn how federal and state policy changes may affect private school tuition, financial aid, tax benefits, and your family's education budget.

