While the campus at Flandreau Indian School is open to the broader community for special events and routinely for sports, it’s not often the general public gets an inside look at the school itself.
That’s something administrators and staff hope to change.
In an effort to better connect with the public and showcase what the school offers, FIS held for a second time, what it hopes will become an annual Open House this past week. A small group joined the late afternoon public tour, while earlier in the day, students and families from a couple of feeder schools — where a number of future FIS students often come from — had the chance to explore the campus and learn more about the academic and residential experience available to Native students from across the country.

Following years of low enrollment due to the COVID-19 pandemic, school leaders are actively working to grow the student population again. The school started this academic year with roughly 300 students. That number, Superintendent Everall Fox noted, tends to fluctuate throughout the year.
“We’re seeing positive momentum,” Fox said.
The tour highlighted ongoing improvements across campus, including updates to classroom spaces, dorms, home living features, and athletic facilities, as well as the broader range of course offerings now available.
Still, like many institutions across the country, FIS is under a hiring freeze, and there’s uncertainty about what next year’s federal funding will look like. Fox acknowledged the concern but said staff remain focused on moving forward and planning for continued growth.
FIS has a small but dedicated team — staff members wear many hats to make the school experience successful for its students. And while the campus is typically closed off for safety, the open house gave community members a rare opportunity to step inside, ask questions, and learn firsthand about the life and education being offered.
The school is hosting a Disc Golf Fundraiser Tournament on May 11, all are welcome to register and take part. All funds raised go back to the school to improve its new disc golf course. Log onto FIS’ Facebook page for more information.