Residential Living
Your child will share a home with others their age, and we work hard to make each house feel like a family. We want every student to feel safe, comfortable, and cared for. Here, your child will learn to make good choices, manage their feelings, build character, practice good hygiene and manners, and take care of their own space.
A Home Where Children Grow
For your youngest children, we help them learn how to get along, make friends, build positive relationships, use good manners, stay healthy, eat well, and help with chores. As your child moves into fourth through sixth grade, they keep building these skills and start to discover what makes them unique. As they grow older, we focus even more on social and emotional growth and helping them become more independent.
Our houseparents are here to help your child do well in school. They talk with teachers every day and attend school events to support your family. Houseparents also work closely with you to make sure your child gets the support they need.
We love helping your child get involved in community service and make a difference. Our staff also makes birthdays special by inviting friends and family to celebrate, opening gifts, and sharing your child’s favorite meal.
Living in Our High School Homes
In high school, we want your child to use what they learn in class in their daily life. Houseparents help students find their strengths, set reachable goals, solve problems, work with others, and take on new challenges.
During these years, your child will learn to review their own work and see how they are doing. Houseparents help students notice their strengths and celebrate their efforts. Working together is important in high school, and life is busy with part-time jobs, activities, and getting ready for life after graduation.
Just like when they were younger, your child will be part of a caring community in high school. They will help make meals, do their homework on their own, get help from the learning center when needed, and join in service projects. Many students tell us they feel free to grow, learn, and thrive here, while also knowing what is expected to stay safe and do their best.
The Values That Guide Our Homes
We care about your child and want to help them grow. These are the values that guide how we support your family each day:
Human Dignity
Recognition of the dignity of all people as created in God’s image
Strengths-Based Growth
Belief in the student’s ability to progress and advance through strengths-based practice
Positive Behavior Support
Strengths-based approach to behavior management through Life-Space Crisis Intervention and Love and Logic based on core values such as respect, caring, collaboration, resilience, and possibility
Mutual Respect
Mutual respect according to the houseparent/student role
Courtesy and Character Development
Courtesy and the Circle of Courage values of Belonging, Mastery, Independence, and Generosity
Developmentally Responsive Practice
Flexibility based upon a child’s developmental level
Progressive Accountability
The transition from least-restrictive to most-restrictive consequence levels
Growth Through Relationships
Personal relationships that enhance the opportunity for growth
Safe and Supportive Community
An environment that fosters the well-being of students and staff members because help is normative and harm of any sort is unacceptable
“Even when I left St. Joe’s, [my houseparents] made the trip to my high school graduation. They were the best. I missed home so much, but they got me through it. They got me through a lot, and I am ever so thankful. They helped shape the woman I am today”
Tina – St Joseph’s Alumni
Learning Responsibility Every Day
Along with these beliefs, we use the Circle of Direction Privilege System to help your child build confidence and earn new privileges as they grow. As your child moves from Centering to Phase IV, their responsibilities and privileges will increase. How your child does at school and at home helps them move forward, and each age group has its own steps to complete along the way.
Learn How We Make Transitions Easier
Every stage of your child’s journey brings new opportunities to learn and grow. Discover how St. Joseph’s Indian School helps students successfully transition through each chapter of their education and prepares them for life beyond graduation.
The People Who Make Our Houses Home
When your child joins St. Joseph’s Indian School, they become part of a caring home where they’re supported every day. Our houseparents provide a safe, structured, and nurturing environment where students build confidence, develop life skills, and create lasting friendships.
Growing Alongside Our Animal Friends
Animals have a special way of helping children feel calm, confident, and connected. At St. Joseph’s Indian School, our companion animals are an important part of campus life, providing comfort, encouragement, and joyful moments throughout the day.
Caring Mentors
Every child benefits from having someone who believes in them. At St. Joseph’s Indian School, our mentor program gives students another trusted adult they can turn to for encouragement, guidance, and friendship.
Learning Through New Experiences
Every new place brings a new opportunity to learn. From cultural journeys and educational travel to special events and family-style home trips, your child will experience the world in ways that build confidence, broaden perspectives, and prepare them for the future.
Summer and Break Homes
When school is out, your child can continue to learn, grow, and feel at home at St. Joseph’s Indian School. Our Summer and Break Home programs provide a safe, caring environment where students stay engaged through learning, recreation, community activities, and meaningful experiences.
Community Service
Your child will have opportunities to make a positive difference in the lives of others through community service. Each home plans and participates in at least two service projects each year, giving students the chance to work together, give back, and strengthen their connection to the community.
Students help choose and plan these projects, building leadership, teamwork, and problem-solving skills along the way. Through these meaningful experiences, your child will put the Lakota values of generosity and belonging into action while discovering the lasting impact of serving others.