Native American boarding schools started as a way to integrate Native Americans into mainstream society, but have evolved into so much more. The benefits of these boarding schools include unique cultural experiences and in-depth college prep.
Cultural Experiences
Many Native Americans grow up with a rich cultural background. Native American boarding schools can help instill those beliefs, sense of history and practices. Many allow, and even encourage, Native American traditions and culture. Along with the experience of their own culture, lessons in other cultures are included.
In a 1996 report, roughly 25% of Native Americans were found to have dropped out of high school in 1992. One of the reasons suggested for such high dropout rates is the fact that high school is often the transition period where Native Americans leave reservation schools and integrate with society. The schools they attend may not be as culturally rich as what they are used to, resulting in culture shock.
Boarding schools allow Native American students to experience their heritage, which may be one reason the college attendance rate after graduation tends to be higher than that of public schools.
Academic Opportunities
As with many boarding schools, Native American schools focus largely on academic studies. Math and science often are a big focus. These schools exist for elementary, middle and high school levels. High school levels often focus on college preparation.
Computer use and technology can also be a main focal point at Native American boarding schools. In many instances, students can go from beginning to advanced courses in this area. Computer technology and usage is a major part of the way today's society interacts and operates. Therefore, it is very important that all students learn at least the basic skills.
Sports also are a big part of Native American boarding schools. Team sports can teach children how to work together and can also teach important leadership skills. Other skills that can come from team sports include strategy and problem-solving. All of these skills are essential to competitive sports, but also are essential life skills.
History of Native American Boarding Schools
Today's Native American boarding schools are not quite the same as those found centuries ago. Native American boarding schools first were started as a way to integrate the Native Americans into society by schooling them away from their own culture and way of life. In this setting, Native Americans were taught traditional studies and were encouraged to practice societal traditions and cultural experiences rather than their own. They were taught manual labor skills, discipline and domestic skills.
Today's Native American boarding schools encourage their students to express and experience their cultural heritage, while at the same time educating them in aspects of today's society.
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