Chemawa Indian School

Chemawa Indian School, located in Salem, Oregon, is a historic residential secondary school that serves Native American and Alaska Native students from across the United States. As the oldest continuously operating boarding school for Native American students in the country, it was founded in 1880 with a mission rooted in both academic instruction and cultural preservation. Today, the school is operated by the Bureau of Indian Education (BIE) and offers a comprehensive high school curriculum designed to prepare students for post-secondary education and career success while fostering a sense of community and cultural identity.

The school environment at Chemawa emphasizes a holistic approach to student development, blending rigorous academic standards with programming that honors the diverse tribal traditions of its student body. Beyond the classroom, students participate in a wide array of extracurricular activities, including athletics, leadership organizations, and cultural enrichment programs. By providing a residential setting, Chemawa creates a supportive network where students can connect with peers from various backgrounds, allowing them to grow academically and personally within a community that respects and celebrates their unique cultural heritage.