In the Heart of the Pine Ridge Reservation

End of School Year Review 2026

8th Grade Graduates

We celebrated our biggest 8th grade graduation yet on May 21st! This year, we proudly sent seven 8th graders on to high school, where we know they will continue to thrive and flourish with the strong foundation they gained at Lakota Waldorf School.

We have so much confidence in these young students as they carry the Lakota language, Lakota values, and the lessons they have learned with them into this next chapter. It was a bittersweet moment, especially as one of our graduates, Kaia, has been with us since kindergarten (12 years! 4 years of kindergarten and then through grades 1-8). While it is hard to say goodbye, we are so excited to see our 8th graders continue their education and grow into the bright futures ahead of them.

As part of our graduation celebration, each student took part in a traditional feather tying ceremony. The boys received eagle feathers, and the girls received eagle plumes, honoring their accomplishments and the important transition they are making into the next stage of their lives. This ceremony is a beautiful reminder of the strength they carry with them as they move forward.

Each year, our graduates also plant a tree on school grounds. This tradition gives students a lasting connection to Lakota Waldorf School, symbolizing the roots they have grown here and the continued growth ahead of them. Just like the trees they plant, we know these students will continue to grow strong, reach toward the future, and remain connected to the values, language, and community that helped nurture them.

Donate Now!

Help Us Raise $15,000

for our healthy meal program

As you read through our end-of-year review, we invite you to join us for our next fundraiser, launching first week of August. Every donation, and every share on social media, will help us prepare for the upcoming school year.

Our goal is to raise $15,000 to support our Healthy Organic Meals Program. This program helps ensure our students receive nourishing meals that support their learning and growth.

The Pine Ridge Reservation is located in a food desert, where many families have limited access to fresh, healthy foods and are often left with ulta high processed foods, also many of our families depend on our food program. At Lakota Waldorf School, we take this responsibility seriously. We work to provide nutritious, wholesome meals that help fuel our children’s minds throughout the school day. We also want our students to learn that healthy food is possible, delicious, and can come in many different forms and options.

Your support helps us continue offering strong, supportive education while also caring for the basic needs of our students. Every gift makes a difference as we prepare for another year of learning, growth, and community.

Donate Now!

End of the School Review

As we reflect on this school year, we feel so incredibly grateful for our community and the support we receive. We want to thank each and every individual, every foundation, and everyone who contributed to the success of our school year. Wopila tanka (thank you) from the bottom of our hearts.

Your support helps us continue creating a learning environment where students feel seen and connected to their culture and their community. As we look toward the next school year, we do so with gratitude, hope, and a deep commitment to the children and families we serve.

Donate Now!

Thank you Lakota Waldorf Staff

A heartfelt thank you to the Lakota Waldorf School staff, who keep our school running with care, dedication, and love. Each day, they pour their hearts into every child, creating a place where students are supported and encouraged.

We are so grateful for the teachers, staff, and helpers who make this work possible.

Isabel Stadnick - Lakota Waldorf School Administrator

Tiffiny Tibbitts - Cook

Joseph Rice - 7th - 8th Grade Teacher

Rob Janis - Bus Driver

Joyce Little Whiteman - Kindergarter Teacher

James Two Crow - Bus Driver

Wiyaka Red Owl - 3rd - 4th Grade Teacher

Caroline Stadnick - Pedagogical Lead Director & Subject Teacher

Matho Littlehorn - Lakota Language Teacher

Michael Dillon - Business Manager

Esperanza Montileaux - 1st - 2nd Grade Teacher

Jonnie Winters - Office Manager

Louis Little White Man - Janitor & Assistant Cook

Roseanna Fool Head - Donor Relations Associate

Dianna Iron Cloud - Kindgarten Assistant

Visit Our Online Store

Looking for the perfect gift? Our online store is now open and features T-shirts, mugs, notebooks, tote bags, water bottles, and stickers. Every purchase helps support our school and plants a tree (excluding T-shirts and posters). Shop now and spread the love!

Because of Tarriffs we will not be shipping internationally until further notice.