Dakota Memorial School is a place where your child can succeed, academically and socially, maybe for the first time
Our teachers and staff support students with complex learning needs due to psychiatric, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges. It differs from a public school in that it offers a holistic and therapeutic educational environment for children with severe mental health and behavioral issues, while still giving your child access to special education, 504, and Title services.
Personalized Learning for Residential and Day Students
Dakota Memorial School (DMS) provides a holistic and therapeutic educational environment for students facing psychiatric, behavioral, and trauma-related challenges. Operating in Minot, Bismarck, and Fargo, DMS serves both residential and day program students, offering a personalized education that aligns with each child's unique needs.
Whether your child is in residential treatment at the Ranch or attending Dakota Memorial School as a day student, the education they receive is exactly the same. The only difference is how they enter the school. Residential students live at the Ranch while going through treatment. They are enrolled at DMS through the residential application process.
Day students live at home and attend Dakota Memorial School during the day. To learn more, talk to your child's school, or contact the DMS principal at the location nearest you (Minot, Bismarck, or Fargo).
Why Choose
Dakota Memorial School?
Dakota Memorial School (DMS) is a fully accredited, holistic school designed to provide best-in-class, trauma-responsive education for children with complex learning needs. Our highly trained education staff deliver personalized education to children in elementary, middle, and high school (grades 6-12 in Bismarck; grades 5-12 in Fargo; grades 2-12 in Minot).
With research-based assessments upon enrollment, students are placed in classes aligning with their academic levels and goals. Small class sizes and low student-to-educator ratios allow us to surround students with the tools they need to succeed.
Trauma-Responsive
Learning
We understand that children’s behaviors all serve a purpose. We find out the reasons behind the behaviors and help students develop more appropriate ways to cope with their emotions.
Year-Round Academic Programming
Year-round academic programming allows students to recover high school credits or explore alternative paths to graduation.
Holistic Approach
Education is about more than academics. At Dakota Memorial School, students have access to spiritual life programming, balanced learning environments, social-emotional support, and on-site therapeutic support.
Beyond Academics
Our small class sizes allow us to provide services that go beyond typical academics. At DMS, students learn independent living skills, volunteer in the community, and discover who they are so they can make decisions for their futures.
High Standards, Certified Staff, Accredited Learning
DMS is a 1-12 accredited private school district staffed by North Dakota-certified teachers and administrators, para-educators, and support personnel. We are hold a Certificate of Approval by the North Dakota Department of Public Instruction and are Accredited with Merit by Cognia, an international accrediting body dedicated to high-performance standards and measurable, meaningful school improvement.
Get in Touch
To learn more about Dakota Memorial School or schedule a school visit for your child, contact the principal at the location nearest you or complete the form below.
Minot
Sherry Wagner, Principal
Dakota Memorial School
6301 19th Ave. N.W.
Minot, ND 58703
701-857-4222
Bismarck
Mallory Halvorson, Principal
Dakota Memorial School
1227 35th St. N.
Bismarck, ND 58501
701-221-5303
Fargo
Shayla Leinen, Principal
Dakota Memorial School
7151 15th St. S.
Fargo, ND 58104
701-551-6808
Administration
Tina DeGree, Superintendent/ VP Education
6301 19th Ave. N.W.
Minot, ND 58703
701-857-4275
Contact Us
Interested in learning more about Dakota Memorial School? Want to talk about how our small class sizes, low student-to-educator ratios, and trauma-responsive learning environment might be a good fit for your child? Complete the contact form, and we'll get back to you.