Morongo Band Of Mission Indians Open First Grade School

The Morongo Band of Mission Indians today will celebrate the opening of its first grade school, which tribal officials say will prepare students for admittance to the country’s “top” universities.

Morongo Elementary School will serve tribal children in kindergarten through sixth grade, with plans to expand the learning center to include a junior high and high school by 2012.

The tribal-funded facility will be a tuition-free college preparatory academy, according to Morongo Tribal Vice Chairman Maurice Lyons.

“We are determined to counter the national trend in which American Indians earn fewer bachelors’ degrees than any other ethnic group,” he said. “Morongo’s children will be prepared to enter the nation’s top universities of their choice and any arena of government, academic, professional and corporate life.”

According to tribal officials, the tribe is determined to create opportunities for its younger generation that don’t revolve exclusively around the Morongo Casino in Cabazon.

The school’s curriculum will emphasize the three R’s, plus governance, leadership, foreign and tribal languages, history and culture.

Class sizes will be restricted to 15 students per instructor.

Among those slated to be on hand for today’s 11 a.m. dedication ceremony on the reservation are members of the Tribal Council, students, families and invited guests.