The Pierre School District has always held itself to high academic standards and the community has long been a source of support for its schools. Increased communication through the use of the Oahe Cable Channel by airing drama, chorus, band performances, and activities and lessons is a current focus of the district. Riggs High School hosts adult education classes, and is home to the Community Concert Series and the Short Grass Arts Council. Pierre Public Schools currently partners with the Capital University Center providing classrooms and technology. The Pierre Education Foundation provides financial support via grants for innovative Pierre educators. A cooperative spirit with the community of Pierre flourishes through several programs including: Right Turn, Advanced High, Character Education, Youth to Youth, Junior Achievement, Reading Buddies, the Mentorship Program for Students at Risk, Fine Arts and Athletic Booster Clubs, and Native American Liaison.
The following is a summary of data regarding the Pierre public school system as of the 2004–2005 school year.
Total enrollment: 2,624
Number of facilities elementary schools: 4
junior high/middle schools: 1
senior high schools: 1
Student/teacher ratio: elementary, 20.7:1, junior high, 17.2:1, senior high, 20:1
Teacher salaries average: $32,414 (2002–2003)
Funding per pupil: $5,607 (2002–2003)
Pierre also has a Catholic elementary school, an Indian Learning Center, and an alternative education program operated in conjunction with The Right Turn, a career learning center.
Public Schools Information: Pierre Public Schools, 302 E. Dakota, Pierre, SD 57501; telephone (605)773-7300
While Pierre is not the site of any colleges or universities, it does boast the Capital University Center. This non-profit institution helps students earn university degrees through Northern State University, South Dakota State University, the University of South Dakota, and South Dakota School of Mines & Technology. The center offers courses that enable students to obtain associate degrees in business, and master's degrees in business administration, industrial management, and technology management.
Rawlins Municipal Library, which celebrated 100 years in 2003, contains nearly 50,000 books and has special collections on the history of South Dakota. The South Dakota State Library houses more than 180,000 volumes, with special collections on Native American and South Dakota history.
Other libraries in the city include those of the South Dakota State Historical Society, the South Dakota Supreme Court, St. Mary's Healthcare Center, the South Dakota Braille & Talking Book Library, and the South Dakota Department of Game, Fish & Parks Wildlife Division Library.
Public Library Information: Rawlins Municipal Library, 1000 E. Church St., Pierre, SD 57501; telephone (605)773-7421; fax (605)773-7423