BANNING, CA – The Morongo Band of Mission Indians celebrated the groundbreaking of a new, state-of-the-art Morongo Elementary School that will expand and enhance educational opportunities for tribal youth on the Morongo Indian Reservation.
The new campus on Malki Road will span 24,000 sq. ft. and will include 10 classrooms, a multipurpose room, a library, computer and media labs, and flexible learning spaces designed for art, music, and dance. The school will bring together all of Morongo’s pre-K through fifth grade students – who currently receive instruction at three locations – to one campus for the first time, creating a cohesive and consistent learning environment for all tribal youth.
The Morongo School is the first of its kind on an Indian reservation in the nation and is fully accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). The school offers a strong academic college preparatory curriculum that also includes leadership programs, tribal language instruction, and lessons about tribal history and culture from tribal elders. The school is tuition-free and funded by the Morongo Band of Mission Indians.
“Education is key to sustaining our traditions and empowering our future,” said Morongo Tribal Chairman Charles Martin. “The new Morongo School will ensure our children receive a high-quality education with a strong tribal focus, preparing the next generation of Morongo leaders to thrive academically while remaining deeply connected to our heritage.”
Chairman Martin also recognized the vision and hard work of the tribal members who guided the project through their volunteer service on the Morongo Education Committee.
The Morongo School first opened in July 2010 with 23 students in grades K–6. The school has tripled in size, but class sizes do not exceed 20 students per fully-credentialed teacher, and each student receives an individualized education program. The new school will advance Morongo’s enduring commitment to developing the next generation of tribal and civic leaders through education and empowerment programs that foster self-reliance.
Construction began this month, with an anticipated completion date late 2026.
