Sapa Un Jesuit Academy

Sapa Un Jesuit Academy Sapa Un Jesuit Academy is a dual-language lakota catholic academy started by The St. Francis Mission WHY? Education provides opportunities and results.

OUR VISION: To establish a highly selective, comprehensive, Catholic, co-educational third through twelfth grade academy that will form a new generation of Lakota leaders to be college-educated, sober, and faith-filled. Solving the Rosebud Reservation’s many social, economic, and spiritual problems requires a process that is Lakota-led and comprehensive. Sobriety provides clear reasoning and acco

untability. Faith provides courage and hope. The Lakota people of today need all of these, as do tomorrow’s Lakota leaders whose responsibility it will be to secure these for generations to come. ROSEBUD RESERVATION’S SITUATION: The Reservation’s social, economic, and spiritual problems are cross-generational. They are worse today than they were a generation ago. They continue to grow worse. One wonders how much worse, if they were left unsolved, they could possibly get. For all of the Mission’s successes these past few years, a death cycle continues. Dysfunction continues to rage across the Reservation in educational systems, sobriety, and faith life. HOW DOES SAPA UN ADDRESS THIS SITUATION? Sapa Un offers a first class education that will prepare Lakota youth for college. It will help whole families to become sober. It will facilitate religious experiences for the entire family. It will graduate the Lakota leaders of tomorrow who will be able to read, write, and speak the Lakota language as well as English. FIVE REASONS WHY YOU SHOULD SUPPORT SAPA UN ACADEMY:

1. At Sapa Un, all of the Mission’s efforts to heal the mind, body, and soul of Lakota people comes together. The effects of this ministry will be both immediate and long term.
2. Sapa Un will give to Lakota children and teenagers a real opportunity for an excellent education that is unavailable elsewhere on the reservation.
3. Sapa Un will give to Lakota families a powerful incentive to become sober and take responsibility for their lives.
4. Sapa Un will give to Lakota families a powerful incentive to return to the Church and renew their faith.
5. Sapa Un will form the Lakota leaders of tomorrow who will usher in a new era of opportunity and hope for the Lakota people. PLEASE HELP BY VISITING http://www.sfmission.org/, CALLING 605.747-2361 OR WRITING St. Francis Mission, PO Box 499 St. Francis, SD 57572

Happy F R I D A Y!We are 12 days away from seeing all of our amazing students! We can't wait to see you!
08/21/2026

Happy F R I D A Y!

We are 12 days away from seeing all of our amazing students! We can't wait to see you!

🌟🎓 Meet Josh!🎓🌟 Today, we are proud to introduce Josh, one of this year's three recipients of the Fr. John Hatcher Schol...
08/11/2026

🌟🎓 Meet Josh!🎓🌟

Today, we are proud to introduce Josh, one of this year's three recipients of the Fr. John Hatcher Scholarship.

Josh is a proud graduate of Sapa Un's 8th-grade class of 2022! We invite you to learn more about his story in the questions and answers below.
____________________________________________________

💙What are you studying, and where are you attending school?

I will be attending Mid-Plains Community College, where I plan to study music. I've always enjoyed playing with music because it deeply connects with my faith, and I’m excited to build the skills needed for a career in the musical field.

💙 What are your goals after completing your education, and how do you hope to make a difference in your community?

After completing my education, I hope to work in the music field, where I can use my musical skills and creativity to inspire others through performance, worship, and music ministry. I also want to continue serving in my church as a pianist, using my talents to encourage people and glorify God through music. My goal is to make a positive impact by sharing my passion for music, helping others grow in their musical abilities, and serving my community through the gift of music.

💙Looking back on your time at Sapa Un Jesuit Academy, what lesson, teacher, or experience has stayed with you as you begin this next chapter?

One of the biggest lessons I learned at Sapa Un Jesuit Academy was the importance of perseverance and always striving to do my best, even when challenges arise. My teachers encouraged me to keep learning, stay disciplined, and never give up on my goals. Those lessons have given me confidence as I begin this new chapter in college.

💙What advice would you give to current Sapa Un students who hope to attend college or a technical school one day?

My advice is to believe in yourself, embrace every challenge as an opportunity to grow, and never stop learning. Success is built through perseverance, purpose, and the courage to keep moving forward, even when the path is difficult.

To learn more or donate: www.sfmission.org

⏳ The countdown is on! ⏳......27 days.But who's counting? 😄 We are!The first day of school is almost here, and we can't...
08/06/2026

⏳ The countdown is on! ⏳
......27 days.

But who's counting? 😄 We are!

The first day of school is almost here, and we can't wait to welcome our students back for another amazing year!

See you soon!

🌟🎓 Meet Darrian!🎓🌟 Today, we are proud to introduce Darrian, one of this year's three recipients of the Fr. John Hatcher...
08/05/2026

🌟🎓 Meet Darrian!🎓🌟

Today, we are proud to introduce Darrian, one of this year's three recipients of the Fr. John Hatcher Scholarship.

Darrian is a proud graduate of Sapa Un's 8th-grade class of 2022! We invite you to learn more about his story in the questions and answers below.
_______________________________________________________

💙What are you studying, and where are you attending school?

- I am majoring in Sports Management, and I am attending the University of Minnesota-Morris.

💙What are your goals after completing your education, and how do you hope to make a difference in your community?

-My goals after graduating are to return to my alma mater, Saint Francis Indian School, and work there for a few years to gain valuable experience and continue growing professionally. After achieving those goals, I plan to return to school to earn my master's degree in Sports Administration. One of my biggest goals is to inspire others, not by simply telling them what they should do, but by leading through my actions. I want to show young people that no matter what high school, college, or community they come from, they are capable of achieving their dreams. I hope to be a positive example for the next generation and encourage them to believe in themselves and their potential.

💙Looking back on your time at Sapa Un Jesuit Academy, what lesson, teacher, or experience has stayed with you as you begin this next chapter?

-My experience attending Sapa Un Jesuit Academy was much more than just going to school; it felt like a second home. It gave me many opportunities to meet new people and build meaningful relationships. Every morning, I walked into a school where I was greeted warmly and made to feel welcome. That sense of belonging stayed with me throughout my time there. Even during difficult times, I always wanted to be at school because my friends, teachers, the meals, and the lessons made it a place where I felt supported and encouraged. Spending time with the elementary students also inspired me. I felt a responsibility to show up every day and be a positive role model for them. My time at Sapa Un Jesuit Academy helped me grow as a student and as a person, and it is an experience I will always value.

💙What advice would you give current Sapa Un students who hope to attend college or technical school one day?

-My advice to current Sapa Un students is to believe in yourself and never be afraid to step outside your comfort zone. Take advantage of every opportunity your school offers because those experiences will help you grow and prepare for the future. One quote that has always stayed with me is, "The moment people come to know love, they run the risk of carrying hate." To me, this means that caring deeply about your dreams and the people around you also means facing challenges. Those moments can build resilience and strengthen your character. Never let where you come from limit what you can achieve. Work hard, ask for help, and keep showing up every day. Your future is shaped by the effort you put in today.

To learn more or donate: www.sfmission.org

🌟 Honoring a Legacy. Investing in the Future. -Introducing the 2026 Fr. John Hatcher Scholarship Recipients 🌟More than a...
08/05/2026

🌟 Honoring a Legacy. Investing in the Future. -
Introducing the 2026 Fr. John Hatcher Scholarship Recipients 🌟

More than a decade ago, Fr. John Hatcher, SJ, had a vision. As President of St. Francis Mission, he helped establish Sapa Un in 2013 with the hope of providing Sicangu Lakota children with a strong Catholic education rooted in faith, academic excellence, leadership, and Lakota values.

Today, 13 years later, that vision continues to thrive. What began as one grade classroom has grown into a kindergarten through 8th-grade academy, and we are now celebrating an exciting milestone—our earliest graduates are pursuing higher education, with three alumni beginning their first year of college this fall.

Their success is a testament to the Jesuit Nativity model, the dedication of our faculty and staff, the support of our families, and the generosity of our benefactors.

To honor Fr. John Hatcher's lasting legacy and invest in the future of our graduates, a generous SFM supporter established the Fr. John Hatcher Scholarship Fund. This scholarship helps Sapa Un alumni continue their educational journeys beyond high school.

This year, we are honored to recognize three outstanding scholarship recipients. Beginning tomorrow, we will feature one recipient each week, sharing their story, their college journey, and how Sapa Un has helped prepare them for the future.

We are incredibly proud of our alumni and all they continue to accomplish. Please join us in celebrating these remarkable young leaders—and in giving thanks to Fr. John Hatcher.

To learn more or donate: sfmission.org

📚✨ Enrollment is STILL OPEN for the 2026–2027 School Year! ✨📚Still deciding where to enroll your Kindergarten–8th grade ...
08/04/2026

📚✨ Enrollment is STILL OPEN for the 2026–2027 School Year! ✨📚

Still deciding where to enroll your Kindergarten–8th grade student this fall? There's still time to join the Sapa Un Jesuit Academy family!

Our small class sizes, caring teachers, strong academics, Lakota culture, and Catholic faith, every student is known, supported, and encouraged to succeed.

If you have questions or would like to schedule a visit, please contact us:

📞 605-747-2361

Fr. Jim Lafontaine, Director
📧 [email protected]

Stacee Valandra, Principal
📧 [email protected]

Please help us spread the word by sharing this post with family and friends. We would love to welcome new students to the Sapa Un family this school year! 💙💛

🌟 Sapa Un Jesuit Academy Receives Prestigious National Nomination!!!!! 🌟We are incredibly honored and humbled to announc...
07/22/2026

🌟 Sapa Un Jesuit Academy Receives Prestigious National Nomination!!!!! 🌟

We are incredibly honored and humbled to announce that Sapa Un Jesuit Academy has been nominated for the 2026–2027 Catholic Extension Society Lumen Christi Award by Bishop Scott Bullock of the Diocese of Rapid City! 🙏✨

The Lumen Christi Award is the highest honor bestowed by Catholic Extension Society, recognizing individuals and institutions that radiate and reveal the light of Christ through extraordinary faith, service, and ministry. Each year, bishops from across the country nominate one outstanding individual, group, or institution from their diocese. This year, only 46 nominees were selected nationwide, and we are deeply honored that Sapa Un Jesuit Academy has been chosen to represent the Diocese of Rapid City.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Bishop Scott Bullock for this incredible honor and for recognizing the life-changing work taking place at Sapa Un. We are also grateful to Catholic Extension Society for shining a light on ministries that bring hope and the love of Christ to communities across our nation.

Please keep Sapa Un Jesuit Academy in your prayers as the selection process continues. No matter the outcome, we are already celebrating this tremendous honor and giving thanks to God for His many blessings.

Congratulations to our entire Sapa Un family! 💛🙏

Learn more about the 2026–2027 Lumen Christi Award nominees here:
https://www.catholicextension.org/what-we-do/lumen-christi-award/2026-2027-lumen-christi-award-nominees/

✨ Now Enrolling *New* students for the 2026–2027 School Year! ✨Sapa Un Jesuit Academy is now accepting applications for ...
07/21/2026

✨ Now Enrolling *New* students for the 2026–2027 School Year! ✨

Sapa Un Jesuit Academy is now accepting applications for students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade! 🍎

📬 Returning Families: There is no need to reapply for the upcoming school year! Watch your mailbox next week for important back-to-school information, including the 2026–2027 school calendar and other details for the new school year.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:
605.747.2361

Director Fr. Jim Lafontaine
[email protected]

Principal Stacee Valandra
[email protected]

✨ Now Enrolling *New* students for the 2026–2027 School Year! ✨Sapa Un Jesuit Academy is now accepting applications for ...
07/06/2026

✨ Now Enrolling *New* students for the 2026–2027 School Year! ✨

Sapa Un Jesuit Academy is now accepting applications for students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade! 🍎

📬 Returning Families: There is no need to reapply for the upcoming school year! Watch your mailbox next week for important back-to-school information, including the 2026–2027 school calendar and other details for the new school year.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:

Director Fr. Jim Lafontaine
[email protected]

Principal Stacee Valandra
[email protected]

✨ Now Enrolling *New* students for the 2026–2027 School Year! ✨Sapa Un Jesuit Academy is now accepting applications for ...
07/02/2026

✨ Now Enrolling *New* students for the 2026–2027 School Year! ✨

Sapa Un Jesuit Academy is now accepting applications for students in Kindergarten through 8th Grade! 🍎

📬 Returning Families: There is no need to reapply for the upcoming school year! Watch your mailbox next week for important back-to-school information, including the 2026–2027 school calendar and other details for the new school year.

If you have questions or would like more information, please contact:

Director Fr. Jim Lafontaine
[email protected]

Principal Stacee Valandra
[email protected]

Address

350 S Oak Street
Saint Francis, SD
57572

Opening Hours

Monday 8am - 5pm
Tuesday 8am - 5pm
Wednesday 8am - 5pm
Thursday 8am - 5pm
Friday 8am - 3pm

Telephone

+6057472361

Website

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