VII

SANTEE NORMAL TRAINING SCHOOL

     The Indian school at Santee, while not supported directly by the Congregational churches in Nebraska, is a part of the educational work in the state. The school was founded in 1870 by the American Board, but in the readjustment of our missionary work it was later on transferred to the American Missionary Association.
     Situated in the northeast corner of Nebraska it is well located to accommodate the Indians of the Northwest. The principal of the school is the well-known Rev. A. L. Riggs, D.D.
     Santee is neither a college nor academy, but, as its name signifies, is a normal training school. Prof. F. B. Riggs, M.A., the assistant principal, has given a concise account of the object of the school in these words:

     "The fundamental purpose of Santee is the preparation of Indian young men and women for missionary and educational leadership among their own people. Active Christians and working churches are the result of Christian education.
     "Government schools do not and can not provide adequate preparation for the missionary teachers, preachers, and other Christian leaders that are needed. Santee does not conflict with, compete with, or parallel the work of the government schools or any other schools . . . . Home life is recognized as a potent educational means, and Santee dormitories are accordingly small and numerous, each in charge of a Christian lady who appreciates the responsibilities of mothering her flock . . . . In the academic work the peda-

gogical development at Santee are not only abreast of the times, but often advance into originality. The course of study is essentially unique. The secondary value of 'form study,' such as language and mathematics, is recognized,

and the 'real studies,' or 'thought studies,' as history or the humanities, and the sciences, are made the basis of all 'form study' teaching.
     "The order, relative value, and most advantageous use of studies is made a constant pedagogical and psychological