Fact Sheet

History of Dakota Collegiate

Dakota Collegiate opened its doors in 1963 to 200 students and 20 teachers. IThere were 72 students in the first graduating class in 1964. Dakota began as an experimental team-teaching school and offered only University Entrance courses. Today, Dakota continues to provide educational leadership: in academics, computer technology, the performing arts, sports, and in the inclusion of Special Needs students into the high school setting. Dakota now has over 1150 students, approximately 110 staff, and offers over 120 courses. In 2006, it had a graduating class of 262 students.

When you attend Dakota Collegiate you become part of a community which values high levels of accomplishment in academics, the arts, sciences, sports, and in languages. You become part of a school community which values co-operation, tolerance, understanding, and respect for self and for others, on participation and involvement and on safety and security.

Dakota offers a rich variety of programs, courses and co-curricular activities. By attending this school, you have the opportunity to share your high school years with a diversity of students representing many languages and cultures. Each of our students brings unique strengths to our school community. By working together, sharing these strengths, and accepting each others' differences, our students develop a positive self-concept, a desire and a will to succeed in our ever-changing society.

Academics continue to be the major focus at Dakota Collegiate. Students at Dakota Collegiate have developped an outstanding academic reputation thorughout our 44 year history. Our school continues to produce a high number of students who go on to graduate from university and community colleges. Several of our alumni have received Gold Medals in various faculties at both the University of Manitoba and University of Winnipeg. Each year students from our graduating class receive entrance scholarships from either the University of Manitoba or University of Winnipeg.

In addition, no public school in Manitoba can match the athletic achievements of the Dakota Lancers. In its 44 year history, Dakota has won 58 provincial championships in a variety of sports. These accomplishments have only been possible because of our students. As you can see, by becoming a member of Dakota Collegiate’s student body you are expected to make a full commitment to the school and to its rich variety of activities. By doing so, you will be able to take advantage of, and contribute to, Dakota’s pursuit of excellence and tradition of success.