Historic $148.5 Million Investment Represents Tribe’s Largest Commitment to Education
PRESS RELEASE
CHOCTAW, Miss. — The Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians proudly celebrated the official opening of the new Choctaw Central Middle and High School Campus with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Tuesday, marking the completion of one of the most significant educational investments in the Tribe's history.
The new 35-acre campus represents a $148.5 million investment in the future of Choctaw students and reflects the Tribe’s unwavering commitment to education, opportunity, and Choctaw Self-Determination. Fully funded by the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians, the project was completed over approximately two and a half years and stands as one of the largest construction projects ever undertaken by the Tribe.
The day’s celebration brought together Tribal leaders, educators, students, community members, project partners, and honored guests for a ceremony, ribbon cutting, and campus tours highlighting the state-of-the-art facilities that will serve generations of Choctaw students.
“This is truly one of the proudest days in the history of our Tribe,” said Tribal Chief Cyrus Ben. “For many years, we all knew it was time to build a new campus. We knew we needed a campus that would match the potential of our students. Today, that campus has become a reality. Standing here and seeing this beautiful school filled with hope and opportunity is more than I ever imagined when we broke ground in 2023. This campus represents our belief that every Choctaw child deserves the very best education possible, and it stands as a promise to future generations that we will continue investing in their success.”
The campus includes a two-story Academic Building, the Choctaw Career & Technical Education (C-TEC) Building, a 1,765-seat arena, track and field stadium, library and media center, student dormitory, bus barn, guard station, chiller plant, and other supporting facilities. Together, the campus encompasses more than 287,000 square feet of educational, athletic, and student support space designed to foster academic achievement, leadership, and personal growth.
The new campus will serve students in grades 7 through 12 as part of Choctaw Tribal Schools, the nation’s largest tribally-controlled, consolidated school system. Nearly 800 middle and high school students will attend classes on the new campus each year as part of a district serving more than 2,100 students from kindergarten through twelfth grade. Accredited by the Mississippi Department of Education and Cognia (formerly AdvancED), Choctaw Tribal Schools continues its mission under the guiding principle, Alla Momat Ikkana Chih—”All Children Will Learn.”
Education has long been a cornerstone of the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians’ vision for building a stronger future. Throughout its 81 years as a federally-recognized Tribe, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians has invested in transformative projects that have strengthened the community, including Pearl River Resort, the Choctaw Health Center, the Justice Complex, elementary schools, healthcare facilities, and essential government services. The opening of the new Choctaw Central Middle and High School Campus continues that legacy while providing students with world-class facilities to prepare them for college, careers, and leadership opportunities.
The Tribe funded the construction through its own financial resources while pursuing reimbursement through its 105(l)-lease agreement with the federal government. In addition, revenues generated through the Tribe’s innovative carbon credit initiatives have helped support educational priorities and long-term investments benefiting future generations.
As students prepare to begin classes on the new campus, the Mississippi Band of Choctaw Indians celebrates not only the completion of an extraordinary construction project but also the beginning of a new chapter in the Tribe’s enduring commitment to education, culture, and the success of future generations.
