At that time the majority of Native Americans in Minnesota were Ojibwa and they dominated the school's enrollment throughout its history.

The school had grades 1–8 with a split curriculum, mornings and afternoon groups switching: academics and occupation skills.

The School superintendent made recruiting visits to the various reservations, besides Minnesota's, to gain or maintain student enrollment.

The last year the school was open over 300 students wanted to attend, however due to budget reductions just 130 from Minnesota were accepted.

[5][6] Leaders of the Chippewa were against closing Pipestone School until something could be done to place the kids in permanent situations.

[8] 1897 The Saint Paul Globe reported 67 Ojibwa from the Detroit Lakes were en route to the Pipestone school.

[9][10] 1901 Pipestone's Chippewa students won 12 "individual' bronze medals in Agricultural Products at the Pan-American Exposition in Buffalo, New York.

The exhibition executive committee issued Certificates of Award that were needed to order the medal won.

[15] 1905 White Earth Chief William Madison worked as the Boys Advisor at Pipestone.

The governor of Minnesota wrote numerous letters that "many of these children have no homes, family's, or places to go".