The land for Manning Elementary was generously donated by Dan Manning around 1884, and the school was named in his honor. He went on to establish the town of Manning, North Dakota, which sometimes leads to confusion. We are Manning District #45, encompassing Missouri Township in Burleigh County.

Early Beginnings

The school's first teacher was Flora Smith, who married John B. Irvine in 1884. At one point, the district had two buildings, with the second situated in Missouri Township Section 8, near the southern end of 66th Street. The building featured a basement furnace with a register above, lacked running water and had outdoor bathrooms. Families took turns providing water for the school.

A Chapter Ends, Another Begins

Sadly, the original school building on this site burned down in the spring of 1981, and the cause remains unknown. Students completed the 1981 school year in the Apple Creek school building. The present structure was constructed in the summer of 1981 and was ready for students in the fall.

In 2020, Manning Elementary built an addition, doubling the size of the school, increasing classroom space, and creating room to grow and expand.

Over its more than 130-year history, many students have walked through the halls of Manning Elementary, and we are excited to welcome you as the latest generation in this lasting legacy.