St. Mary's Central High School is North Dakota's largest and oldest Catholic high school, with a rich history of educational excellence in the Bismarck-Mandan community.
In 1878, four sisters from the convent of St. Benedict in St.
Joseph, Minnesota, arrived in Bismarck to staff what was then the St.
Mary's Academy and Boarding School. In 1916, the first high school classes were offered and the spring of 1922 brought the first graduation at St.
Mary's High School. St. Mary's Central High School strives to promote a Christian atmosphere of learning in which all students develop themselves academically, spiritually, emotionally, socially and physically.
St. Mary's Central High School is committed to providing a foundation of faith in the Catholic tradition, and in fostering an environment in which students and staff will be free to experience the presence of Jesus Christ in their personal lives. St. Mary's is a student-centered school.
Quick Stats (2025)
- Top Ranked ND School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 336 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
St. Mary's Central High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Dakota for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
336 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
7%
State avg.: 14%
Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
21 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
16:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are St. Mary's Central High School often compared to?
St. Mary's Central High School is often viewed alongside schools like Shiloh Christian School by visitors of our site.
What is St. Mary's Central High School's ranking?
St. Mary's Central High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in North Dakota for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for St. Mary's Central High School?
The application deadline for St. Mary's Central High School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Reviews
Endorse St. Mary's Central High School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles

Inside DoDEA Schools: Teacher Qualifications, Costs, and Accreditation
Explore the world of Department of Defense Schools (DoDEA), offering quality education to military families globally. Learn about their history, academic performance, teacher qualifications, and unique benefits for service members' children.

Social Emotional Learning: Education's Hidden Symphony
A musician's perspective on Social Emotional Learning reveals how this educational framework orchestrates success through five essential emotional competencies.

January 24, 2025
A Roadmap For Starting A Private SchoolUse this roadmap as a set of talking points with your trusted mentors and professionals to start the private school of your dreams. You're not alone. Over the years, hundreds of folks like you have had the same dream. From Quintilian to Maria Montessori to Lucy Madeira Wing, visionary educators have established schools to teach according to their beliefs and methodologies.