Why Choose SMCHS

Welcome to our SAINTS community of St. Mary's Central High School. You will be joining the oldest and largest private high school in the state of North Dakota.

We are proud of St. Mary's Central High School and think it is an exceptional place. You'll notice the loyalty that our parents, faculty and students have to our school, a place where you'll be encouraged to explore your passions and interests as you pursue your goals.  

At St. Mary's Central High School you'll find a culture and climate which fosters a sense of community and connectedness. Our students desire to learn, have fun, and develop healthy, happy, and holy friendships. Students at SMCHS are not just another face in the crowd; they are cared for and supported by a competent and dedicated faculty and administration.   

You will find that most students are involved in activities varying from speech, athletics, journalism, band, and choir. St. Mary's has an outstanding athletic tradition, a wide variety of school-sponsored clubs, and a distinguished fine arts program. Each summer a number of our students go on a mission trip or pilgrimage to Rome. 

A St. Mary's Central High School education emphasizes the whole person. Our students receive the intellectual formation needed for their future, the human formation essential for developing meaningful and lifegiving friendships, and the spiritual formation which provides the foundation of faith needed for every aspect of their life.  

When you enroll in our high school, you'll find a place where you can explore your hopes and dreams and be held to a high academic standard. Our 7,000 plus graduates are spread throughout the region, country, and world. Our ACT scores rank above national, regional, state, and local averages. We offer students the opportunity to enroll in dual credit (college courses), Advanced Placement (AP) courses, and online career and technology education courses.  Students also have full access to the Bismarck Career Academy and Technical Center.     

At SMCHS we are committed to your spiritual growth.  Our mission is to provide an opportunity for our community to grow spiritually, academically, and socially in a Christ-centered environment based on Catholic tradition.  We want our students to pursue truth, and have their hearts awakened while encountering Christ in their teachers and fellow students on a daily basis.    

We look forward to seeing you here.