about us
Education for Wonder, Joy, and Truth
United in Faith, Growing in Wisdom
We are Great Falls' unified Catholic school, dedicated to an education for truth, joy, and wonder. St. Patrick's Academy is a Christ-centric, bold, and visionary institution, unique in our commitment to nurturing the whole child from Pre-K through 12th Grade.
Welcome to St. Patrick's Academy, where we believe in the transformative power of Catholic education. Born from the combined strengths and cherished legacies of Holy Spirit Catholic School, Our Lady of Lourdes Catholic School, and Great Falls Central Catholic High School, we represent a renewed commitment to academic excellence and spiritual formation in Great Falls. Our mission is clear: to prepare students not just for college and careers, but for lives of purpose, service, and deep faith.
FOR THE WHOLE PERSON
Mission
At St. Patrick's Academy, our educational philosophy is deeply rooted in our Catholic identity. As Bishop Fleming often emphasizes, the core mission of our Catholic schools is to "Go and make disciples." We are committed to nurturing a rigorous academic environment with a Christ-Centered foundation, to send servant leaders into the world.
Our fundamental reasons for valuing a Catholic education at St. Patrick's Academy are woven into every aspect of school life:
- Education for Truth, Joy, and Wonder: We strive to bring truth and beauty into every subject area, encouraging students to see Christ in everyone and everything.
- Academic Excellence: We challenge students with a robust college preparatory curriculum, including advanced courses and unique programs.
- Faith Integration: Daily Mass and religion classes are integral parts of our curriculum, fostering spiritual development.
- Moral & Holistic Development: We nurture not just intellect, but also character, compassion, and critical thinking.
- Service-Oriented: We instill a lifelong spirit of service, integrating required service hours into our curriculum to promote active participation in our community.
MEET OUR principals
Kody diekhans
West Campus Principal & Agent of Unity
Mr. Kody Diekhans M.Ed. is the principal of St. Patrick's Academy West campus as well as St. Patrick's Academy Unification Agent. Born and raised in Great Falls, Mr. Diekhans is a third generation Our Lady of Lourdes and Central Catholic High School graduate. He has taught 5th grade, 6th grade, 1st grade, 3rd grade, and high school and middle school choir, as well as serving the University of Providence as a music professor. Mr. Diekhans is honored to be serving St. Patrick's Academy providing Catholic education for all who seek it.
Dr. Sean Donnelly
Job title and company
Dr. Sean Donnelly, St. Patrick’s Academy High School Principal, is a lifelong Catholic and dedicated educator since 1998. A Montana native, he holds advanced degrees from Montana State University. Dr. Donnelly and his wife, Kelby, have five children, including three current SPA students. He also teaches U.S. History and American Government, and enjoys sharing historical presentations at the elementary schools.
A letter from our bishop
Job title and company
For his episcopal motto, Bishop Fleming has chosen the beginning of the Great Commission that Jesus gives to the Church. By this choice, His Excellency wishes to express that all believers are called and commissioned by Christ to “Go Make Disciples.”
