A Message to Our Families

Moving Forward Together

We are committed to the longevity and prospering of Catholic education in Great Falls. Join us on this journey as we build a unified future for our students, grounded in faith and academic excellence.

A message from Bishop Jeff Fleming on the future of St. Patrick's Academy.

The Journey to One Entity

Right now, "St. Patrick's Academy" serves as our shared identity and marketing umbrella. Becoming a truly unified entity under that umbrella is a multi-year process. It takes time, immense coordination, and deep collaboration. Today, we have two distinct schools working hand-in-hand toward that ultimate goal.

Our Shared Future

St. Patrick's Academy

The ultimate goal: A fully integrated, sustainable preK-12 Catholic educational system serving the families of Great Falls for generations to come.

Working Collaboratively

Elementary Campus (K-8)

Operated by Our Lady of Lourdes

The Elementary Campus is a vibrant parish school under the pastoral leadership of Father Al. It relies on the dedicated support of Our Lady of Lourdes Parish to form our younger students in faith and foundation.

High School (9-12)

Operated by The Diocese

The High School is a diocesan school under the direct guidance of the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings. It serves as the capstone of our students' educational journey, preparing them for the world.

Frequently Asked Questions

Our Collaborative Structure
What does the name "St. Patrick's Academy" mean if the schools are separate?
Currently, "St. Patrick's Academy" is the shared name we operate under—acting as a unifying identity and marketing umbrella for Catholic education in Great Falls. While we proudly share this brand, a unified vision, and aligned schedules, the Elementary Campus and High School remain separate administrative entities as we work collaboratively toward full integration.
What does it mean that the schools are working toward becoming "one entity"?
Currently, the Elementary Campus (K-8) and the High School (9-12) are separate administrative and financial entities. However, we share a name, a vision, and a commitment to Catholic education. "Becoming one entity" is a multi-year journey where we are actively working to align our operations, curricula, and resources to build a seamless preK-12 experience.
Who is in charge of the Elementary Campus?
The Elementary Campus is a parochial school. This means it is owned, operated, and financially supported by Our Lady of Lourdes Parish under the direct pastoral leadership of Father Al.
Who is in charge of the High School?
Unlike the Elementary Campus, the High School is a diocesan school. It is operated and guided directly by the Diocese of Great Falls-Billings.
Looking Ahead
Will the schools share a budget in the future?
While we are currently separate financial entities (supported by OLL Parish and the Diocese, respectively), evaluating long-term, sustainable financial models is a key part of our collaborative journey toward becoming a unified Academy.
How are the Diocese and Our Lady of Lourdes Parish working together?
Leadership from both Our Lady of Lourdes and the Diocese meet regularly to align educational standards, plan unified campus events, and ensure a smooth transition for our 8th-grade students as they advance into the High School. We are united in our mission to help Catholic education prosper in Great Falls.
Campus Transition & Enrollment
What does the transition mean for current East Campus students?
While the East Campus will conclude its operations at the end of the 2025-2026 school year, our commitment to your children's education remains uninterrupted. St. Patrick's Academy will continue to serve students in Pre-School through 12th grade, and the Elementary Campus is prepared to welcome all students currently enrolled at the East Campus.
Do I need to re-enroll my child if they are moving to the Elementary Campus?
If you have already completed re-enrollment for the 2026-2027 school year at the East Campus, your child's placement is automatically secured at the Elementary Campus for the upcoming year. Please reach out to Mr. Diekhans to confirm your elementary enrollment.
What happens to the teachers from the East Campus?
The dedicated educators at the East Campus are employees of Holy Spirit Parish. We are working closely with the parish to support these teachers through this transition. While we cannot guarantee placement because the Elementary and High School campuses currently have full staffing capacities, any East Campus teacher will receive priority consideration for positions that open within our Catholic school system moving forward.

The 10-Year Plan: Our North Star

While we navigate the difficult realities of today, we remain firmly committed to the promise of tomorrow. As shared during our launch, our leadership has come together with the vision of offering a unique educational structure, the likes of which Great Falls has not seen in decades.

St. Patrick's Academy 10-Year Concept Campus

This concept rendering represents our 10-year vision for a fully unified, single-campus St. Patrick’s Academy. This is a long-term, future-funded goal that relies on dedicated fundraising, but it serves as our anchor as we build a sustainable preK-12 Catholic educational system.

Transition Roadmap

May 2026

Direct Family Communication & Individual Transition Planning

May 29, 2026

Elementary Campus / High School Enrollment Placement Secured for East Campus Transfers

Summer 2026

Collaborative Planning between Elementary Campus and High School Administration for 2026-2027

Direct Communication & Support

As families navigate this transition, we want to ensure you receive personal, direct, and accurate support. For specific questions about your child's campus transition or enrollment, please submit them directly to our Unification Agent, Kody Diekhans, below. Our leadership team is reviewing these daily to provide personal guidance.

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