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.
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.
West Campus (K-8)
Operated by Our Lady of LourdesThe West 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 DioceseThe 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
What does the name "St. Patrick's Academy" mean if the schools are separate?
What does it mean that the schools are working toward becoming "one entity"?
Who is in charge of the West Campus?
Who is in charge of the High School?
Will the schools share a budget in the future?
How are Father Al and the Diocese working together?
What does the transition mean for current East Campus students?
Do I need to re-enroll my child if they are moving to the West Campus?
What happens to the teachers from the East Campus?
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.
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
Direct Family Communication & Individual Transition Planning
West Campus / High School Enrollment Placement Secured for East Campus Transfers
Collaborative Planning between West Campus and High School Administration for 2026-2027
Direct Communication & Support
We know that every family's situation, questions, and grief are deeply personal. Rather than attempting to answer these complex, individual concerns in a crowded public forum, we want to ensure you receive direct, personalized support. If you have specific questions about your child's 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.