Best private high schools in North Dakota
As filmmaker and writer Nora Ephron said during a ’96 commencement address at Wellesley College, “Your education is a dress rehearsal for a life that is yours to lead.” If that’s the case, high school may be one of the greatest dress rehearsals of all.
It’s a place where students explore their interests, dive into extracurricular activities, finally get the freedom to choose their own classes, and prepare for college or the workplace. For many of these students and their families, education is key: 1.4 million students enrolled in private high schools in fall 2021, according to the National Center for Education Statistics. There were about 3,600 private secondary schools nationwide as of 2020.
For many anxious parents, getting their kids into the best of these private high schools is of the utmost importance. Some families even move homes to send their kids to better schools. However, among all of these thousands of schools, a few stand out for their academic excellence, incredible track records, and the future success of their young students.
Stacker compiled a list of the best private high schools in North Dakota using 2024 rankings from Niche. Niche uses seven weighted factors for its rankings. A majority of the score is based on academics, but other factors include culture and diversity; sports; clubs and activities; resources; and surveys of parents, teachers, and students.
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#9. Hope Christian Academy
– Location: Dickinson, ND
– Enrollment: 163 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade B-
About
Hope Christian Academy is a place where students are encouraged to grow in both knowledge and faith. Teachers create an atmosphere where learning is engaging, supportive, and rooted in Christian values. Each student is given the attention needed to thrive academically and personally.
Spiritual life is woven into the rhythm of the school. Chapel gatherings, service opportunities, and Bible studies connect lessons in faith to everyday practice. These experiences help students develop purpose and compassion in their lives.
Beyond the classroom, students take part in a wide range of activities. The arts provide space for creativity in music, theater, and visual design. Athletics promote teamwork, discipline, and a healthy sense of competition.
Graduates of Hope Christian Academy carry with them a strong foundation of academics and character. Families value the close-knit community and the consistent partnership between teachers and parents. The school prepares young people for higher education, leadership, and service to others.
Where is Hope Christian Academy?
Hope Christian Academy is located in Dickinson, North Dakota, a city in the southwestern part of the state. The community serves as a regional hub for education, healthcare, and commerce, supported by nearby energy and agricultural industries.
Residents enjoy local parks, museums, and annual events that highlight the city’s heritage. With Theodore Roosevelt National Park just a short drive away, outdoor adventures and scenic landscapes are always within reach.
#8. Shiloh Christian School
– Location: Bismarck, ND
– Enrollment: 698 (17:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade B-
About
Shiloh Christian School is a place where faith and learning come together each day. Students are welcomed into classrooms where teachers provide both academic challenge and spiritual encouragement. Lessons are designed to build not only knowledge but also character and purpose.
The school community is strengthened through shared traditions of worship and service. Chapel services, prayer, and mission projects bring students together in reflection and action. These experiences connect faith to everyday life in meaningful ways.
Beyond academics, Shiloh offers opportunities in the arts, athletics, and student leadership. Music, drama, and visual arts allow for expression, while sports teach teamwork and resilience. Clubs and activities encourage students to explore their gifts and passions.
Graduates of Shiloh Christian School leave with confidence in their education and a strong foundation of faith. Families value the supportive, close-knit environment that nurtures both heart and mind. The school equips young people for success in college, service, and leadership.
Where is Shiloh Christian School?
Shiloh Christian School is located in Bismarck, North Dakota, the state’s capital city. Bismarck is a center for government, healthcare, and education, serving communities across central North Dakota.
Families enjoy riverfront parks, local theaters, and a growing mix of shops and restaurants downtown. With the Missouri River and nearby trails, residents have easy access to outdoor recreation and natural beauty.
#7. Our Redeemer’s Christian School
– Location: Minot, ND
– Enrollment: 311 (15:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade B-
About
Our Redeemer’s Christian School provides an education where Christ is at the foundation of every subject. Students engage in a rigorous curriculum that includes math, science, humanities, and the arts. Teachers guide learning with an emphasis on faith, integrity, and service.
Daily life at the school reflects its spiritual mission. Chapel gatherings, prayer, and Bible studies give students the chance to grow in their faith. Service projects connect classroom learning with real opportunities to care for others.
The school also values balance in student life. Music, drama, and visual arts encourage creativity, while athletics build teamwork and discipline. Clubs and extracurricular opportunities allow students to explore leadership and fellowship.
Graduates of Our Redeemer’s Christian School leave prepared for both higher education and lives of service. Families appreciate the close partnership between teachers, parents, and students. The school equips young people to live with academic strength, spiritual maturity, and a heart for community.
Where is Our Redeemer’s Christian School?
Our Redeemer’s Christian School is located in Minot, North Dakota, a city set along the Souris River in the north-central part of the state. Minot is known for its ties to Minot Air Force Base, a strong agricultural economy, and annual events like the Norsk Høstfest celebrating Scandinavian heritage.
Residents enjoy a network of parks, local museums, and community gatherings throughout the year. Surrounded by prairies and river valleys, the area also provides opportunities for outdoor recreation and wildlife viewing.
#6. St. Mary’s Central High School
– Location: Bismarck, ND
– Enrollment: 349 (14:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade B+
About
St. Mary’s Central High School combines strong academics with a Catholic foundation rooted in tradition. Students pursue a rigorous curriculum in mathematics, sciences, humanities, and the arts. Teachers guide them toward excellence while instilling values of integrity, service, and faith.
Spiritual formation is central to the school’s mission. Mass, prayer, and retreats provide opportunities for reflection and growth. Students are encouraged to integrate their faith into daily life and future aspirations.
Beyond academics, the school offers vibrant programs in the arts and athletics. Music, theater, and visual arts allow creative expression, while sports promote teamwork, discipline, and resilience. Clubs and service opportunities give students outlets to develop leadership and responsibility.
Graduates of St. Mary’s Central High School leave with both academic strength and spiritual maturity. Families value the traditions and close community that connect home, church, and school. The institution prepares young people for higher education, careers, and lives of service.
Where is St. Mary’s Central High School?
St. Mary’s Central High School is located in Bismarck, North Dakota, a city that serves as the political and cultural heart of the state. Bismarck combines historic landmarks with a steadily growing economy tied to government, healthcare, and energy.
Residents take part in community events, enjoy museums and local arts, and spend time along the Missouri River. The surrounding plains and nearby parks provide opportunities for hiking, boating, and year-round outdoor activities.
#5. Shanley High School & Sullivan Middle School
– Location: Fargo, ND
– Enrollment: 1,189 (18:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade B+
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About
Shanley High School and Sullivan Middle School provide a unified path where faith and academics grow side by side. Students transition seamlessly from middle to high school, building strong foundations in math, science, humanities, and the arts. Teachers serve as mentors, guiding learners with encouragement, discipline, and care.
Faith is central to both campuses, shaping the culture of daily life. Mass, prayer, and service projects bring students together in a spirit of reflection and purpose. These practices inspire young people to live out their values in the classroom and beyond.
The schools offer a wide range of opportunities beyond academics. Athletics build teamwork and resilience, while arts programs encourage expression through music, theater, and visual design. Clubs and activities allow students to develop leadership and pursue personal interests.
Graduates of Shanley and Sullivan leave prepared for both higher education and lives of service. Families value the close-knit community that supports students from early adolescence through graduation. Together, the schools equip young people to grow in faith, knowledge, and character.
Where is Shanley High School?
Shanley High School & Sullivan Middle School are located in Fargo, North Dakota, the largest city in the state. Fargo is a regional hub for business, healthcare, and education, anchored by North Dakota State University.
The community offers theaters, museums, and seasonal festivals that bring residents together. Situated along the Red River, the city also provides access to parks, trails, and outdoor recreation across the prairie landscape.
#4. Johnson Corners Christian Academy
– Location: Watford City, ND
– Enrollment: 66 (11:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade B+
About
Johnson Corners Christian Academy provides an education where Christ is central in every aspect of school life. Students study a curriculum that blends strong academics in math, science, language, and the arts with a foundation of faith. Teachers encourage both personal achievement and spiritual growth in every classroom.
Daily routines are shaped by prayer, chapel gatherings, and opportunities for service. These practices connect students to their faith in meaningful and practical ways. Families and staff work together to create an atmosphere of trust, encouragement, and purpose.
Arts and athletics round out the student experience. Music, drama, and visual arts offer outlets for creativity, while sports programs teach discipline, teamwork, and resilience. Clubs and activities help students explore leadership and fellowship within their community.
Graduates of Johnson Corners Christian Academy leave with both academic preparation and spiritual maturity. Families value the strong relationships between teachers, students, and parents. The academy equips young people to live with integrity, serve with compassion, and thrive in higher education.
Where is Johnson Corners Christian Academy?
Johnson Corners Christian Academy is located in Watford City, North Dakota, a community at the heart of the state’s oil-producing region. The city has grown rapidly in recent years, supported by energy development and its role as a regional service hub.
Families enjoy local parks, recreation centers, and community gatherings that highlight small-town life. With the nearby Badlands and Theodore Roosevelt National Park, residents have access to striking landscapes and outdoor adventure.
#3. Dakota Adventist Academy
– Location: Bismarck, ND
– Enrollment: 36 (4:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A-
About
Dakota Adventist Academy provides a Christ-centered education in a boarding environment where academics and faith intersect daily. Students pursue a rigorous curriculum in mathematics, sciences, humanities, and the arts. Teachers emphasize spiritual growth alongside intellectual preparation for college and life beyond.
Worship and reflection are central to campus life. Chapel gatherings, Bible study, and mission projects encourage students to live with purpose and compassion. These experiences help integrate faith into learning and build a community grounded in shared values.
Life at the academy extends beyond the classroom. Athletics promote discipline and teamwork, while music and visual arts allow for creativity and expression. Outdoor activities and service opportunities connect students to nature, community, and responsibility.
Graduates of Dakota Adventist Academy leave prepared academically and spiritually. Families value the supportive environment, traditions of faith, and close relationships built on trust. The academy equips young people to thrive in higher education and to serve with conviction in their communities.
Where is Dakota Adventist Academy?
Dakota Adventist Academy is located just outside Bismarck, North Dakota, in a rural setting west of the city. The academy benefits from the resources of the capital while offering a quieter environment surrounded by open fields and prairie views.
Residents of the area take part in community events, riverfront activities, and cultural offerings in nearby Bismarck. The surrounding Missouri River Valley and wide plains provide opportunities for hiking, camping, and outdoor exploration.
#2. Trinity Junior High & High School
– Location: Dickinson, ND
– Enrollment: 86 (5:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
About
Trinity Junior High & High School creates a seamless path for students to grow academically and spiritually. From middle grades through high school, learners are guided in math, science, humanities, and the arts with a focus on both excellence and faith. Teachers provide encouragement while challenging students to think critically and act responsibly.
Faith is at the heart of daily life at Trinity. Chapel services, prayer, and service projects unite students in reflection and action. These shared experiences help build character and strengthen a sense of purpose.
Student life extends well beyond academics. Athletics promote teamwork and resilience, while arts programs encourage expression in music, theater, and visual design. Clubs and activities give students additional opportunities to explore their interests and talents.
Graduates of Trinity Junior High & High School leave prepared for college, careers, and service. Families value the strong relationships among teachers, students, and the community. The school equips young people to live with integrity, confidence, and faith.
Where is Trinity Junior High & High School?
Trinity Junior High & High School is located in Dickinson, North Dakota, a city in the southwestern part of the state. Dickinson serves as a regional hub for commerce, education, and healthcare, supported by both agriculture and energy industries.
The community enjoys local museums, annual festivals, and parks that bring residents together. With Theodore Roosevelt National Park and the Badlands nearby, outdoor recreation and scenic exploration are an important part of life in the area.
#1. Oak Grove Lutheran School
– Location: Fargo, ND
– Enrollment: 699 (9:1 student to teacher ratio)
– Niche grade: Grade A
About
Oak Grove Lutheran School blends strong academics with a Christ-centered mission. Students are guided through a curriculum that emphasizes mathematics, sciences, humanities, and the arts. Teachers focus on developing knowledge while also shaping character and faith.
The spiritual life of the school brings the community together. Chapel services, prayer, and service opportunities give students space to grow in compassion and responsibility. These traditions connect faith with daily practice in meaningful ways.
Campus life offers balance between academics and enrichment. Athletics teach teamwork and perseverance, while music, theater, and visual arts encourage creativity. Clubs and leadership opportunities allow students to explore their interests and strengthen their confidence.
Graduates of Oak Grove Lutheran leave with academic preparation, faith, and resilience. Families value the welcoming environment and strong partnerships between school and home. The school equips students to thrive in college and to lead lives of service and integrity.
Where is Oak Grove Lutheran School?
Oak Grove Lutheran School is located in Fargo, North Dakota, the state’s largest and fastest-growing city. Fargo is a regional center for education, healthcare, and commerce, drawing people from across eastern North Dakota and western Minnesota.
The community features theaters, art galleries, and annual festivals that celebrate local culture. Positioned along the Red River, residents also enjoy parks, trails, and outdoor activities throughout the year.
This story features data reporting by Wade Zhou, writing by Emma Rubin, and is part of a series utilizing data automation across 50 states.
By Stacker
