A MESSAGE FROM ADMISSIONS
To our prospective families,
We are so honored you are considering Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools for your child. You’ll find we are more than a school system, we are a community built around faith, virtue, and excellence.
Our emphasis on structure & discipline fosters an environment where students thrive academically and personally, while our clear expectations & outcomes ensure that each child is equipped with the skills necessary for lifelong success. We prioritize a safe learning environment, allowing students to explore, learn, and grow with confidence. Finally, we instill traditional family values, fostering a strong sense of community and belonging that supports our students’ moral and spiritual development.
Here, your child will be seen, known, and loved.
OUR MISSION
MISSION
.... to form a community of faith and learning by promoting a Catholic way of life through Gospel values and academic excellence.
VISION
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools is a Christ-centered community providing a financially-viable, world-class education for an increasing number of children.
CORE VALUES
Faith - Exemplify Gospel values in our daily lives
Integrity - Adhere to the highest ethical standards
Excellence - Strive to deliver superior results
Unity - Support and contribute to the success of the organization
O’Gorman High School (OGHS)
O’Gorman Junior High School (OGJH)
Christ the King Elementary
Holy Spirit Elementary
St. Katharine Drexel Elementary
St. Lambert Elementary
St. Mary Elementary
Michael Elementary
SCHOOLS
Six Dominican sisters began classes for 195 students
Expansion into secondary education starts
The first class of high school students graduated
In 1926, the cornerstone for Cathedral High School was laid. Classes began in the fall of 1927
HISTORY OF OUR
St. Mary Elementary opened
Christ the King Elementary opened
St. Lambert Elementary opened
In 1959, the Cathedral grade school was torn down and the new St. Joseph Elementary School opened in 1960
O’Gorman High School opened in 1961. The former Cathedral High School building was then used as a Catholic junior high until 1998
SCHOOL SYSTEM
The Sioux Falls Catholic Schools system was formed to strengthen and sustain Catholic education through parish collaboration
St. Michael Elementary opened
O’Gorman Junior High opened for grades 7-8
Holy Spirit Elementary opened
St. Katharine Drexel Elementary opened
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic School starts a strategic growth planning process
New system name:
Sioux Falls Catholic Schools becomes Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools. With six elementary schools, a junior high and high school, we serve more than the Sioux Falls population and would like our system name to reflect that we welcome children from all communities.
FAITH
From the moment your child enters our doors they will be immersed into the Catholic faith.
Starting with preschool, elementary students are able to participate in daily prayer within the classrooms, weekly school Masses, adoration, and Catechesis of the Good Shepherd. We continue to build upon the foundations set early on by incorporating more theology and sacramental preparation into the curriculum.
By the time Knights reach junior high and high school, they will have had exposure to many opportunities to grow in their faith. Our students give back to the community through christian service, as well as, have the opportunity to participate in campus ministry events, small groups, and spiritual retreats.
We stand first and foremost as a Catholic school and hold to the teachings of the Catholic Church; however, we are inclusive to all faiths. Students of any faith are welcome and encouraged to participate in all opportunities above.
ELEMENTARY
Weekly School Mass
Adoration
Sacraments
Theology infused curriculum
Daily Prayer
Catechesis of the Good Shepherd
5th Grade Retreat
Classroom visits from priests
Classroom visits from PES Sisters
JUNIOR HIGH
Weekly School Mass
Adoration
Sacraments
Theology infused curriculum
Daily Prayer
Campus Ministry
Christian Service
Visits from OGJH Chaplain
Visits from PES Sisters
Spiritual Retreats
HIGH SCHOOL
Weekly School Mass
Daily School Mass opportunity
Adoration
Sacraments
Theology infused curriculum
Daily Prayer
Campus Ministry
Christian Service
Visits from OGHS Chaplain
Visits from PES Sisters
Spiritual Retreats
Small Prayer Groups
The Well
FAITH FORMATION OPPORTUNITIES
PRESCHOOL
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools is committed to providing the highest quality preschool programming for its earliest learners. All six of our elementary schools have completed the Preschool Levels of Excellence Evaluation and have earned an exemplary distinction which is the highest level a school can receive.
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Preschool programs not only prepare our youngest Knights for kindergarten and beyond but introduce the faith, language development, reading readiness, numbers skills, and social/ emotional development. Our preschool students aren’t just learning ABC’s. With all their hard work coupled with a lot of fun , they are the bright future of our school system. We offer full day or half day flexible scheduling options for children ages 3-5.
“WHAT I LOVE MOST ABOUT PRESCHOOL IS PLAYING WITH MY FRIENDS AND PRAYING WITH MY FRIENDS.”
SLOAN, AGE 4
ELEMENTARY
Each of our six campuses encourage young learners from kindergarten through 6th grade to grow and thrive academically, spiritually, and emotionally. Families get to partner with experienced educators who set high expectations for their students and care about their success. With our lower student-to-teacher ratio, our students are provided support and resources to reach their full potential. Students are also setting a firm foundation of virtue and morality by integrating the Catholic faith into their everyday lives.
Our kindergarten-6th grade Knights aren’t all business. They are given opportunities to serve their community, grow in meaningful relationships, and explore interests through clubs and extracurricular activities offered through our schools. We are providing a well-rounded and FUN education for each student who walks through our doors.
“I’M VERY GRATEFUL TO BE AT A SCHOOL WHERE I FEEL SAFE AND I DON’T NEED TO WORRY ABOUT BEING BULLIED OR TREATED DIFFERENTLY” WESTON, 4TH GRADE
JUNIOR HIGH
O’Gorman Junior High School serves 7th & 8th grade students. The junior high years are times of incredible change and we are committed to helping your child grow socially, academically, and spiritually. Families should expect that their child will receive a well-rounded education that is challenging, engaging, and focused on the whole person. By working together with our families, we are confident that we can make these transition years productive and joyful.
Faith formation is ever-present in the activities and environment of OGJH. Students are encouraged to grow in their faith through campus ministry, christian service, and spiritual retreats. We are fortunate to be served by our school Chaplain and the Pro Ecclesia Sancta (PES) Sisters.
‘Credit Before Grade Nine’ allows our students to take high school classes for credit. Additionally, students who qualify have the ease of taking higher level classes at O’Gorman High School, with whom we share a physical campus.
HIGH SCHOOL
A school’s culture doesn’t just happen. It takes a lot of work, care, and attention. At O’Gorman High School, we have a long history of tradition and an amazing atmosphere where our families, guests, and students are welcomed and cared for. We work with our families to help our students grow in their faith life while receiving a college preparatory education from a nationally recognized academic program.
Faith shapes the foundation of our community, reflected in our prayers, sacraments, service, and study of Theology. Students have many opportunities to strengthen their faith through campus ministry, service projects, and retreat experiences. We are grateful for the spiritual leadership of our school Chaplain and the PES Sisters.
O’Gorman students achieve test scores consistently higher than local, state, and national averages, with an average ACT score over 25. We offer 30 dual credit/AP course options.
Knights are given numerous opportunities to be engaged and to practice leadership. We offer over 25 clubs, 23 sports, and numerous performing arts in which 95% of our student body participates.
ACTIVITIES
Co-curricular activities help the effort to educate the whole person and supplement the faith and academic growth of our students.
Student-athletes are able to compete in a wide variety of sports (the most in the state!) and O’Gorman has won more state athletic championships than any other high school in its class.
O’Gorman’s performing arts programs have had success at the state, regional, and national level. The oral interpretation and debate programs currently rank in the top 2% nationally. O’Gorman has been named a National School of Excellence for Speech and Debate for multiple years, and the One Act Play has received superior rankings at the State One Act Festival every year for over two decades.
Our Knights are fortunate to perform throughout the year in our stateof-the-art Performing Arts Center (PAC), The Tom and Penny Lorang Theatre. The PAC is not just for our junior high and high school students! You will find it bustling with elementary choir, band, and orchestra concerts as well as the coveted annual Christmas programs. We invite you to check out one of our activities to get a sense of our community.
Students not wanting to be formally committed to an athletic or arts program can satisfy their hobbies and find camaraderie in one of our many clubs or leadership organizations. If you have an interest, we likely have a club already waiting for you!
STUDENT LIFE
Student life at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools is deeply rooted in a sense of community. Our Knights are welcomed into an environment that fosters relationships and provides countless opportunities to explore their passions.
From their earliest years, students engage in meaningful activities, from faith-based programs and academic clubs to sports teams, music ensembles, and creative arts. As they progress through our schools, these opportunities expand, allowing students to grow in leadership, confidence, and connection to one another. At every grade level, our schools foster a sense of belonging and unity that reflect our Catholic values.
At Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, student life is more than activities—it’s about shaping well-rounded individuals who are prepared to lead, serve, and succeed in every aspect of their lives.
SERVICE
As a Disciple of Jesus, God calls each of us to be a Christian steward by sharing our time, talent, and treasure. Giving our time to serve our Lord is one way in which we live our faith. It is our hope that our students learn that love of God cannot be separated from love of neighbor, and that the habit of service will last a lifetime.
Throughout the school year, our youngest Knights participate in acts of service via their school community which serve our greater area. Our older Knights are required to personally volunteer for their family, parish, and community each quarter in addition to the school-sponsored service activities during Advent and Lent.
BLUE RIBBON
B ishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools is proud to have six National Blue Ribbon Schools, a distinction awarded by the U.S. Department of Education to schools that demonstrate exceptional academic achievement. This recognition places four of our elementary schools, O’Gorman Junior High, and O’Gorman High School among the top-performing schools in the nation. To earn this honor, schools must consistently perform in the top 15% on nationally normed and state assessments in reading (or English language arts) and mathematics.
O’Gorman Junior High holds the unique distinction of being the only standalone middle school or junior high in South Dakota history to achieve National Blue Ribbon status, showcasing our
dedication to excellence during these critical years of learning and growth.
O’Gorman High School has been recognized as a National Blue Ribbon School of Excellence an unprecedented four times, a feat unmatched by any other high school in the state.
These accolades highlight the strength of our curriculum, the dedication of our faculty, and the unwavering support of our families. At Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, we celebrate these achievements as a testament to our mission to inspire academic, spiritual, and personal excellence in every student.
1985 2005 2014 2019
2021
2022 2024
TRADITIONAL LEARNING
UNIFORMS
Students who attend Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools are required to wear a uniform from Preschool - 12th grade. We believe uniforms:
- Promote Equality & Inclusivity
- Minimize Distractions
- Benefit Families Financially
- Promotes Professionalism
LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
TECHNOLOGY
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools takes a blended approach to technology, using tools to enhance traditional instruction. While technology is valuable, our teachers remain the primary educators , shaping student learning through expertise and personal engagement.
Technology is brought into the classroom through:
Interactive Boards
Chromebooks iPads
Computer Labs
Digital Citizenship Lessons (The responsible use of technology
Cell Phones/Smart Watches are prohibited in the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools during school hours. By lessening the distraction of smartphone use, we believe our students are more academically successful and present to their peers and teachers.
BEYOND THE BELL
Before & After School Care Program
Our Before and After School Care Program provides supervision for preschool through 6th grade students. Students are provided a snack, do activities, and are given free time to play or work on homework. We also offer care on no school days and school breaks.
Rest assured knowing this program is staffed by Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools employees!
Summer Care Program
Your child shouldn’t have to stop learning just because it’s summer! Our Summer Care Program is located at Holy Spirit Elementary with transportation available from the west side of Sioux Falls. Daily activities include math, reading, and religion along with exciting themes, projects, and field trips.
Registration opens when we open enrollment each February. Priority is given to current families and those attending Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools the following fall.
ENROLLMENT TIMELINE
PARENT - SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP
At Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, we believe that education is most impactful when built on a strong partnership between parents and the school. As a faith-centered community , we work closely with families to nurture each child’s academic, spiritual, and personal growth. We encourage parents to be not just supporters but active participants in their children’s educational journey.
We also have opportunities for parents to volunteer. Participating in school activities, joining committees, and attending school Masses are vital to our community. This partnership with parents creates an environment where our Knights feel supported, inspired, and empowered to reach their full potential.
WHAT OUR FAMILIES VALUE
STRUCTURE & DISCIPLINE
Encouraging positive behavior
Parent involvement and communication
Setting guidelines
A community where everyone feels valued
Taking responsibility for actions
Learning from mistakes
Preparing students for the next step
Committed to safety
Instilling character and confidence
Creating a secure and respectful atmosphere
Using kind words and actions
Listening and supporting one another
Looking out for each other
Living out faith through love, compassion, and forgiveness
TRADITIONAL FAMILY VALUES
Learning through virtue development
Respecting one another
Growing personal relationships with God
Striving for academic excellence
Deepening prayer life
Serving the community
Fostering ambition
SAFE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT
Promoting Lifelong Missionary Discipleship
Cultivating academic success
Creating a positive atmosphere
Practicing resilience
Building strong relationships
Inspiring leadership
Making positive impacts in our community
ANNUAL COMMUNITY EVENTS
At Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, our annual community events are integral to fostering unity and support by bringing together our entire school family. Each year, we host a variety of fundraisers and gatherings that not only generate excitement among students and families but also provide essential support for each of our eight schools. These events include the Bob Burns Dakota Bowl, Sporting Clays Shoot, Golf Classic, Extravaganza, GO GIVE O’G Day, Catholic Schools Week Mass, and Holy Hoops. Each event offers unique opportunities for community engagement and celebration.
EXTRAVAGANZA
GOLF CLASSIC
HOLY HOOPS
TUITION ASSISTANCE
Our hope is to fulfill the desire of every family seeking a Catholic education for their children. With the financial support of our local Catholic parishes, tuition remains affordable at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools!
Students received over $2 million annually through family discounts, scholarships, and grants. Nearly 40% of our students receive some type of assistance with priority going to those of greatest need. We want to partner with you to make Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools a reality for your family!
Tuition Assistance
Opportunities: Family Discounts Scholarships Grants
FOUNDATION
“We love giving back to O’Gorman. This school has given us and our family so much: the experiences our boys had, the class sizes, the friends they made, the friends we made, the memories we will never forget, and the teachers that cared for them.”
Riccardo Tarabelsi, Parent of Alumni
The Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Foundation is dedicated to ensuring the financial stability of Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools. Through major gifts, planned giving, and responsible stewardship of entrusted donor resources, the foundation strives to support our schools today and for generations to come. By fostering long-term funding sources such as endowments and scholarships, they work to sustain the future of Catholic education in our community.
ALUMNI
members of our staff are alumni
The alumni of Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools are a testament to the strength of our mission and the transformative power of a faith-based education. With a legacy spanning decades, our graduates have gone on to excel in diverse fields, becoming leaders, innovators, and compassionate contributors to their communities. Whether pursuing careers in medicine, business, education, technology, or ministry, our alumni carry with them the values of faith, service, and excellence. What makes our alumni community truly special is their continued connection to our schools and their eagerness to remain part of the Knights family. Through events like the Bob Burns Dakota Bowl, GO GIVE O’G, and Knight Out, alumni have opportunities to reunite, celebrate traditions, and support the mission of Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools.
Many alumni remain deeply involved, giving back as mentors, volunteers, and supporters, ensuring that future generations benefit from the same enriching experience they received. This strong network of alumni not only inspires our current students but also provides opportunities for collaboration and support well beyond graduation. At Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools, we are more than an educational institution—we are a family united by faith, tradition, and a commitment to making a difference.
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools alumni staff
