By Rebecca Sabot, Real Estate Agent
© Rebecca Sabot. All rights reserved.
If you’re relocating to Bismarck or Mandan, one of the first “where do we even start?” questions is usually about schools—especially high schools. As a full-time REALTOR®, I hear it constantly: Which school is the best fit for my kid? Which activities are strong? What’s the vibe? This guide is a practical overview of the major public high schools in Bismarck and Mandan plus two well-known private options.
Quick note (because life changes): enrollment numbers, programs, and attendance boundaries can shift over time. Always confirm the latest details directly with the school/district.
Bismarck High School (BHS) — Bismarck Public Schools
Address: 800 N 8th St, Bismarck, ND 58501 National Center for Education Statistics
Website: bhs.bismarckschools.org National Center for Education Statistics
Enrollment: 1,371 (2023–2024) National Center for Education Statistics
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16.13:1 National Center for Education Statistics
Mascot: Demons ndhsaanow.com
Academics (high-level)
BHS offers a full menu of college-prep and career-focused options, including AP and dual credit opportunities. Their dual credit list includes options like College Algebra, Statistics, Speech, Medical Terminology, and more (offerings can vary by year). bhs.bismarckschools.org
Activities & sports
BHS is active in NDHSAA sports and activities, with a big-school selection and strong community traditions. ndhsaa.com
Century High School (CHS) — Bismarck Public Schools
Address: 1000 E Century Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503 National Center for Education Statistics
Website: chs.bismarckschools.org National Center for Education Statistics
Enrollment: 1,401 (2023–2024) National Center for Education Statistics
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16.67:1 National Center for Education Statistics
Mascot: Patriots ndhsaanow.com
Academics (high-level)
Century highlights robust Advanced Placement options—Bismarck Public Schools lists 17 AP courses available (including AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP US History, AP Psychology, and more). Century High School
Activities & sports
The Patriots compete in NDHSAA activities and sports, and families often like CHS for its broad mix of clubs, athletics, and arts opportunities typical of a large high school. ndhsaanow.com
Legacy High School (LHS) — Bismarck Public Schools
Address: 3400 E Calgary Ave, Bismarck, ND 58503 National Center for Education Statistics+1
Website: lhs.bismarckschools.org National Center for Education Statistics
Enrollment: 1,411 (2023–2024) National Center for Education Statistics
Student–Teacher Ratio: 16.22:1 National Center for Education Statistics
Mascot: Sabers ndhsaanow.com
Academics (high-level)
Legacy supports AP and dual credit pathways, and they specifically note that dual credit can impact both high school and college transcripts (good motivation for students to take it seriously). Legacy High School
Legacy also emphasizes districtwide goals around excellence, inclusion, innovation, and leadership. Legacy High School
Activities & sports
Sabers athletics and activities run through NDHSAA, with the usual spread of major sports plus activities and clubs. ndhsaa.com
Mandan High School (MHS) — Mandan Public Schools
Address: 2335 4th Ave NW, Mandan, ND 58554 National Center for Education Statistics
Website: hs.mandan.k12.nd.us National Center for Education Statistics
Enrollment: 1,152 (2023–2024) National Center for Education Statistics
Student–Teacher Ratio: 15.78:1 National Center for Education Statistics
Mascot: Braves ndhsaanow.com
Academics (high-level)
Mandan Public Schools emphasizes “rigorous and personalized learning” and a “Choice Ready” focus—college, career, and life readiness. Home - Mandan High School
Mandan students also have dual credit options promoted through Bismarck State College partnerships. bismarckstate.edu
If career and technical education matters in your house, Mandan highlights student organizations like SkillsUSA tied to areas such as welding and construction. mandan.k12.nd.us
Activities & sports
The Braves compete broadly through NDHSAA, including a wide set of varsity sports and activities. ndhsaa.com
St. Mary’s Central High School (SMCHS) — Private Catholic (Bismarck)
Address: 5802 Ridgeland Dr, Bismarck, ND 58503 National Center for Education Statistics
Website: smchs.org St. Mary's Central High School
Enrollment: 349 (NCES PSS, 2023–2024) National Center for Education Statistics
Student–Teacher Ratio: 13.4:1 (NCES PSS) National Center for Education Statistics
Mascot: Saints ndhsaanow.com
Academics & culture (high-level)
St. Mary’s describes a Christ-centered, Catholic environment and is part of the Light of Christ Catholic Schools network. St. Mary's Central High School
Families considering private school often like the combination of faith-based community, structured academics, and a traditional activities calendar.
Activities & sports
SMCHS participates in NDHSAA (including co-ops in certain sports with other area schools). ndhsaa.com
Shiloh Christian School — Private Christian (Bismarck)
Address: 1915 Shiloh Dr, Bismarck, ND 58503 National Center for Education Statistics
Website: shilohchristian.org shilohchristian.org
Enrollment: 641 (NCES PSS, 2023–2024; PK–12) National Center for Education Statistics
Student–Teacher Ratio: 9.9:1 (NCES PSS) National Center for Education Statistics
Mascot: Skyhawks ndhsaanow.com
Academics & culture (high-level)
Shiloh describes itself as a single-campus, non-denominational Christian school focused on academic excellence and whole-student development. shilohchristian.org
Because Shiloh spans grade levels, families sometimes like the “one community” continuity from earlier grades into high school.
Activities & sports
Shiloh competes in NDHSAA activities (as applicable) and is well-known locally under the Skyhawks name. ndhsaanow.com
How to use this guide when you’re house hunting
A smart way to narrow options:
Decide what matters most: AP/dual credit, CTE pathways, arts, athletics, faith-based culture, class size, commute time.
Compare student–teacher ratios (not a perfect measure, but a helpful clue).
Confirm boundaries and transportation if you’re targeting a specific public school.
Summary
Bismarck and Mandan offer strong high school choices with different personalities. The three Bismarck public high schools—Bismarck High (Demons), Century (Patriots), and Legacy (Sabers)—provide large-school opportunities, including AP and dual credit pathways. Mandan High (Braves) offers its own broad academics and activities with a clear “Choice Ready” mission focus. For private options, St. Mary’s Central (Saints) and Shiloh Christian (Skyhawks) provide faith-centered environments with smaller reported student–teacher ratios. The “best” school is the one that best matches your student’s learning style, goals, and day-to-day life.
