Mandan Classical Academy will begin in the Fall of 2026 and will have open enrollment for grades 6-9.

Chesterton Academy of Mandan will open in the Fall of 2027 for grades 9 and 10, offering grades 11 and 12 in the following years.

In the Fall of 2027, Mandan Classical Academy will become a preparatory middle school for the Chesterton Academy of Mandan.

An exploratory committee of seven parents, educators, and community members have been meeting since December 2025.

In January 2026, our school was officially accepted into the Chesterton Society Network Cohort of 2027.

Three of our exploratory committee members attended the Chesterton Society Network Discovery Days in Chicago, in February 2026.

Mr. Thomas Hoopes has been hired as Headmaster and a teacher.

We have four leads on locations in Mandan, convenient for those commuting from Bismarck. We are working to finalize details and will share our location soon.

Mandan has a rich history of education in both the private and public sectors. Mandan, as John Steinbeck wrote, is “where the West begins”. We set forth to follow in the footsteps of the Native Mandan people and the pioneers who settled between the Heart and Missouri rivers and built communities that benefit the area to this day.

Yes. We joyfully welcome students of all faiths to join our school community. We remind families considering the Mandan Classical Schools that all students participate in the life of the school - including daily Mass, communal prayer, and theology classes in the Catholic Tradition.

Yes, we are have submitted our documentation to receive approval as a nonpublic school by the State of North Dakota.

Our bishop is reviewing our catechetical instruction, but the Mandan Classical Schools are not affiliated with the Diocese of Bismarck yet. We continue to build a strong relationship with our diocese and our bishop. Fun fact: Bishop Kagan was classically educated!

Computers are not typically used by students in the classroom at Mandan Classical Academy and Chesterton Academy of Mandan.

Computers are used for independent study and guided projects in a public setting, and, naturally, students use computers at home for papers and other assignments. Teachers use technology in the classroom when it facilitates or augments learning.

Our schools do not distribute or allow student devices such as laptops, tablets, or cell phones.

Yes. The tradition of school uniforms goes back to Medieval times when caps and gowns were required at universities. All students, regardless of background, would dress alike, and all would show an outward sign of their dedication to the task of learning together within the community. From the very beginning, uniforms have been in support of three goals: modesty, professionalism, and community or school spirit. Our uniform policy aims at the same three goals.

We are teaming up with our brothers and sisters in Christ, and co-op for sports and extracurriculars with Light of Christ/Saint Mary’s Catholic High School. For sports not offered at St Mary’s, we co-op with Mandan Public Schools.

No, there will not be a hot lunch program. Students will bring food from home to eat during their lunch period.