City: Rapid City, SD

Category: Education

Telephone: (605) 343-8484

Address: 300 Fairmont Blvd.

Description: These two fast-growing, accredited Catholic schools comprise a single school system under the auspices of the Saint Elizabeth Seton Central Catholic School Corp. Recently, enrollment at St. Elizabeth Seton was 520 students in preschool through grade eight, with a waiting list in every grade. St. Thomas More had 257 scholars in grades 9 through 12. About 90 percent of the students came from Rapid City, and about one-fourth were non-Catholics. Both schools strive to deepen understanding of the meaning and importance of the Catholic faith, and in addition to receiving religious instruction, students participate in regular prayer services and retreats. Eighth-graders take on a community service program, and seniors must complete a 30-hour Christian service project to graduate. Academic performance is boosted by strong discipline and a heavy homework load, backed by vigorous parental involvement and commitment to the schools’ vision. St. Elizabeth Seton School opened in 1961, replacing the Cathedral school that had been established in 1916. St. Thomas More High School began humbly, taking up temporary quarters at National American University in 1991 after the closure of St. Martin’s Academy, a coed high school started by Benedictine nuns more than a century ago. Commitment to St. Thomas More was such that enough money was donated to permit groundbreaking for a new building in 1994. The high school with a chapel in its center opened the next year.St. Thomas More offers an accelerated college preparatory program with advanced placement courses, traditional college prep, and general studies for those who plan to go on to junior college or vocational school. For students needing extra help, tutoring is provided. In general, however, all students take the same level of course work. As a member of the South Dakota High School Activities Association, St. Thomas More competes with other local schools in football, basketball, wrestling, golf, debate, and many other activities.