Bismarck Schools (Mandan: low income, neighborhoods, catholic schools)

[JNS]

Hi Everyone -- we're moving to Bismarck in a couple weeks and was hoping to get some information about elementary level schools. I'd be curious to hear about public and private and if there are any areas or schools that are better off avoided. Thanks in advance for any info....

[huttah]

North Dakota schools are amazing. I graduated from Mandan Senior High in 2007 and that school places way above the national average every year on standardized tests. Bismarck schools also match the same statistics. I have a few cousins in Bismarck who have gone to public schools in Bismarck and they are all good. The students in the catholic schools here are the children of families who have strong christian backgrounds, and not families trying to avoid a poorly run public school system. Basically what I'm saying is, wherever your children go to school, they'll be offered a good education, and no, there are no areas that you should worry about avoiding. I feel perfectly safe walking anywhere in Bismarck/Mandan any time, day or night, with nothing to defend myself with!

[huttah]

Also, for cell phone carriers, Bismarck has Verizon and Alltel only. Just a head's up.

[Roloff1976]

You will find any school (public or private) in Bismarck a wonderful experience. You will find some schools are in neighborhoods where there may be a student population made of of more low income vs upper income, white vs. native, in-town vs. country kids (bussed in)...etc... but all in all...the kids are all great...most parents are very active in their kids school activities...and the teachers are wonderful at all the schools. It really doesn't matter where you live in town, your kids will go to a good school. (going to the upper income schools could possibly be harder on the kids, then going to the school where the kids come from lower incomes in all honesty...just because of the have's vs. the have nots when it comes to clothes, toys, etc...)

[ebitdadada]

I'd avoid the private schools, especially High Schools. Strangely enoughm the educational requirements for Bis Public Schools teachers are actually higher than those for the private schools.

Want to teach Math @ a Private School: Need a degree

Want to teach Math @ in Bismarck Public: Better have a Math Degree

+ The private schools won't have the Advanced Placement classes, etc. that are offered by Bis Public. If you're going to college, like the vast majority of kids in Bis do, its really a waste of time to take courses that arn't advanced placement.

[bretster23]

just a FYI for you , We have a daughter that is going into 3rd grade and there is NO bus service for the inner school kids.. if you live in the city limits then you are required to take your children to school, or they can walk, bike. If you live outside the city limits then there is a bus service for you.. I have never heard of a city not having a bus system but i guess Bismarck isn't up to date. Anywayz just wanted to let you know.. other than that Bismarck in a nice place to live. We have only been here for 1 month.. so we are still learning the ropes around here..

Leanne (bret's wife)

[JNS]

Thanks for all the helpful feedback!

[akire]

You can check out test scores and other helpful information at GreatSchools - Public and Private School Ratings, Reviews and Community for Parents . I have always found this to be a helpful website to compare elementary schools.