(Great Falls) A major last-minute change is impacting dozens of families in Great Falls. St. Patrick’s Academy High School will not open for the 2026-27 school
year, The announcement came just days before students were scheduled to return to class. Church leaders say the decision was made after efforts to hire a
full-time principal and qualified teachers fell short. Nineteen students were enrolled for the 26/27 year. Families now face the challenge of finding alternative
schools on short notice, with some parents saying they were notified only days before classes were set to begin. St. Patrick’s Academy was launched in May 2025,
bringing together Central Catholic High School, Our Lady of Lourdes and Holy Spirit Catholic School, both K-8 schools, under one rebranded umbrella. Diocese
officials say they will help students transition and insist Catholic secondary education in Great Falls still has a future.
