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Aerial view of Rapid City Catholic School System
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Rapid City Catholic School System

  • LocationRapid City, SD
  • Type and sizeDiocesan school · Grades PK–12 · 650 students
Official website

St. Thomas More High School (grades 9-12) is part of the Rapid City Catholic School System in Rapid City, South Dakota. Its Campus Ministry lists Mass, Eucharistic adoration, all-school confession and retreats, students attend Mass weekly, and an optional daily Mass is offered before school. The school says faith and reason shape everything it teaches.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Rapid City Catholic School System, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miCathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help: 0.1 mi1Immaculate Conception Catholic Church: 1.1 mi2St. Therese Catholic Church: 2.2 mi3St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church: 3.0 mi4Rapid City Catholic School System (campus)N2 mi
CampusCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Cathedral of Our Lady of Perpetual Help — 0.1 mi · 520 Cathedral Drive, Rapid City
  2. Immaculate Conception Catholic Church — 1.1 mi · 922 5th Street, Rapid City
  3. St. Therese Catholic Church — 2.2 mi · 538 Adams Street, Rapid City
  4. St. Isaac Jogues Catholic Church — 3.0 mi

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

BSacramental life: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

75 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearWeekly (The school says students participate in weekly Mass.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Everyday | St. Thomas More High School (9-12)rccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752558 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students participate in weekly Mass and have opportunities to join prayer groups and other faith-centered activities.”
      Students attend Mass weekly and can join prayer groups.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusYes (An optional Mass is offered before every school day for students, staff and families.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Saint Thomas More High School (9-12) | Rapid City Catholic School Systemrccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752556 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “An optional daily Mass is also offered before every school day for all students, staff, and families who wish to attend.”
      An optional Mass is offered before every school day for students.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Rapid City Catholic School Systemrccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474525&type=d&pREC_ID=2752572 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “through Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, all-school Confession, retreats, prayer groups, service projects”
      Campus Ministry lists Mass, Eucharistic adoration, all-school confession, retreats, prayer groups and service projects.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredOccasionally
    Sources (1)
    1. Saint Thomas More High School (9-12) | Rapid City Catholic School Systemrccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752556 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “they are given opportunities to fall more deeply in love with Him during scheduled times of adoration, prayer, class retreats, and Mass.”
      Scheduled times of adoration and class retreats are part of the school's faith life.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (Mass is confirmed. Fr. Robert Kinyon is named as the high school principal, not as chaplain.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Rapid City Catholic School Systemrccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474525&type=d&pREC_ID=2752572 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “through Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, all-school Confession, retreats, prayer groups, service projects”
      Campus Ministry lists Mass, Eucharistic adoration, all-school confession, retreats, prayer groups and service projects.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Years of theology or religion requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Yes (The curriculum page says faith and reason shape everything the school teaches.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Curriculum | St. Thomas More High School (9-12)rccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2760761 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Faith and reason are not competing ways of knowing, but complementary gifts that enable us to understand reality.”
      The curriculum is built on the view that faith and reason complement each other.
ACampus culture: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

90 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (The Lumen Christi team plans retreats for students in grades 5-12 throughout the year, which covers each grade 9-12.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Everyday | St. Thomas More High School (9-12)rccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752558 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Our Lumen Christi team, made up of seniors, provides an opportunity for leadership in planning and orchestrating retreats for students grades 5-12 throughout the year”
      A student team of seniors plans and runs retreats for grades 5-12 each year.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One campus minister is listed for the high school. Another sister is listed as campus minister at the middle school.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Rapid City Catholic School Systemrccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474525&type=d&pREC_ID=2752572 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Since 2021, Sr. Brooke has served at St. Thomas More High School as a campus minister and Theology teacher.”
      Sr. Brooke Kolbe is a campus minister and Theology teacher at St. Thomas More High School.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (Student prayer groups and the student-led Lumen Christi team are listed.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Everyday | St. Thomas More High School (9-12)rccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752558 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students participate in weekly Mass and have opportunities to join prayer groups and other faith-centered activities.”
      Students attend Mass weekly and can join prayer groups.
      “Our Lumen Christi team, made up of seniors, provides an opportunity for leadership in planning and orchestrating retreats for students grades 5-12 throughout the year”
      A student team of seniors plans and runs retreats for grades 5-12 each year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Everyday | St. Thomas More High School (9-12)rccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752558 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Each day begins with prayer and announcements”
      The school day begins with prayer.
N/AService and Catholic social teaching: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Service and Catholic social teaching

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required service hoursFewer than 40 hours (Every student must complete service hours.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Everyday | St. Thomas More High School (9-12)rccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752558 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every student is required to complete service hours”
      Service hours are required of every student.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Packing Hope: students raise funds and package meals for families experiencing hunger.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Everyday | St. Thomas More High School (9-12)rccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752558 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students raise funds to purchase nutritious food and then come together to package meals for families experiencing hunger.”
      Packing Hope is a school-wide service project in which students package meals for families experiencing hunger.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Students attend Mass weekly, and an optional daily Mass is offered before every school day.
    Sources (2)
    1. Our Everyday | St. Thomas More High School (9-12)rccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752558 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students participate in weekly Mass and have opportunities to join prayer groups and other faith-centered activities.”
      Students attend Mass weekly and can join prayer groups.
    2. Saint Thomas More High School (9-12) | Rapid City Catholic School Systemrccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752556 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “An optional daily Mass is also offered before every school day for all students, staff, and families who wish to attend.”
      An optional Mass is offered before every school day for students.
  • Campus Ministry lists Mass, Eucharistic adoration, all-school confession and retreats.
    Sources (2)
    1. Campus Ministry | Rapid City Catholic School Systemrccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474525&type=d&pREC_ID=2752572 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “through Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, all-school Confession, retreats, prayer groups, service projects”
      Campus Ministry lists Mass, Eucharistic adoration, all-school confession, retreats, prayer groups and service projects.
    2. Saint Thomas More High School (9-12) | Rapid City Catholic School Systemrccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474522&type=d&pREC_ID=2752556 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “they are given opportunities to fall more deeply in love with Him during scheduled times of adoration, prayer, class retreats, and Mass.”
      Scheduled times of adoration and class retreats are part of the school's faith life.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, St. Thomas More High School

    Source: rccss.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026, rccss.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026

    Catholic clubs and student life

    5 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 5 location not published

    Faith formation 2

    • Student prayer groups
      Prayer groups and other faith-centered activities are open to students.
      rccss.org
    • Know Your Faith competition
      National Catholic Schools Week
      A faith-based competition among Catholic schools across South Dakota.
      rccss.org

    Liturgy and prayer 1

    • Optional daily Mass before school
      Before every school day
      An optional Mass for students, staff and families.
      rccss.org

    Retreats 1

    • Lumen Christi retreat team
      Throughout the year
      A team of seniors that plans and runs retreats for students in grades 5-12.
      rccss.org

    Service 1

    • Packing Hope
      Annual
      Students raise funds to buy food and package meals for families experiencing hunger.
      rccss.org

    Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

    Campus ministry

    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Rapid City Catholic School Systemrccss.org/apps/pages/index.jsp?uREC_ID=4474525&type=d&pREC_ID=2752572 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “through Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, all-school Confession, retreats, prayer groups, service projects”
      Campus Ministry lists Mass, Eucharistic adoration, all-school confession, retreats, prayer groups and service projects.
      “Since 2021, Sr. Brooke has served at St. Thomas More High School as a campus minister and Theology teacher.”
      Sr. Brooke Kolbe is a campus minister and Theology teacher at St. Thomas More High School.
      “through Mass, Eucharistic Adoration, all-school Confession, retreats, prayer groups, service projects”
      Campus Ministry lists Mass, Eucharistic adoration, all-school confession, retreats, prayer groups and service projects.
      “Since 2021, Sr. Brooke has served at St. Thomas More High School as a campus minister and Theology teacher.”
      Sr. Brooke Kolbe is a campus minister and Theology teacher at St. Thomas More High School.

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    Academic Excellence

    BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
    76 of 100
    From federal data, on fixed published scales.

    Each measure counts for the share shown.

    • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.92%
    • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.12.2 to 1

    Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

    Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

    School facts

    TypeDiocesan school
    DioceseDiocese of Rapid City, SD
    GradesPK–12
    Students (all grades)650
    Students in grades 9–12164
    Coed or single-sexCoed
    Student–teacher ratio12.2 to 1
    Graduates going to 4-year colleges92%
    SettingCity

    Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

    Local Church

    Diocese of Rapid City

    The Most Reverend Scott E. Bullock, Bishop of Rapid City

    Formal address: “Your Excellency”

    Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

    About this school’s data

    Questions families ask

    Is Rapid City Catholic School System a Catholic high school?
    Yes. Rapid City Catholic School System is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Rapid City.

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