Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Roncalli Junior/Senior High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Roncalli Junior/Senior High School

  • LocationAberdeen, SD
  • Type and sizeParish school · Grades PK–12 · 482 students
Official website
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Roncalli Middle/High School in Aberdeen, South Dakota, grades 6 to 12, is part of the Aberdeen Catholic School System, a ministry of Sacred Heart and St. Mary's Parishes under the Diocese of Sioux Falls. Its pages describe a school Mass each week in the school cafeteria, a named school chaplain (Fr. Miller), weekly Eucharistic adoration on campus, a class retreat each year for grades 6 to 12, and four years of Religious Studies courses.

Mass, confession, and adoration

Confirm with the parish

Mass 1

  • Wednesday9:15 AMSchool cafeteria (Roncalli Jr./Sr. High) · The Mass schedule may be changed to accommodate Holy Days or school days off.

Times come only from official parish, chaplaincy, or school pages, and can change with the season. Last verified Oct. 13, 2026.

Sources for these times (1)
  1. Liturgy & Sacraments | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/liturgy-sacraments · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Roncalli Jr./Sr. High Mass in school cafeteria: Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m.”
    The Jr./Sr. High Mass is held in the school cafeteria on Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Roncalli Junior/Senior High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miSt. Mary's Catholic Church: 0.9 mi1Saint Thomas Aquinas Newman Center: 2.2 mi2Campus Ministry, Roncalli Middle/High School: 0.1 miRoncalli Junior/Senior High School (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. St. Mary's Catholic Church — 0.9 mi
  2. Saint Thomas Aquinas Newman Center — 2.2 mi · 310 15th Avenue SE

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.

ASacramental life: 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.

Sacramental life

91 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 (A Mass for the Jr./Sr. High is held each Wednesday in the school cafeteria, and the handbook says Mass is celebrated each week there. Mass times may change for Holy Days or school days off.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Liturgy & Sacraments | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/liturgy-sacraments · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Roncalli Jr./Sr. High Mass in school cafeteria: Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m.”
      The Jr./Sr. High Mass is held in the school cafeteria on Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m.
      “Roncalli students participate in Mass each week.”
      Roncalli students attend Mass each week.
    2. Middle/High School Handbook 2026-27cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fce8ebddd4b898fb5f6da9f/6a874d9fa31b92025cc55187_MSHS%20Handbook%20%2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mass is celebrated each week in the Cafeteria.”
      The Middle/High School handbook says Mass is celebrated each week in the cafeteria.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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 (Confession is available in school a few times during the school year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy & Sacraments | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/liturgy-sacraments · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Eucharistic Adoration is a regular occurance at our RMS/RHS campus, and Confession is available in school a few times during the school year.”
      Eucharistic adoration is regular on the campus, and confession is available in school a few times a year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Eucharistic adoration runs throughout the day each Tuesday and Thursday at the Middle/High School campus.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Eucharistic Adoration | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/eucharistic-adoration · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “At the Middle/High School, adoration runs throughout the day each Tuesday and Thursday.”
      Eucharistic adoration is held at the Middle/High School each Tuesday and Thursday.
    2. Liturgy & Sacraments | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/liturgy-sacraments · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Eucharistic Adoration is a regular occurance at our RMS/RHS campus, and Confession is available in school a few times during the school year.”
      Eucharistic adoration is regular on the campus, and confession is available in school a few times a year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes (The school names a dedicated school chaplain, Fr. Miller, who is a daily presence on campus.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Middle/High School | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/schools/junior-senior-high · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Our students are also blessed to have a dedicated school chaplain, Fr. Miller, who is a daily presence on campus.”
      The school names Fr. Miller as its dedicated school chaplain, present on campus daily.
ATheology and curriculum: 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.

Theology and curriculum

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (The Religious Studies requirement is four years, computed as four full-year courses, one per grade. Taken from the 2025-26 course description book, the newest published.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Course Description Book 2025-26cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fce8ebddd4b898fb5f6da9f/67f6d01fe2f89f204c6dcddf_RHS%20Course%20Description%20Book%2025-26.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students must take 4 years.”
      Religious Studies is a four-year requirement.
  • 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.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (The course Life in Jesus Christ (Morality), half a credit, is offered as a required 11th-grade course. Counted as an ethics course because its title is Morality.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Course Description Book 2025-26cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fce8ebddd4b898fb5f6da9f/67f6d01fe2f89f204c6dcddf_RHS%20Course%20Description%20Book%2025-26.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Life in Jesus Christ (Morality) - .5 credit”
      The Religious Studies course Life in Jesus Christ (Morality) is offered, half a credit, as a required 11th-grade course.
  • 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 student handbook states that the principles of religion are integrated into all facets of the curriculum and life of the school.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Middle/High School Handbook 2026-27cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fce8ebddd4b898fb5f6da9f/6a874d9fa31b92025cc55187_MSHS%20Handbook%20%2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The principles of religion are integrated into all facets of the curriculum and life of the school.”
      The handbook states that religion principles are integrated across the curriculum and school life.
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

100 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 handbook says each student in grades 6 to 12 attends one retreat each year, and the campus ministry page says retreats run from 7th grade through senior year.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Middle/High School Handbook 2026-27cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fce8ebddd4b898fb5f6da9f/6a874d9fa31b92025cc55187_MSHS%20Handbook%20%2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Each student grade 6-12 will attend one retreat each year.”
      Every student in grades 6 to 12 attends one retreat each year.
    2. Campus Ministry | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Starting at 7th grade and continuing through senior year, retreats are a big part of spiritual development at Roncalli.”
      Retreats run from 7th grade through senior year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Campus ministry staffTwo or more (Two professional ministry staff are named: the school chaplain (Fr. Miller) and the Campus Ministry/Dean of Mission & Formation (Chris Uhler).)
    Sources (2)
    1. Middle/High School | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/schools/junior-senior-high · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Our students are also blessed to have a dedicated school chaplain, Fr. Miller, who is a daily presence on campus.”
      The school names Fr. Miller as its dedicated school chaplain, present on campus daily.
    2. Staff Directory | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/about/staff-directory · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Chris Campus Ministry/Dean of Mission & Formation”
      Chris Uhler is listed as Campus Ministry/Dean of Mission & Formation.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more (The Liturgical Ministries and Retreat Team are listed as school activities.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Teams & Programs | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/activities-athletics/teams-programs · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Liturgical Ministries”
      Liturgical Ministries is listed as a school activity.
      “Retreat Team”
      Retreat Team is listed as a school activity.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes (Students pray in class daily, and the school day includes daily prayer, religion classes and weekly Mass and adoration.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Middle/High School | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/schools/junior-senior-high · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Each day, our students grow in their relationship with Christ through religion classes, daily prayer, and weekly school-wide Mass and Eucharistic Adoration.”
      Students have religion classes, daily prayer, weekly school-wide Mass and Eucharistic adoration.
    2. Campus Ministry | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “We pray in class, at weekly Eucharistic Adoration, and in weekly Mass.”
      Students pray in class, at weekly adoration and at weekly Mass.
BService and Catholic social teaching: 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.

Service and Catholic social teaching

75 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Required service hoursFewer than 40 hours (Students are asked to complete a minimum number of volunteer hours each year; the requirement cannot be totaled.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every student, appropriate to their grade, is asked to spend a minimum number of hours volunteering.”
      Students are asked to volunteer a minimum number of hours, with the number not stated.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The Religious Studies elective course on the Church's social teaching is offered to 11th and 12th graders. It is an elective, not a required course.)
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Course Description Book 2025-26cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fce8ebddd4b898fb5f6da9f/67f6d01fe2f89f204c6dcddf_RHS%20Course%20Description%20Book%2025-26.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “The purpose of this course is to introduce students to the Church's social teaching.”
      An elective Religious Studies course introduces students to the Church's social teaching.
  • 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.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Not enough information: not found in official sources.

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

Strengths

  • A school Mass is held each week in the school cafeteria, and students help plan it.
    Sources (1)
    1. Middle/High School Handbook 2026-27cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fce8ebddd4b898fb5f6da9f/6a874d9fa31b92025cc55187_MSHS%20Handbook%20%2026-27.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mass is celebrated each week in the Cafeteria.”
      The Middle/High School handbook says Mass is celebrated each week in the cafeteria.
      “Students assist in the preparation and planning of Mass.”
      Students help prepare and plan Mass.
  • A named school chaplain, Fr. Miller, is present on campus daily.
    Sources (1)
    1. Middle/High School | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/schools/junior-senior-high · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Our students are also blessed to have a dedicated school chaplain, Fr. Miller, who is a daily presence on campus.”
      The school names Fr. Miller as its dedicated school chaplain, present on campus daily.
  • Religious Studies is a four-year requirement.
    Sources (1)
    1. High School Course Description Book 2025-26cdn.prod.website-files.com/5fce8ebddd4b898fb5f6da9f/67f6d01fe2f89f204c6dcddf_RHS%20Course%20Description%20Book%2025-26.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students must take 4 years.”
      Religious Studies is a four-year requirement.
  • Eucharistic adoration is held on campus each Tuesday and Thursday.
    Sources (1)
    1. Eucharistic Adoration | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/eucharistic-adoration · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “At the Middle/High School, adoration runs throughout the day each Tuesday and Thursday.”
      Eucharistic adoration is held at the Middle/High School each Tuesday and Thursday.

Concerns

  • The published Mass is weekly.
    Sources (1)
    1. Liturgy & Sacraments | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/liturgy-sacraments · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Roncalli Jr./Sr. High Mass in school cafeteria: Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m.”
      The Jr./Sr. High Mass is held in the school cafeteria on Wednesdays at 9:15 a.m.
  • The total over four years cannot be determined.
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Every student, appropriate to their grade, is asked to spend a minimum number of hours volunteering.”
      Students are asked to volunteer a minimum number of hours, with the number not stated.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Roncalli Middle/High School

  • Address: 1400 N. Dakota St., Aberdeen, SD 57401
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel, campus ministry space

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

9 groups and regular activities · 4 on campus, 1 off campus, 4 location not published

Retreats 2

Faith formation 1

  • Church's social teaching courseOn campus
    11th or 12th grade elective
    An elective Religious Studies course introducing students to the Church's social teaching.
    cdn.prod.website-files.com

Liturgy and prayer 3

Other 2

  • Confession in schoolOn campus
    A few times during the school year
    Confession is available in school a few times during the school year.
    aberdeenroncalli.org
  • Intercessor Ministry
    Weekly, through the school year
    Parents, grandparents, former parents and friends pray each week for assigned students and staff. Prayer can be offered in the High School chapel or from home.
    aberdeenroncalli.org, aberdeenroncalli.org

Service 1

  • Christian service volunteering
    Students are asked to volunteer a minimum number of hours, half for the Church and half for the wider community. Examples include a food pantry and the school's second-hand store.
    aberdeenroncalli.org, aberdeenroncalli.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 (3)
  1. Campus Ministry | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Aberdeen Catholic School System 1400 N. Dakota St. Aberdeen, SD 57401”
    The Roncalli campus is at 1400 N. Dakota St., Aberdeen, SD 57401.
    “We pray in class, at weekly Eucharistic Adoration, and in weekly Mass.”
    Students pray in class, at weekly adoration and at weekly Mass.
    “Aberdeen Catholic School System 1400 N. Dakota St. Aberdeen, SD 57401”
    The Roncalli campus is at 1400 N. Dakota St., Aberdeen, SD 57401.
  2. Middle/High School | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/schools/junior-senior-high · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Our campus also features a dedicated Campus Ministry space where students are always welcome.”
    The campus has a dedicated Campus Ministry space.
  3. Intercessor Ministry | Aberdeen Roncalliaberdeenroncalli.org/faith/intercessor-ministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “You can pray onsite in the Roncalli High School Chapel, from home or at your home parish or congregation during the week as your schedule allows.”
    A High School chapel is used for prayer on campus.

Reach out

Contact details for Roncalli Middle/High School (School office (main line, 1400 N. Dakota St.)) and 4 official social and news channels are available to signed-in users.

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Academic Excellence

DAcademic Excellence: Limited (grade D): 40 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
46 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.77%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.13.0 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

TypeParish school
DioceseDiocese of Sioux Falls, SD
GradesPK–12
Students (all grades)482
Students in grades 9–12123
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio13.0 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges77%
SettingTown

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 Sioux Falls

The Most Reverend Donald E. DeGrood, Bishop of Sioux Falls

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Roncalli Junior/Senior High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Roncalli Junior/Senior High School is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Sioux Falls.
What is Roncalli Junior/Senior High School’s Compass Score?
80 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Where is Mass celebrated at Roncalli Junior/Senior High School?
Mass is listed at School cafeteria (Roncalli Jr./Sr. High). Days and times are on this page; please confirm with the parish or campus ministry before you go.
Is Roncalli Junior/Senior High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Roncalli Junior/Senior High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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