Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of St. Mary's Schools
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

St. Mary's Schools

  • LocationO'Neill, NE
  • Type and sizeParish school · Grades PK–12 · 186 students
Official website

St. Mary's Schools in O'Neill, Nebraska, is an Archdiocese of Omaha Catholic school with a grade school and a high school (grades 7-12 in the high school program). Its 2026-27 student handbook says students celebrate Mass weekly, including Holy Days of Obligation, and are offered Reconciliation during Advent and Lent, and that each day begins and ends with prayer. Theology I through IV is required for graduation. The school's pages name a youth minister and list the pastor as president.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of St. Mary's Schools, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 miSaint Patrick Catholic Church: 0.1 mi1Youth Ministry, St. Mary's High School Chapel: 0.1 miSt. Mary's Schools (campus)N0.1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Saint Patrick Catholic Church — 0.1 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

74 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 2026-27 handbook says students celebrate Mass weekly.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “St. Mary’s students celebrate Mass weekly including all Holy Days of Obligation and other religious ceremonies in accord with the Catholic liturgical season.”
      Students celebrate Mass weekly, including Holy Days of Obligation.
  • 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 (The handbook says students are offered Reconciliation during Advent and Lent, and upon request.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students are provided the opportunity for Reconciliation during Advent, Lent, and upon request.”
      Students are offered Reconciliation during Advent and Lent, and on request.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • 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 weekly, and the handbook refers to two priests without naming a chaplain. The named priest, Rev. Bernard Starman, is listed as president.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “St. Mary’s students celebrate Mass weekly including all Holy Days of Obligation and other religious ceremonies in accord with the Catholic liturgical season.”
      Students celebrate Mass weekly, including Holy Days of Obligation.
      “St. Mary’s is blessed to have two priests and a youth minister available to meet with students and direct spiritual”
      Two priests and a youth minister are available to meet with students; the priests are not named in this passage.
      “All juniors and seniors who are practicing the Catholic faith will be mandated as either lectors or EMHCs for the purpose of school Masses.”
      Juniors and seniors who practice the Catholic faith are mandated as lectors or extraordinary ministers for school Masses.
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 graduation requirements list Theology I, II, III, IV for 8 semesters and 40 credit hours. That is four full-year courses, one in each high school grade.)
    Sources (2)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Religion Theology I, II, III, IV”
      The graduation requirements list four theology courses (Theology I through IV), 8 semesters, 40 credit hours.
    2. Our Staff | St. Mary's Catholic Schoolstmarysoneill.org/our-staff · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Deacon MJ Kersenbrock - 12th Grade Theology”
      A deacon teaches the 12th grade theology course.
  • 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
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Catholic liturgy, sacraments, traditions, and prayer will be taught as an integral part of the school’s curriculum.”
      Catholic liturgy, sacraments and prayer are taught as an integral part of the curriculum.
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

88 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 lists religious retreats for grades 7-12 as a mandatory part of religion class, when scheduled.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “RELIGIOUS RETREATS FOR 7-12 When scheduled, religious retreats are a mandatory part of the religion curriculum.”
      Religious retreats for grades 7-12 are a mandatory part of religion class when scheduled.
      “will be required to complete an extensive research paper on the themes of the retreat and a specified number of service hours.”
      A student who misses a retreat must complete a research paper and a set number of service hours.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (The youth minister is the one named campus ministry staff member. The handbook mentions two priests without names, and the pastor and president is an administrator; he is not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our Staff | St. Mary's Catholic Schoolstmarysoneill.org/our-staff · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mrs. Bridget Bulau - Youth Ministry”
      Bridget Bulau is listed as youth ministry staff.
      “Rev. Bernard Starman St. Mary's Catholic School President”
      Rev. Bernard Starman is listed as the school's president.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “We begin and end each day with prayer.”
      Each school day begins and ends 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 (Service hours are required for grades 7-12 (Parish Auction) and for students who miss a retreat.)
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “All students in the 7th-12th grades will be required to provide service hours at the Parish Auction.”
      Students in grades 7-12 must provide service hours at the Parish Auction.
      “will be required to complete an extensive research paper on the themes of the retreat and a specified number of service hours.”
      A student who misses a retreat must complete a research paper and a set number of service hours.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • Students celebrate Mass weekly, including Holy Days of Obligation, according to the 2026-27 handbook.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “St. Mary’s students celebrate Mass weekly including all Holy Days of Obligation and other religious ceremonies in accord with the Catholic liturgical season.”
      Students celebrate Mass weekly, including Holy Days of Obligation.
  • Each school day begins and ends with prayer, and Catholic liturgy and prayer are taught as part of the curriculum.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “We begin and end each day with prayer.”
      Each school day begins and ends with prayer.
      “Catholic liturgy, sacraments, traditions, and prayer will be taught as an integral part of the school’s curriculum.”
      Catholic liturgy, sacraments and prayer are taught as an integral part of the curriculum.
  • Theology I through IV is required for graduation, and religious retreats are a mandatory part of religion class for grades 7-12 when scheduled.
    Sources (1)
    1. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Religion Theology I, II, III, IV”
      The graduation requirements list four theology courses (Theology I through IV), 8 semesters, 40 credit hours.
      “RELIGIOUS RETREATS FOR 7-12 When scheduled, religious retreats are a mandatory part of the religion curriculum.”
      Religious retreats for grades 7-12 are a mandatory part of religion class when scheduled.

Concerns

  • The only named priest is listed as president.
    Sources (2)
    1. Our Staff | St. Mary's Catholic Schoolstmarysoneill.org/our-staff · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Rev. Bernard Starman St. Mary's Catholic School President”
      Rev. Bernard Starman is listed as the school's president.
    2. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “St. Mary’s is blessed to have two priests and a youth minister available to meet with students and direct spiritual”
      Two priests and a youth minister are available to meet with students; the priests are not named in this passage.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Youth Ministry, St. Mary's High School Chapel

  • Address: 300 N. 4th Street, O'Neill, NE 68763
  • Location: On campus

View on map ↗

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

Catholic clubs and student life

6 groups and regular activities · 0 on campus, 0 off campus, 6 location not published

Faith formation 1

  • Community Rosary led by high school homerooms
    Once per school year for each homeroom in grades 9-12
    Each homeroom in grades 9-12 leads a Community Rosary once a school year.
    irp.cdn-website.com

Liturgy and prayer 2

  • Weekly school Mass and Holy Day Masses
    Weekly; Holy Days of Obligation
    Students celebrate Mass weekly, including all Holy Days of Obligation.
    irp.cdn-website.com
  • Lectors and extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion
    For school Masses
    Juniors and seniors who practice the Catholic faith are mandated as lectors or extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion for school Masses after attending the Archdiocesan formation class.
    irp.cdn-website.com

Retreats 1

  • Religious retreats for grades 7-12
    When scheduled
    Religious retreats are a mandatory part of the religion curriculum when scheduled.
    irp.cdn-website.com

Service 2

  • Parish Auction service hours
    Required for grades 7-12
    Students in grades 7-12 must provide service hours at the Parish Auction; students who cannot help on the day make up the hours.
    irp.cdn-website.com
  • Homeroom service projects
    One project per homeroom each school year
    Each homeroom is expected to complete one service project during the school year.
    irp.cdn-website.com

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. Our Staff | St. Mary's Catholic Schoolstmarysoneill.org/our-staff · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “Mrs. Bridget Bulau - Youth Ministry”
    Bridget Bulau is listed as youth ministry staff.
  2. 2026-2027 Student Handbook | St. Mary's Catholic School, O'Neillirp.cdn-website.com/ad25b15d/files/uploaded/2026-2027+Student+Handbook.docx.pdf · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “St. Mary’s is blessed to have two priests and a youth minister available to meet with students and direct spiritual”
    Two priests and a youth minister are available to meet with students; the priests are not named in this passage.
  3. Contact Us | St. Mary's Catholic Schoolstmarysoneill.org/contact-us · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “HIGH SCHOOL 300 N. 4th Street O'Neill, NE 68763”
    The high school is at 300 N. 4th Street, O'Neill, NE 68763.
    “HIGH SCHOOL 300 N. 4th Street O'Neill, NE 68763”
    The high school chapel is in the high school building at this address.

Reach out

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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.
53 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.75%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.7.2 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

TypeParish school
DioceseArchdiocese of Omaha, NE
GradesPK–12
Students (all grades)186
Students in grades 9–1257
Coed or single-sexCoed
Student–teacher ratio7.2 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges75%
SettingRural

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

Archdiocese of Omaha

The Most Reverend Michael G. McGovern, Archbishop of Omaha

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Cathedral: Cathedral of St. Cecilia

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

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is St. Mary's Schools a Catholic high school?
Yes. St. Mary's Schools is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Omaha.
What is St. Mary's Schools’s Compass Score?
79 out of 100 (grade A). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.

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Personal experiences from signed-in readers. Reviews are moderated automatically and never change a school’s grades.

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