Bismarck-Mandan, our education opportunities run from pre-school to graduate studies, in public and private institutions. Our elementary and secondary students consistently score well above the national average in standard testing at all levels. The Bismarck Public School District was awarded “Blue Ribbons” from business magazine Expansion Management for producing outstanding students on sensible budgets for three years. Bismarck’s higher education institutions offer one-, two-, and four year degrees, as well as advanced degrees in numerous areas.

Elementary and Secondary

•	2007-08 enrollment   Bismarck Public Mandan Public Bismarck & Mandan Private Elementary (K-8) 7,186 2,091 1,154 Secondary (9-12) 3,444 1,016 431
•	2008 graduates Bismarck Public Mandan Public Bismarck & Mandan Private 787 235 109
•	North Dakota 8th grade students rate at the top of NAEP (National Assessment of Educational Programs) mathematics and science scale scores: ND mathematics 284, national average 271; ND science 162, national average 148.
•	Average daily attendance rate Bismarck Public Schools 96.2%; Mandan Public Schools 96.6%
•	Graduation rate Bismarck Public Schools 97%; Mandan Public Schools 97.5%
•	76% of Bismarck public high school seniors take the ACT test with an average composite score of 21.85. 78% of Mandan public high school seniors take the ACT test with an average composite score of 21.8.
•	92% of Bismarck Public School District’s graduating seniors plan to attend a 4-year, 2-year, or vocational college. 84% of Mandan Public School District’s graduating seniors plan to enroll in college.
•	The Bismarck Public School District is home to six Blue Ribbon Schools: Bismarck High School, Century High School, Horizon Middle School, Jeanette Myhre Elementary School, Northridge Elementary School, and Highland Acres Elementary School.
•	Simle Middle School was recognized in 2001 as one of the Most Highly Successful Middle Schools in the United States by the National Association of Secondary School Principals. This recognition was given to only 89 schools nationwide.
ND Department of Public Instruction, Bismarck Public School District, Mandan Public School District

Higher Education

•	The University of Mary is a private, four-year institution with a Spring 2008 enrollment of 2,869 and a total of 940 degrees in 2008. The university offers 33 bachelor’s degrees and five master’s degrees. The university is home to 17 varsity sports teams. The Harold Schafer Leadership Center and the Butler Center for Lifelong Learning enhance the overall educational quality of the university. The University of Mary is available to work with private industry for training programs that are directed to meet industry needs.
•	Bismarck State College is a two-year college with a Spring 2008 enrollment of 3,531 and 779 graduates in 2008. BSC offers freshman and sophomore academic transfer courses in at least 40 areas of study and over 25 vocational-technical programs. Several bachelor degree programs are available through cooperative programs with Dickinson State University and Minot State University. BSC’s Distance Education offers courses, and several complete programs, online. Bismarck State College is a workforce training provider for the southwest quadrant of North Dakota. BSC is committed to being the premier provider of innovative, results-oriented, workplace training for the businesses and industries included in the southwest region. By being fully responsive to workforce training needs, Bismarck State College helps provide business and industry in North Dakota with the most competitive workforce in the nation. Training is provided in the following areas: computers, technical, employee development and organizational development.
•	United Tribes Technical College is operated by the five Native American tribes wholly or in part in North Dakota. Its Fall 2007 enrollment was 554 with 99 graduates in 2008. UTTC offers 14 associated of Applied Science degrees and nine certificate programs. Students fulfill their degree requirements by taking both vocational and general education courses. Certificate programs can usually be completed in two to three semesters and AAS Degrees are completed in four or five semesters. United Tribes Technical College is also involved in Distance Education and Cooperative Education Programs.
•	MedCenter One College of Nursing offers an upper-division undergraduate professional nursing program that leads to the Bachelor of Science in Nursing (BSN) degree. The College of Nursing had a 2008 enrollment of 93 with 43 graduates. The College of Nursing offers a research/theory-based curriculum, which incorporates current nursing knowledge, technology and practical experience in preparing for professional nursing practice.
•	Rasmussen College is a private 2-year degree-granting college. The college’s Bismarck campus offers day and evening classes, as well as online degrees, certificates and diplomas.