Aquinas Catholic Middle & High School

3420 MN Rd.
David City, NE 68632

The Mission of Aquinas and St. Mary`s Catholic schools community is to provide a Christ-centered learning environment where we develop individuals to be disciples of Christ in all areas of their lives.

The Aquinas & St. Mary`s school community will: Foster a God-centered, Catholic culture to promote a Christ-like outlook on life Provide a learning environment to promote academic achievement for all students by developing their unique abilities and interests to prepare them for future vocations and challenges Provide opportunities for individuals to grow spiritually, physically, socially and emotionally Nurture a life-long commitment to Christian values that promote growth in church, family, and civic relationships Promote respect for one`s self worth and mutual respect for others at all stages of life.

Quick Stats (2021-22)

Top Ranked NE School
Grades: 6-12
Students: 342 students
Application Deadline: None / Rolling

Top Rankings

Aquinas Catholic Middle & High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Nebraska for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)

Religious Affiliation

Roman Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades 6-12

ADD/ADHD Support

Yes

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1960

Student Body

Total Students

342 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

State avg.: 17%

Students by Grade

Aquinas Catholic Middle & High School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

21 teachers

Student : Teacher Ratio

16:1

National avg.: 13:1

Number of AP Courses

1 course

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

None / Rolling

Endowment Size

$6 million

School Notes

With great faith, the first parishioners or St. Mary`s Catholic parish decided to start a school. The doors of St. Mary`s Grade School opened in August 1899. Fr. William A Murphy, pastor of St. Mary`s from 1933-1952, expressed his desire to offer a Catholic secondary education. With his transfer to St. Francis, Center, in 1952, this task was handed over to Msgr. Alphonse Lisko. On August 29, 1954 the new St. Mary`s High School was blessed. The next day 57 students registered for the ninth and tenth grades. Twenty-five students completed their four year program on May 26, 1957. The High School remained in operation for 8 years until Aquinas High School was built. In December 1959, Bishop James V. Casey announced that a new Catholic High School would be erected in the David City area. The parishes involved were Sts. Peter and Paul, Abie; Presentation, St. Joseph and St. Peter`s, Bellwood; Holy Trinity, Brainard; St. Anthony`s, Bruno; Assumption, St. Francis and St. Mary`s, David City; St. Mary`s, Linwood; Sacred Heart, Shelby; Immaculate Conception, Ulysses; St. Luke, Loma; St. Wenceslaus, Bee; and Assumption, Dwight. On June 12, 1960, it was announced that the name of the school would be Aquinas High School. This title was chosen because St. Thomas Aquinas is the universal patron of Catholic Schools, and in addition, he was one of the greatest scholars of the Christian era; he had a special love for truth; he loved Christ above all; he had a great affection for Our Lady; he had a special love for the Eucharistic Sacrifice; and his idea of God`s providential guidance of all events is appropriate for all times. The school opened on September 5, 1961 with 295 students from 15 parishes in Butler, Polk, and Seward Counties. In 1986 a middle school was added to the system. On Sept. 17 1990, the Council of Administration at Aquinas Middle School-High School, the Parish Council of St. Mary`s School and the Pastors of the David City Deanery held a joint meeting to discuss the future of Catholic Education in the three county area. It was the unanimous decision of each of these groups that Aquinas and St. Mary`s should be merged into one school system. Aquinas Middle-High School is owned and operated by the thirteen parishes of the Aquinas area. This area comprises all of Butler County and parts of Polk and Seward Counties. The school`s operation policies are determined by the administration through recommendations of the staff and school councils, subject to the policies of the Diocese of Lincoln. The school enjoys a Class A accreditation by the Nebraska State Department of Education, is a member of the Nebraska School Activities Association, and as such, is subject to the rules and regulations of both of these bodies.

Profile last updated: 11/03/2020

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