For more than 60 years, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools has been dedicated to making Catholic education accessible to every family who desires it. A decade ago, the system provided roughly $900,000 in tuition assistance to families across the Sioux Falls area. Today, that number has more than doubled to just over $2 million, opening the doors of Catholic education to more students than ever before.
“As a ministry of the Church, we believe that every child should have the opportunity to receive an exceptional, faith-filled education—at an affordable price,” says Jenni Struck, Director of Admissions at Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools. “The steady growth of tuition assistance over the past decade reflects that commitment in action.”
The Power of Endowments
One of the greatest blessings to the tuition assistance growth has been the strength of our Foundation’s endowment program. An endowment is a special kind of gift to the Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools Foundation that keeps giving forever. Instead of being spent all at once, the gift is invested, and each year a portion of the investment earnings is used to support our schools. The original gift amount (the principal) is never spent—ensuring that the fund continues to grow and sustain Catholic education for generations to come.
A Network of Support for Families
Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools offers multiple forms of tuition assistance designed to meet a wide range of family needs:
Family Discounts – Families with 3 or more students enrolled are eligible. The program was expanded in 2023-2024 to include preschool students and increase the per student discount.
South Dakota Partners in Education – This state-wide program provides scholarships for eligible families. Household size and income determine eligibility. https://sdpartnersinedu.org/
Foundation Scholarships – Generous alumni, parishioners, and community partners believe in investing in future generations by creating endowments to fund scholarships. Today, over 200 students receive scholarships totalling more than $100,000.
Need-based Grants – Students who aren’t awarded system or outside scholarships are still eligible to receive grants based on demonstrated need.
Hope Coalition – This local program provides scholarships to eligible preschool families, ensuring early learners have access to faith-based education from the very beginning. freepreschool.com
Fundraising and Events – Each year, Bishop O'Gorman Catholic Schools holds fundraisers and events that help build our community and create excitement for their students and families. The system-wide fundraisers help support our teachers' salaries and provide tuition assistance.
Gift Card Rebate Program (SCRIP) – Families can earn tuition credits by purchasing everyday items—like groceries, gas, or dining out—through the gift card rebate program. Every purchase helps reduce tuition costs while supporting the schools.
Each program plays a unique role in creating a strong, interwoven network of support that keeps Catholic education within reach for all who seek it.
The Impact
Through all these combined efforts, Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools now awards more than $2 million in tuition assistance each year. In the 2021–2022 school year, 38% of students from preschool through 12th grade received some type of tuition assistance. By 2025–2026, that number had grown to nearly 50%, reflecting a significant increase in families served and demonstrating the real, tangible impact of our tuition assistance programs.
“Bishop O’Gorman Catholic Schools is committed to ensuring that financial barriers don’t stand in the way of a faith-filled, high-quality education,” Jenni shares. “Our expanded tuition assistance programs are designed to help more students access the education they deserve.”
Enrollment and tuition assistance applications open every February, so don’t wait to take the next step for your child’s education. Inquire today to learn more and start your application! https://www.ogknights.org/page/prospective-families