GREAT FALLS, Mont. — The Catholic Diocese of Great Falls-Billings announced it will close St. Patrick's Academy High School for the 2026-2027 school year.

The diocese said staffing problems and leadership challenges at the school drove the decision. Bishop Jeffrey Fleming said leaders made the call after extensive efforts to find the leadership needed to run the high school effectively.

That included trying to secure a full-time principal and quality faculty for the school.

Despite those efforts, the diocese said it could not put the needed faculty in place to operate the school. The announcement centered on St. Patrick's Academy High School in Great Falls and what comes next for families and staff.

The diocese said it planned to help families as they look at schooling options for the upcoming year. It also said it would work with faculty and staff as the closure moves forward.