Business Details
50+ Years
experience
Your Trusted Partner for K-12 Education in Fremont
Bergan Central Catholic High School, founded in 1913, is a college preparatory institution serving students from Pre-Kindergarten through 12th grade. Our mission centers on three pillars: Faith, Knowledge, and Service, which guide our efforts to develop well-rounded students into community leaders. Accredited by Cognia, we exceed Archdiocese of Omaha and Nebraska state standards through a differentiated curriculum that fosters creative and critical thinking. With a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1 and over 40% of faculty holding advanced degrees, we prioritize personalized education. Our graduates consistently achieve an average ACT score of 23.3, with 75% receiving college scholarships.We emphasize spiritual formation, service learning, and leadership development, completing over 3,840 service hours annually. As a welcoming community, we serve students of all faiths from 15 zipcodes, offering tuition costs 40% lower than Omaha Metro Catholic schools. Our programs include early childhood education, a unique 7-12 house model for grades 7-12, and robust post-secondary opportunities. We maintain strong partnerships with the Archdiocese of Omaha, National Catholic Educational Association, and local organizations. Our commitment to excellence ensures students are equipped for success in both academic and personal pursuits.
Services
Early Childhood Education
College Prep Curriculum
Service Learning Programs
Leadership Development
Faith Formation
Details
- Year established: 1913
Highlights and features
- We are Cognia-accredited with a 13:1 student-to-teacher ratio.
- Over 40% of our faculty hold advanced degrees.
- 75% of graduates receive college scholarships annually.
- We integrate service learning with academic study for civic responsibility.
- Our 7-12 house model fosters leadership and community cohesion.
Associations and certifications
- Cognia Accreditation Organization
- AdvancED
Services
Early Childhood Education
Our Early Childhood Education Center provides a nurturing environment for Pre-Kindergarten through 6th grade students. We focus on foundational academic skills, social development, and spiritual growth. Our curriculum integrates play-based learning with structured instruction to prepare students for future academic success.
College Prep Curriculum
Bergan Catholic offers a rigorous college preparatory curriculum for grades 7-12. Students engage in advanced coursework across core subjects while developing critical thinking and leadership skills. Our program consistently produces graduates with an average ACT score of 23.3 and 73% earning college credits.
Service Learning Programs
Service learning initiatives combine academic study with community engagement. Students complete over 3,840 service hours annually through projects that teach civic responsibility and strengthen local communities. These experiences reinforce our commitment to the 'Service' pillar of our educational philosophy.
Leadership Development
Our 7-12 house model fosters leadership through mixed-grade groups where older students mentor younger peers. We offer curricular, co-curricular, and extracurricular opportunities in academics, athletics, and the arts to cultivate well-rounded leaders.
Faith Formation
Spiritual development is central to our mission. Through prayer, religious instruction, and sacramental preparation, we help students build lifelong relationships with Christ. Each campus features a chapel with the Blessed Sacrament for regular worship and reflection.
People
Rev. Walter Nolte
Pastor
Rev. Walter Nolte leads spiritual formation at Bergan Catholic, guiding students in faith development through worship, sacraments, and service initiatives.
Mr. Dan Koenig
President
As President since 1998, Mr. Dan Koenig oversees strategic direction and academic excellence, ensuring alignment with Catholic educational standards.
Dr. Mary Ritzdorf
Principal
Dr. Mary Ritzdorf directs elementary education, implementing innovative teaching methods that support individual learning styles and academic growth.
Mr. Chris Rainforth
Principal
Mr. Chris Rainforth leads middle and high school operations, focusing on college preparation and leadership development for grades 7-12.
Mrs. Nichole Owsley
VP of Parish & School Operations
Mrs. Nichole Owsley coordinates parish-school relations, fostering community partnerships that enhance student experiences and spiritual development.
Questions
What are the school hours?
Elementary school operates from 8:05 AM to 3:20 PM. High school hours are 8:00 AM to 3:30 PM.
Does the school follow a traditional calendar?
Our academic year is divided into four quarters: August 15-October 14, October 18-December 22, January 4-March 9, and March 13-May 12.
Is there a dress code?
Yes, we maintain a uniform policy promoting unity and minimizing socioeconomic distinctions while allowing individual expression through academic and spiritual achievements.
Are after-school programs available?
We offer before and after school care for Kindergarten through 6th grade through our Early Childhood Education Center programs.
What college preparation resources exist?
Our college prep curriculum includes advanced coursework, college credit opportunities, and personalized guidance counseling for post-secondary planning.
How diverse is the student body?
While rooted in Catholic tradition, we welcome students of all faiths, with over 40% representing non-Catholic denominations from 15 different zipcodes.
