Bismarck Public Schools Empowers Every Learner to Thrive With Career and Technical Education

Note: This is a two-part series highlighting the local school districts in Bismark-Mandan. Follow our News and Media page to read our follow-up post on Mandan Public Schools coming later this year. 

Bismarck Public Schools (BPS) is the largest district in the state with 13,678 students, 2,169 employees, and more than 500 classrooms. Despite its size, it boasts a low student-to-teacher ratio and diverse programs that prepare kids and teens for their future careers.

“Our goal is for all of our graduates to leave school Choice Ready,” says Dr. Jeff Fastnacht, superintendent of BPS. “That means they have the essential skills needed to succeed, including life skills, soft skills, and career skills”  

The Choice Ready framework is designed to prepare students no matter where they go after graduation. Teens will be ready for college or post-secondary education, ready to enter the workforce or trades, or ready to enroll in the military and armed forces.

Learn why BPS is the best in the Midwest for career technical education and how all students can feel supported as they explore potential career paths. 

BPS Embraces Career Training for All 

Career training (CT) isn't just for students who are pursuing a trade or seeking technical education after they graduate. Any student can benefit from learning soft skills that support them in the workplace. Teachers across BPS develop projects and assignments that support the core curriculum while focusing on skills like timeliness, communication, problem-solving, critical thinking, and collaboration.

“We believe in CT for All,” says Dr. Fastnacht. “Career technical education is for every kid no matter what career they go into. They could become a plumber, they could become a doctor.”

Soft skills will better prepare students to adapt to an uncertain future. Technology continues to change countless jobs across almost every industry, but research shows that strong social and emotional skills, as well as high levels of cognitive thinking, will help employees adapt and thrive to workplace changes. 

Students Can Explore Careers Before They Leave for College

Along with developing soft skills across all grade levels, BPS creates opportunities for students to find their passions and learn about specific careers. Starting in elementary school, students are exposed to new career options and learn what different professionals do. As they get older, they have opportunities to enroll in courses that give them career training and prepare them to enter the workforce.

“Giving students a series of courses where they train for their future careers can help them see whether they really like their desired field,” says Dr. Fastnacht. “Honestly, I’d rather have you figure out that you don’t want to be a nurse in high school than after you complete your college coursework and certification.”  

High school students can even earn college credit while they are taking these courses, which will better prepare them for success in their post-secondary education.

“BPS is one of the best school districts in the state because of the sheer volume of career training courses it offers,” says Nathan Schneider, Vice President of Economic Development for the Bismarck Mandan Chamber EDC. “Students can study culinary arts with a fully functioning kitchen, work with Sanford Health, and even prepare for aviation careers. By tapping into career passions, BPS excites and motivates students to do well in their coursework.” 

Dedicated Teachers at the Career Academy 

Not only does BPS have an extensive portfolio of career training programs, but it has nearly 50 staff members at the high school level who are dedicated to supporting students and growing their careers. There are adequate resources and professional educators on hand, regardless of what a student wants to study.

“We have an exceptional school district and an exceptional community to live in,” says Dr. Fastnacht. “As our school district grows, we will do our best to provide for local students no matter their future career paths.”

Bismarck Public Schools was named District of the Year in 2023 by K-12 Dive. The publication specifically called out the career technical education offered by the school district, along with its mastery-based approach to teaching. 

Watch Your Student Make Their Mark at BPS

Every student at Bismarck Public Schools has an opportunity to shine and choose a career path that meets their passions. They will graduate Career Ready with both hard and soft skills that increase their chances of success.

Learn more about the outstanding educational opportunities in Bismarck Mandan and see how your kids can Make their Mark! Plus, keep up with Make Your Mark to read our follow-up article on Mandan Public Schools, which also plays an essential role in supporting students in our community!