Freshmen weren't the only new faces at St. Mary's Central High School Thursday.

The first day of school also saw six new teachers.

"It's way above average for us," superintendent John Jankowski said.

The openings happened because of teachers moving on to other opportunities, he said.

Enrollment for the first day was at 348 students, which is down from last year's enrollment, he said. The previous school year started with 357 students, according to the school's annual report. The school's freshman class is smaller, Jankowski said.

While the school starts a week earlier than most schools in the area, they also finish sooner than other schools. Overall, it works out well, with students being ready to get started on activities in the fall and not having to compete with other graduations in the spring, he said.

Many schools start back to school next week. St. Anne Catholic School, Martin Luther School and Shiloh Christian School start Wednesday. Bismarck Public Schools, St. Mary's Catholic School and Cathedral School start next Thursday.

Bismarck Public Schools anticipates higher enrollment for the new school year.

Preliminary enrollment numbers from Aug, 14 showed the district up 114 elementary students from the previous year.

Also, the new classrooms at Miller and Murphy elementary schools will be in use, and students will not be in portables at those schools.

Mandan Public School students head back Aug. 28.

(Reach reporter Sara Kincaid at 250-8251 or sara.kincaid@;bismarcktribune.com.)