What is a Notre Dame Schools?
Notre Dame Schools are Catholic schools founded or run in the tradition of the Sisters of Notre Dame traditions (including the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and School Sisters of Notre Dame). They share the Catholic mission of educating the whole person — mind, heart, and spirit — shaped by the order's distinctive charism: education, especially of women and the poor, and the goodness of God.
History & origins
The Sisters of Notre Dame traditions established schools as part of its mission, carrying its founder's vision into education. Its schools in the US continue that heritage, forming students in faith, academics, and service in the order's tradition.
Philosophy & approach
These schools are animated by the order's charism — education, especially of women and the poor, and the goodness of God — combined with the Catholic commitment to faith, rigorous academics, character, and service. They emphasize the transforming power of education and service, in the Notre Dame tradition.
Curriculum & academics
Academics are typically college-preparatory, taught within a Catholic worldview, with religious education, worship, service, and formation woven through school life. The order's charism shapes the culture, priorities, and traditions.
The classroom & school day
School life reflects the Sisters of Notre Dame traditions's spirit and traditions — faith, community, and service — alongside academics, activities, and (often) athletics.
Grade levels & structure
Most serve high school (grades 9–12); some are K–12 or include middle school. Day and (in some cases) boarding.
Admissions & enrollment
Admission is by application; most welcome students of various backgrounds who respect the Catholic mission. Selectivity varies by school.
Costs & financial aid
They charge tuition (varies), typically with financial aid, and (in some states) access via vouchers or scholarship programs.
Accreditation & governance
They are Catholic schools (often sponsored by or affiliated with the Sisters of Notre Dame traditions) and are typically accredited, meeting state and diocesan requirements. Look at the charism, academics, and outcomes.
Is a Notre Dame Schools right for your child?
Notre Dame Schools suit families who want a Catholic, college-preparatory education shaped by the Sisters of Notre Dame traditions's charism — education, especially of women and the poor, and the goodness of God — including families of other backgrounds comfortable with the mission.
How it compares to other schools
Notre Dame Schools are Catholic schools with the specific charism of the Sisters of Notre Dame traditions, sharing Catholic identity with other Catholic schools while reflecting this order's distinctive spirit, priorities, and traditions.
Finding Notre Dame Schools
Ready to explore specific schools? K12 Academics lists Catholic and other schools across the country.
Key facts
- TraditionSisters of Notre Dame traditions
- Charismeducation, especially of women and the poor, and the goodness of God
- EmphasisFaith, college-prep academics, character, and service
- LevelsOften high school (some K–12); day and some boarding
- CostTuition, with financial aid
Where to learn more
To learn more and find specific schools: