Notre Dame High School Established 1957
Notre Dame High School, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Trenton, is a dynamic, diverse Catholic community dedicated to educating young women and men to realize their full potential through a faith-filled environment, a challenging college-preparatory program, extensive co-curricular activities and a commitment to citizenship and service in the community.
601 Lawrence Road w Lawrenceville w NJ 08648 Phone: 609.882.7900 w ndnj.org
Dear Families, Welcome to Notre Dame High School! Founded in 1957 by the Sisters of Mercy, their charism is alive in our halls: Respect, Integrity, Service, Justice, Compassion. The Notre Dame spirit is alive in everything we do, from providing a rigorous college preparatory curriculum taught by our caring and supportive teachers, to offering rich and extensive co-curricular activities. In partnership with families, our goal is to nurture the unique gifts and talents each teenager brings to Notre Dame. We teach students to develop a strong work ethic and to become the best person they can be. They are challenged to be open to new ideas and to show compassion and respect for themselves and for others. Our strong academics challenge students to open their minds to the ever-changing world around them. We invite you to learn more about what we have to offer by visiting our classrooms, looking at our website, and reviewing the enclosed information. However, the best way to learn about Notre Dame is by speaking to our faculty, students, and families. We would love for you to get to know the Notre Dame family! Thank you for your interest in Notre Dame. We are excited to get to know you. Please let us know how we can help you prepare for the journey ahead. Go Irish! Laura Sarubbi Vice President of Enrollment Management and Marketing Kristen Brauer ‘14 Lloyd Coordinator of Enrollment Management Christine Campana ‘94 Hines Coordinator of Enrollment Management and External Programs Office of Enrollment Management admissions@ndnj.org 609-882-7901
2023-2024 School and Community Profile
NOTRE DAME HIGH SCHOOL 601 Lawrence Road, Lawrenceville, New Jersey, 08648
609.882.7900 • www.ndnj.org • CEEB Code: 311492
Notre Dame High School, a ministry of the Catholic Diocese of Trenton, is a dynamic, diverse Catholic community
dedicated to educating young women and men to realize their full potential through a faith-filled environment, a challenging college-preparatory program, extensive co-curricular activities and a commitment to citizenship and service in the community.
PHILOSOPHY and VISION
HISTORY and CURRICULUM Founded in 1957, Notre Dame is a Catholic, college preparatory, co-educational high school which provides programs to meet the diverse needs of 860 students enrolled in grades 9–12. Located in suburban, central New Jersey, Notre Dame High School occupies a 100acre campus drawing students from New Jersey and Pennsylvania in Mercer, Burlington, Bucks, Middlesex and Monmouth Counties. Notre Dame is selective, yet recognizes its mission to serve a broad spectrum of students. Approximately 98% of the Class of 2023 attended a post-secondary institution (91% attended a four-year institution, 7 % attended a two-year institution and 2% are employed or active in our military). The faculty and staff at Notre Dame High School believe in providing students with transformative, sustainable learning through active engagement, differentiated instruction and authentic learning experiences. Notre Dame employs an 80minute modified block scheduling model. As in the collegiate model, five-credit courses are completed in one semester. Advanced Placement and art classes take advantage of the modified scheduling to allow students to maximize mastery in a broad spectrum of studies. All students take a Religion course each year. In addition to completing 130 credits, students fulfill a yearly Service Learning commitment to the community outside of the school and participate in an annual retreat experience.
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in the Mercy Core values of respect, integrity, justice, compassion, and service, revealed through the Gospels, centered in God’s love and the Catholic faith which permeate all aspects of the Notre Dame community; in mutual respect and appreciation of diversity; in a challenging, interactive academic environment, that is respectful of the learning style and needs of each individual; in the development of critical thinking and problemsolving skills, creativity, and a commitment to life-long learning for faculty and students; in the necessity to have a secure, caring and enthusiastic environment, which has a consistent code of conduct and fosters integrity; in the promotion of leadership through self-discipline, self-discovery and self-worth, in order to encourage personal responsibility, accountability, growth and fulfillment; in the need to provide extensive quality opportunities for community service and co-curricular involvement in order to develop growth while building pride and ownership in the Notre Dame family beyond the classroom; in educating our students to discern moral, ethical and responsible choices in a constantly evolving global community; and, in fostering a respect for all of God’s creation.
PROGRAM OF STUDY MATH
AP Calculus AB AP Calculus AB Seminar AP Calculus BC AP Statistics AP Statistics Seminar Algebra 1 Honor Algebra 1 Algebra 2 Honors Algebra 2 Geometry Honors Geometry Pre-Calculus Honors Pre-Calculus Advanced Algebra Trigonometry Calculus Honors Calculus Probability & Statistics Honors Probability & Statistics Discrete Mathematics
BUSINESS
Integrated Technology Physical Computing & Robotics Entrepreneurship Accounting Honors Accounting Introduction to Business Web Design Computer Science Honors Computer Science AP Computer Science Introduction to Data Science
RELIGION
Religion 1 - Revelation of Jesus Christ in Scripture Religion 2 - Our Catholic Faith Peer Leadership Peer Leadership Practicum Religion 3 - Morality & Social Justice Honors Religion 3/Service Religion 4 - World Religions and Christian Vocation Honors Religion 4/Academic Honors Religion 4/Service Intro to Western Philosophy
ENGLISH
AP English Lang & Comp AP English Lit & Comp Foundations of Writing English 1 Honors English 1 English 2 Honors English 2 English 3/American Lit Honors English 3 English 4/British Lit English 4/The Short Story Honors English 4 Honors English 4/Heroes Academic Writing Public Speaking 1 Public Speaking 2 Intro to Mass Comm Intro to Creative Writing Film Studies Journalism 1 Journalism 2 Broadcast Journalism Podcast
WORLD LANGUAGES
French 1 French 2 Honors French 3 Honors French 4 Latin 1 Latin 2 Honors Latin 3 Honors Latin 4 Spanish 1 Spanish 2 Spanish 3 Honors Spanish 3 Honors Spanish 4 Honors Convo Spanish Italian 1 Italian 2 Italian 3 Honors Italian 3 Honors Italian 4 Honors Convo Italian
MCAULEY STUDIES
English 1 Enrichment Algebra 1 Algebra 2 Geometry
SOCIAL STUDIES
SCIENCE
AP US History 2 AP US History 2 Seminar AP Economics AP European History AP European History Seminar AP Psychology AP Psychology Seminar AP US Government & Politics AP US Gov & Politics Seminar AP World History AP World History Seminar World History Honors World History United States History 1 Honors/Pre-AP US History 1 United States History 2 Honors US History 2 Economics Genocide US History 3 (American Cult) Psychology/Sociology American Legal Issues
AP Biology AP Biology Seminar AP Chemistry AP Chemistry Seminar AP Physics - Mechanics AP Physics Seminar AP Environmental Science STEM Honors STEM Biology Honors Biology Chemistry Honors Chemistry Physics Honors Physics Exercise Physiology Anatomy/Physiology
VISUAL ARTS
Physical Education/Health Driver’s Education Physical Education First Aid/ Personal Fitness Senior Year PE Optional
AP 2D Art AP Drawing Art 1 Art 2 Honors Art 3 Multicultural Arts Illustration & Character Des Intro to Graphic Arts & Des Fund of 3D/Ceramics Ceramics Advanced Ceramics Film Production Advanced Film Production
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
PERFORMING ARTS
Acting 1 & Acting 2 Music Theory Show Choir Madrigal Singers Concert Band Dance Class Intermediate Dance Dance Performance Jazz Band Instrumental Studies Percussion Studies Piano Studies Digital Recording String Ensemble Chamber Orchestra
Cognia is the largest education improvement organization in the world. Cognia’s Performance Standards embody the belief that equitable practices, principled instruction, and engaged learning in a supportive environment transform lives, communities, and the world.
COURSE LEVELS College Preparatory – College preparatory courses Honors – Requires high level of proficiency with reading, writing and spoken language. Advanced Placement (AP) – Follows a national curriculum: The most demanding courses offered at Notre Dame High School.
GRADING AND STATISTICAL Notre Dame’s GPA is based on a 100-point scale. Students are awarded +3 points for Honors and +5 for AP courses.
AWARDS and ACCOMPLISHMENTS
We do not report class rank.
Numerical Grade Equivalents A: 90-100, B: 80-89, C: 70-79 D: 65-69, F below 64
Mean SAT Scores – Class of 2023
Evidenced Based Reading/Writing Math
National
New Jersey
Notre Dame
560
543
572
547
537
561
Mean ACT Scores – Class of 2023 *NJ ACT Data not available from ACT
Composite English Math Reading Science
National 19.8 19 19.3 20.4 19.9
Notre Dame 27.8 27.8 27.6 28.7 27.2
Advanced Placement Scores May 2023 Number of Students AP Exams Total Number of AP Exams Percent of Students Scoring a 3 or Above
AP Exams Include:
196 374 80%
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Environmental Science, Computer Science Principles, Computer Science A, English Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, European History, World History, US History, US Government, & Politics, Microeconomics, Psychology, Statistics, Studio Art 2D, Design Portfolio, Music Theory, *Italian Language and Culture, “Physics 1: Algebra Based, *Physics 2: Algebra Based. *Courses not offered at Notre Dame High School.
2023 National Merit Program: 7 Commended Scholars 1 National Hispanic Recognition Scholars 2 National African American Recognition Scholars
23 Advanced Placement Scholars 15 Advanced Placement Scholars with Honors 19 Advanced Placement Scholars with Distinction • Rutgers/Philadelphia Model UN Awards – • PhilMUN 2019 Best Large Delegation, Outstanding Delegation, Distinguished Delegation, Best Position Paper and 13 students awarded individual awards. RUMUN 2018 Best Position Paper National Latin, Spanish and Italian Exam Medal Winners • American Legion Boys’ State • New Jersey Math League • Mathematical Association of America – Math Competition – 1st (10th and 12th grade) • ND Performs over 20,000 hours of Community Service • CyberPatriot Nat. Award – Created by US Air Force • CyberPatriot Nat. Youth Cyber Defense Comp. Team • Louis Armstrong Jazz Awards Excellent in Jazz • John Phillip Sousa Band Award – 1st Chair in Orchestra • Patrick S. Gilmore Band Award • Fred Waring Director's award for Chorus • Dual Enrollment with Seton Hall University (AP Economics, AP Government and Honors Computer Science • Student Publications – ETC , The Voice, and NDTV • Senior Internship Programs in hospitality, finances, police department, nursery school, and vocal studio • ΙCAN - Interdisciplinary Community Action Network – School-wide Community Service Program • 27 Student-athletes continued their careers in College
NOTRE DAME FIVE YEAR COLLEGE AND MATRICULATION ACCEPTANCE LIST Alabama State University Albright College American University Arizona State University Auburn University Ave Maria University Babson College Ball State University Bard College Belmont Abbey College Berklee College of Music Boston College Boston University Bowling Green State University Brandeis University Brown University Bucknell University Cabrini University Caldwell University Canisius College Carnegie Mellon University Case Western Reserve University Chatham University Chestnut Hill College Clemson University Coastal Carolina University Colgate University College of Charleston College of Saint Elizabeth Columbia University Cornell University Dickinson College Drew University Drexel University Duke University Duquesne University Eckerd College Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University Emerson College Emory University Fairfield University Fairleigh Dickinson University Fashion Institute of Technology Florida Southern College Florida State University Fordham University Franciscan University of Steubenville Franklin & Marshall College Franklin Pierce University Geneva College George Mason University Georgetown University George Washington University Georgia Institute of Technology Georgian Court University Gettysburg College Gonzaga University Hawaii Pacific University Hobart and William Smith Colleges Hofstra University Holy Cross College Howard University Immaculata University Indiana State University Iona College Ithaca College James Madison University Johns Hopkins University Johnson & Wales University Kean University Kent State University Kingston University of London
Lehigh University La Salle University Liberty University Louisiana State University Loyola University Chicago Loyola University Maryland Lynn University Manhattan College Manhattanville College Marist College Marquette University Massachusetts College of Pharmacy & Health Mercer County Community College Messiah University Miami University Michigan State University Mississippi State University Monmouth University Montana State University Montclair State University Moore College of Art and Design Mount St. Mary's University Muhlenberg College New England Institute of Technology New Jersey Institute of Technology New York University North Carolina State University Northeastern University Northwestern University Oklahoma State University Old Dominion University Pace University Pennsylvania State University Pepperdine University Pratt Institute Princeton University Providence College Purdue University Quinnipiac University Ramapo College of New Jersey Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Rider University Rochester Institute of Technology Rosemont College Rowan University Rutgers University Sacred Heart University Saint Francis University Saint John's University Saint Joseph's University Salve Regina University Sarah Lawrence College School of the Art Institute of Chicago Seton Hall University Shippensburg University Skidmore College Smith College Southern Methodist University Spelman College St. Bonaventure University Stanford University State University of New York Stevens Institute of Technology Stony Brook University Susquehanna University Swarthmore College
Notre Dame High School Administration President: Kenneth Jennings Interim Principal: Michele Martinez
Interim Assistant Principal for Curriculum & Instruction: Nathan Webber Assistant Principal for Student Life: Eleanor MacIsaac Director of College and School Counseling: Rebecca Magro School Counselors: Sean Clancy Kevin Deal Linda Harkins Rose Stevenson Terry Rigney
Syracuse University Temple University Texas Southern University The Catholic University of America The Citadel, The Military College of South Carolina The College of New Jersey The Culinary Institute of America The George Washington University The Ohio State University The Peabody Institute The Johns Hopkins University The University of Alabama The University of Arizona The University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill The University of Oklahoma The University of Scranton Thomas Jefferson University Towson University Trinity College Tulane University United States Air Force Academy United States Coast Guard Academy United States Military Academy United States Naval Academy University of California, Berkeley University of California, Davis University of California, Irvine University of California, Los Angeles University of California, San Diego University of California, Santa Barbara University of Colorado at Boulder University of Connecticut University of Delaware University of Maryland University of Miami University of Mississippi University of North Carolina University of Notre Dame University of Pennsylvania University of Pittsburgh University of Rhode Island University of Richmond University of San Diego University of South Carolina University of South Florida University of Southern California University of Tampa Bay University of Tennessee University of Toronto University of Washington University of the Sciences in Philadelphia University of Vermont University of Virginia University of Wisconsin Ursinus College Valencia College Vanderbilt University Vassar College Villanova University Virginia Commonwealth University Virginia Polytechnic Institute Virginia Wesleyan University Wagner University Wake Forest University Washington University in St. Louis Wellesley College West Chester University of Pennsylvania West Virginia University William & Mary William Paterson University of New Jersey Worcester Polytechnic Institute Xavier University York College of Pennsylvania
Scholastic Opportunities Academic Concentrations Notre Dame will offers four academic concentrations of study. Students may elect to complete a concentration in either Applied Science, Communications, International Business or PreLaw. Concentrations provide students with a customized, focused and enhanced high school learning experience. Each concentration requires students to successfully complete a set amount of credit hours in their discipline beyond the Notre Dame graduation requirement. Those interested in pursuing a concentration will begin the application process in the spring of their freshman year. College Partnerships Notre Dame High School has partnered with a number of colleges and universities, including Seton Hall University and Georgian Court University, enabling our students to earn college credit while completing their high school requirements. This paradigm gives our students an academic and financial edge when applying to colleges and universities. The Senior Internship Seniors have the opportunity to explore future career paths by completing a professional internship. An internship is worth 2.5 credits and is completed in a single school semester, or over the summer. A student must reach 60 on-site hours to complete the internship. Those who apply and are accepted may complete an internship in a school-professional environment during the school day, or at an offsite location after school hours or during the summer. For questions regarding the Senior Internship, contact Mr. Jaime Gibilisco at gibiliscoj@ndnj.org. Block Scheduling A modified block scheduling model is employed at Notre Dame so that students have the time to learn in depth as well as in breadth. Courses are held for 80 minutes allowing students to analyze, research, experiment and discover. Lower class periods allow for more laboratory work in Science, more creative production in Art, more critical thinking in Social Studies, more writing and discussion in English, more reflection in Religious studies and more mastery in Mathematics. Block scheduling allows students to focus on three or four areas of study each semester. Research proves that long term academic retention is enhanced through deeper exploration of subject matter. The school year at Notre Dame mirrors the academic year at a college with classes running by semester rather than for the whole year. For over 20 years, this has proven to prepare our students well for college study. In block scheduling, the results of students’ progress are carefully monitored. We maintain restriction on class size as well as on the overall teacher-student ratio to ensure individual attention and focus on the growth of every student.
Academic Support at Notre Dame Notre Dame is a college preparatory high school. We offer a challenging academic environment, but we are respectful of varying learning styles and needs. Notre Dame will work with public school IEPs and private school Service Plans from New Jersey and Pennsylvania. Eligible students can work with certified teachers from the Education Services Commission of New Jersey. Please visit the McAuley Studies for Academic Support page of the Notre Dame website for more information. Students can access academic support in a number of ways: Activity Period - Students can meet with their teachers during Activity Period, a 40-minute time slot in the middle of each day. Academic Strength and Conditioning Center - The ASCC is open four days a week after school from 2:45 to 4:45. It is staffed by teachers who guide small groups of students. National Honor Society Tutors - Our NHS students are available to work with students as peer tutors during Activity Period or in the Academic Strength and Conditioning Center. In-Class Support - There are two in-class support teachers who work directly in classrooms to enhance student learning. McAuley Studies Mercy education rooted in the ministry of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy and her companions, has been a force of pastoral care in America since 1854. Growing up in an Irish society rampant with poverty, illiteracy, and unemployment, McAuley recognized that education is essential to the process of the betterment of both individuals and society. McAuley explained that the ministry of education is a work of Mercy that is a response to people’s learning, and the work of the Mercy educator is a potent expression of the love of God and others. Present-day Mercy educators are called to follow in the footsteps of Catherine McAuley and her Sisters, who wholeheartedly committed themselves to the pursuit of knowledge. As a Mercy School, Notre Dame is committed to meeting the needs of all students in the pursuit of learning. The McAuley Studies Program provides academic support and guides students to achieving their full potential at Notre Dame.
College and School Counseling
The College and School Counseling Office at Notre Dame High School is designed to serve all students in academic, personal, social, career and college needs. During the course of the academic year, each counselor will meet with their assigned students to get to know them, as well as to discuss short term and long term goals. Most students meet with their counselor several times throughout the year. In the first semester, counselors will focus on the freshmen and transfer students who are making a transition to a new environment as well as provide assistance to seniors in their college search. In the second semester, sophomores and juniors are assisted in their exploration of academic choices and plans for life after high school. In the College and School Counseling office our doors are always open. We invite students and parents to reach out to a counselor with any questions or concerns. Visit the Notre Dame website College and School Counseling page under Academics to learn more. Graduation Requirements To earn a Notre Dame diploma, a student must successfully complete 130 credits of course work, including the specified number of credits in the following areas: English (20) Lab Science (10) Religion (20)
U.S. History (10) World History (5) World Language (10)
Health/Phys. Ed (15) Mathematics (15) The Arts (2.5)
In addition, each student must fulfill a yearly Service Learning commitment to the community outside the school and must participate in an annual retreat experience. Cumulative Grade Point Average A cumulative weighted grade point average (GPA) is computed annually using grades from freshman through senior year. All subjects are calculated for the GPA. Honors and Advanced Placement courses receive additional weight in computation.
Get Involved in Student Co-Curriculars American Sign Language Anime Club Art Club Asian American Club Book Club Broadcasting Catholic Athletes for Christ Celebrate Life Club Chess Club Concert Band Concert Choir Cyber Patriots Dance Performance Debate Team Dungeons & Dragons Environmental Club
eSports Team ETC. Fall & Spring Productions Feminism Club Film Society Fishing Club French Future Educators Future Health Care Leaders History Club Intramural Club Investment Club Irish American Club Italian Club Jazz Band Joey’s Earth Angels
Justice Club Latin Madrigal Choir Marketing Club Math League Mock Trial Club Model UN National Honor Society ND Business Club ND Cares / Creative Writing ND Niceties/Visionaries ND Sports Huddle NDTV Operation Smile Patriots’ Club
Paws for a Cause Photography Ping Pong Club Robotics Sacraments/RCIA School Musical Science Bowl SHADES Club Ski Club Soup Service and Scripture Spanish String Ensemble Student Ambassadors Student Government Take 2 The Voice Yearbook
Student Leadership Programs National Honor Society - Juniors and seniors who possess and maintain a cumulative GPA of 93 or higher are academically eligible to join NHS. For a full list of requirements, please visit ndnj.org. Peer Leadership - Students can apply to become Peer Leaders in the spring of their freshman or sophomore year. Peer Leaders help to foster an enviornment of inclusion and service in the ND community while acting as mentors to the members of the freshman class.
Service Learning Program Service to the community is part of the mission of Notre Dame. The Service Learning Program inspires students to follow the example of Jesus as they recognize the dignity of all human persons. Notre Dame’s Service Learning Program fosters commitment to a lifetime of giving to the local and global communities. Service to others is expected and required. Students involve themselves in projects such as preparing daily meals for homeless children, visiting and befriending the elderly and sponsoring events for Special Olympics. They engage with Big Brothers Big Sisters, HomeFront, Mount Carmel Guild and numerous other non-profit organizations. The opportunities are endless. Service at Notre Dame is a way of life and a cornerstone of the educational experience.
Campus Ministry
Notre Dame is more than a school; it’s a community of integrity, justice, service, compassion, and respect, a place where we connect belief and action. Shaped by our Catholic faith, we instill values that prepare our students for lives of fulfillment and service to others, to make decisions with integrity, and to face challenges with strength. One-quarter of our students come from other creeds, enriching our community and fostering mutual understanding as we build a more just society in a diverse world
Campus Ministry at Notre Dame High School is made up of a team of students, faculty, staff and administrators who are responsible for providing spiritual programs for the entire Notre Dame Community. Our goal and mission is that through prayer, retreat programs, and outreach we can help to build the Kingdom of God within our community. Spirituality Days One day each year is set aside for each class to experience a day of reflection, prayer and discussion with their fellow classmates. The retreat days are peer led, examine various Gospel themes and involve a variety of activities. Kairos Kairos is our senior retreat program which leads our seniors through an intense self reflection on their lives, their relationships and choices. This optional retreat helps our students to connect with themselves, their classmates and God in a special way. Over 86% of our seniors choose to attend this retreat. Monthly Liturgies Once a month, we make it a priority to come together as a community for Liturgy. Students are involved as singers and musicians, lectors, Extraordinary Ministers of Holy Communion, ushers and altar servers.
Athletics at Notre Dame Notre Dame is proud to sponsor 55 athletic teams, involving over 700 student athletes with 24 varsity sports for girls and boys. Our student athletes have won numerous championships over the past five years. The Class of 2023 boasted 33 college commitments to NCAA Division I, II and III schools. Our Athletic Department offers a number of no-cut sports, which provide an opportunity for every student to experience high school athletics. Fall Sports:
Cross Country (Girls and Boys) ^ Cheerleading (Girls and Boys) Field Hockey Football ^
Soccer (Girls and Boys) Tennis (Girls) Volleyball (Girls)
Pre-season tryouts for fall sports begin in mid-August and all interested students are expected to attend. Winter Sports:
Basketball (Girls and Boys) Cheerleading (Girls and Boys) Diving (Girls and Boys) ^ Ice Hockey
Spring Sports:
Baseball Golf (Girls and Boys) Lacrosse (Girls and Boys)
Swimming (Girls and Boys) ^ Winter Track (Girls and Boys) ^ Wrestling ^
^ = No Cut Policy Sport
Softball Spring Track and Field (Girls and Boys) ^ Tennis (Boys)
Frequently Asked Questions COURSE PLACEMENT Q. Are there Honors and AP classes?
Notre Dame has a full range of Honors and AP programs. At the freshman level, qualified students can be admitted into Honors English, HonorsAlgebra I, II, Geometry or Pre-Calculus, Honors World History, and Honors Biology.
Q. How are students placed as freshmen?
Course placement is based on several factors: grades, standardized test scores, the placement test, and teacher recommendations. We typically look for a score of 90% and above in all areas for a student to be placed in a freshman Honors course. Honors English is a co-requisite for Honors History. Honors English and Honors Mathematics are co-requisites for Honors STEM.
ACADEMIC SUPPORT Q. Are there special services for children with learning needs?
We offer a challenging academic environment, but we are respectful of varying learning styles and needs. Support is available for students with learning differences. Our Principal, College and School Counseling Office, and McAuley Coordinator will review all documentation sent to us to determine what specific accommodations are needed by individual students. Please contact Rick Smith at extension 109 or smithr@ndnj.org, for further information about how we can support your child.
TUITION Q. What will the tuition be for the upcoming school year?
The Family First Tuition Model is designed to help families budget for their children’s education. The model enhances our families’ Notre Dame experience through its predictability and simplicity. The model locks the tuition rate for the incoming Freshman Class over the period of 4 years so that families do not incur any additional tuition costs and can budget accordingly. The tuition rate by class: 2027: $18,800 2026: $17,750 2025: $16,750 2024: $15,800 Tuition is locked when you enter Notre Dame and in place for your time with us. Over the longterm, our families can expect to save close to $3,000.
Frequently Asked Questions (continued) Q. Is any financial assistance available?
Financial assistance is available to families with demonstrated financial needs and can be applied for through FACTS. The link for this application is provided on the Admissions page at ndnj.org. Applications must be received by December 1.
Q. Do you offer scholarships? Notre Dame offers Merit Scholarships to students who demonstrate continued strong academic potential and all applicants are considered. Selection will be based on students’ scores in the High School Placement Test (HSPT), or the Secondary School Admissions Test (SSAT), and current grades. Semi-finalists will be chosen and invited to submit an essay. Finalists will interview with the President and Principal. These scholarships will be annually renewable. For additional information please visit the Tuition and Scholarships page of our website. TRANSPORTATION Q. May students stay late in the building?
For many students, the day begins again with the 2:15 dismissal bell. Our cafeteria and library are open until 6 pm. Various clubs and Student Government activities hold afternoon and evening meetings. The Weight Room and gym are alive with athletes, and our playing fields are filled with sports and fans. For students who want assistance with academic courses, the Academic Strength and Conditioning Center with faculty tutors is available. Our dance classes meet every Monday afternoon and evening during the first semester; throughout the year, our Performing Arts students are rehearsing for our next production. Security is onsite until 10pm.
Q. Does my township provide busing?
Many of our neighboring towns offer busing to Notre Dame. For those districts that do not, we partner with families to provide morning and late busing for various districts. For busing information, contact the ND Transportation Office at transportation@ndnj.org.
SPORTS Q. What sports do you offer for ninth grade students?
Almost all of our athletic programs offer competition at the freshman level. For additional information please visit the Athletics page of our school website.
Q. Is there a no cut policy for any sports at Notre Dame?
There is a no cut policy for some sports in all three seasons including: • Cross Country • Football • Diving • Swimming • Winter track • Wrestling • Spring Track and Field For more information please visit our athletics page on the Notre Dame website.
Frequently Asked Questions (continued) ARTS Q. How can my child get involved in the arts?
Notre Dame offers many opportunities to those students who wish to pursue their talents through coursework and co-curricular activities such as productions. Notre Dame’s productions include: ● Fall Production in November ● Christmas Concert in December ● FUSION (Dance Performance) in January ● Spring Musical in March ● Spring Production in May ● Spring Arts Concert & Festival in May Notre Dame also offers Madrigal Singers, String Ensemble, Chamber Orchestra, Jazz Band and Theatre Technology.
READY TO LEARN MORE? Q. Can my child come spend the day?
Absolutely! We offer an “Irish for a Day” shadow program where your son/daughter can spend the day on our campus where they will have a mini schedule with our faculty and get a tour of our campus from one of our Student Ambassadors. Your visit can be scheduled on our school website.
Q. How do I apply? Visit our website, www.ndnj.org, and click on the “Apply” button. Important dates are listed on the back cover of this booklet. Letters of Recommendations, transcripts, and standardized testing are all requested and obtained via the application. For those students applying to independent schools who use the Standard Application Online (SAO), we will accept that application in lieu of the Notre Dame application. Do not hesitate to contact the Enrollment Management Office for any assistance needed in completing this application. Q. Is there an entrance exam?
Freshmen take the High School Placement Test (HSPT), offered at Notre Dame High School. If you child is taking the HSPT at another school, please request that scores be sent to us. For those taking the SSAT, simply select Notre Dame High School (NJ) as one of the schools receiving the test scores.
Q. Do you offer accommodations for students taking the HSPT who have learning needs?
Notre Dame offers 50% extended time, in a separate, extended time room to students who have a documented learning need. Students who have a current, documented need in the testing environment should forward a copy of the documentation to Rick Smith, Notre Dame McAuley Coordinator, at smithr@ndnj.org.
Q. What else is required during the application process?
We look forward to having the opportunity to get to know each child who applies to Notre Dame. We therefore require all students, and at least one parent or guardian, to come to Notre Dame for an interview with a member of our Admission Committee. This allows us to get to know prospective students and their families, but it also allows you to come to know us. It is an opportunity to see our spirit in action, to understand all Notre Dame has to offer, and, most importantly, to realize that four years at Notre Dame will offer your child a second home.
Notre Dame High School 2023-2024 Admission Season All application information and links may be found on our website: NDNJ.org: Admissions/How to Apply
Freshman Applications Application Due: November 17, 2023 Financial Aid Application Due: December 1, 2023 HSPT: November 18, 2023 Interview Dates: week of November 27, 2023 Notification: December 22, 2023
Shadow Days November 9 December 6 January 12 February 6 March 6
Transfers
Mid-year Application Deadline: November 1, 2023 Interviews: Week of November 13, 2023 Fall 2023 Application Deadline: April 12, 2024 Interviews: Week of April 15, 2024
Open House Events
New Family Picnic: May 10, 2024 Spring Open House: Wednesday May 7, 2024