OFFICE OF CURRICULUM AND INSTRUCTION

Dear Students, Parents, and Guardians:

Welcome to the first step in preparing for next year’s schedule. Notre Dame’s curricular offerings are designed to meet the academic needs of our students and prepare them for the future. The Program of Studies was created to provide as much information as possible in the hope that the registration process will be smooth and accurate. In conjunction with national and state curricular standards, our Mission Statement guides the creation of our various curricula. Contained in the pages of this program, you will find the product of serious deliberation among the administration, department chairpersons, counseling staff, and faculty. It offers Notre Dame students the best choices for fulfilling their academic goals.

The process of registration should be a combined effort between students, parents, and counselors with input from teachers on the specifics for each course. Students should pay close attention to course requirements, graduation requirements, credits earned, and their four-year plan of action. Selected courses should support goals for the upcoming school year as well as prepare students for graduation and beyond. All students should pay particular attention to the academic requirements of potential colleges in which they are interested.

The selection of courses requires much input and serious consideration. Parents and students should understand the responsibility students take on when signing up for courses. Please keep in mind that this guide cannot possibly answer every question that you may have. We encourage you to consult with counselors and teachers when necessary. Choose wisely, realistically, and where possible, creatively. Your goal should be to end your tenure at Notre Dame as a well-rounded person who has grown spiritually, physically, and intellectually.

Sincerely,

Mrs. Lisa Lenihan Assistant Principal for Curriculum and Instruction

Mission

Notre Dame High School, a ministry of the 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.

Graduation Requirements

Notre Dame requires that all students successfully complete the following courses in order to graduate. Please be aware that this is the minimum requirement and that a minimum of 130 credits are required for graduation. Some colleges may require additional courses in Science, Math, or World Language. The curriculum affords every student the opportunity to fulfill these requirements. Students are required to take a minimum of 35 credits per year within the school day.

• Religion - 20 credits

• English - 20 credits

• Math - 15 credits (recommend 20 credits)

• World Language - 10 credits (recommend 15 credits)

• Physical Education/Health -15 credits

• Social Studies -15 credits, World History - 5 credits; U.S. History 1 - 5 credits; US History 2 - 5 credits

• Lab Science - 10 credits (recommend 15 credits) Integrated Science - A STEM

Approach, Chemistry

• Performing, Visual, and/or Digital Arts - 2.5 credits

• Completion of Service Learning*

*Notre Dame’s Service Outreach includes volunteer work for the poor, elderly, teens in need, those who are critically ill, young children in education programs and outreach to local, as well as global communities. Students will earn a Pass/Fail grade on their transcript each year to indicate successful completion of their Service Learning hours.

Grade 9 - 8 hours of service

Grade 10 - 12 hours of service

Grade 11 - 12 hours of service

Grade 12 - 16 hours of service

Scholastic Pathways

Advanced Placement (AP Program)

Advanced Placement courses are weighted in GPA calculations. Students may earn college credit for high school work by passing the Advanced Placement test given by The College Board

Notre Dame offers Advanced Placement courses in:

AP CAPSTONE

Seminar

Research

MATH

Calculus AB

Calculus BC

Statistics

ART

2D Design (Studio Art)

Drawing

College Partnerships

SCIENCE

Biology

Chemistry

Environmental Science

Physics: Electricity and Magnetism

Physics: Mechanics

ENGLISH

English Language and Composition

English Literature and Composition

SOCIAL STUDIES

U.S. History

U.S. Government & Politics

European History

Psychology

Microeconomics

World History: Modern

BUSINESS

Computer Science

Principles

Notre Dame High School has partnered with a number of colleges and universities which enables 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.

Concentrations

Notre Dame Concentrations are used to customize, focus, and enhance the student’s academic experience. Similar to a college minor, Notre Dame Concentrations allow students to specialize their schedules to reflect their interest in one of the following fields of study: Applied Science, International Business, Communications, or PreLaw. Eligible students will choose from a series of classes, uniquely focused on their selected concentration. As students work towards their graduation requirements, they can embrace the opportunity to have their high school coursework reflect their desired career path. Students entering grades 10 through 12, who are interested in pursuing a concentration, should submit an application to their counselor by May 1. Concentration coursework will range between 25 and 35 credits all of which must earn a minimum passing grade of 80%. Students may complete one concentration during their tenure at Notre Dame High School.