Women's
Education
Educating young women who dream broadly about the future and are uniquely positioned to achieve those dreams is at the heart of the Notre Dame experience. Studies have shown that students thrive in an all-girls environment. They are more confident, have higher career aspirations, and are more competitive and willing to take positive risks. Young women studying STEM subjects in an all-girls environment have been found to outperform their counterparts at co-educational schools. Additionally, such an environment fosters more meaningful relationships with teachers and mentors. As the oldest all-girls school in the western United States, Notre Dame has an established history of providing education that develops young women of impact. Through a program focused on developing leadership and critical thinking skills, complex problem-solving abilities and effective communication, our students are empowered to find their voice and use it to bring about the change they want to see in the world.
167
year tradition of educating women
16
faculty members
presented at regional and national
conferences last year
275
elected & selected leadership positions available to students on campus
8,000+
ALUMNAE NETWORK
Experiential Learning Our unique learning opportunities include global education, community partnerships, guest speakers and interdisciplinary field trips at each grade level.
Leadership Development Each student can develop her leadership skills and experience through exemplary curricular and co-curricular programs.
Technology as a Tool Our Bring Your Own Device program and educational technology empower student-centered learning and allow for global collaboration.
Personalized Support The size of our student body encourages personalization and ready access to faculty, mentors and counselors.
Academic Pathways Students can customize and specialize their learning in areas of interest.
Environment of Innovation Notre Dame develops the skill-set necessary for innovation in all individuals at every level of the organization, from administrators to teachers and students.
27
Experiential Learning
49 24 in
CLASSES
freshman students
ventured to Japantown to learn about taiko drumming, qi gong, and for an author talk with Gail Tsukiyama
GUEST SPEAKERS
167
100
%
of students participate in grade-level interdisciplinary field trips
to locations such as Japantown, Angel Island, the De Young Museum, Legion of Honor and Guadalupe River Park Conservancy
Leadership
Development
"As a freshman starting at Notre Dame, I lacked confidence in my leadership skills. Through various classes and programs, Notre Dame’s all-girls environment helped me develop the confidence I needed to become a leader."
Zaynab '19
2
Technology as a Tool "The use of a primary device in most classes helps provide students with handson experience and an environment similar to college campuses. Their primary function is to help create a collaborative environment between students and also to communicate better with teachers. Being able to bring your own device to classes gives you more accessibility to digital resources and class materials. It also helps if a student misses a day of school. They can log in to the teacher's class page where all the information of what was covered in class that day is recorded. This helps students keep up with the topics discussed in class."
Anika '20
2
MINUTES
2,730
10:1
ON AVERAGE
Personalized Support
student to faculty ratio
that stays together for all four years under the leadership of a
dedicated to each student's emotional, social and academic growth
Mia '20
students form each
mentoring group
of mentoring
"Notre Dame’s approachable and supportive counselors seek to have a special connection with all of their students. They see every student as an individual and they provide advice and support for social situations and academic decisions."
24 faculty member
100
+
college & university
representatives visit the Notre Dame campus each year to meet with prospective students
Academic Pathways
AVERAGE ADVANCED PLACEMENT TEST SCORE
3.86
Accelerated Pathway Highly motivated students with capacity for further scholastic challenge can enroll in one or more of 29 accelerated courses (Advanced Placement and Honors courses) offered at Notre Dame.
NOTRE DAME 2.91 CA
2.87
2.89
U.S.
GLOBAL
STEAM Pathway Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts and Mathematics (STEAM) blends a focus on STEAM preparation with the unique location of Notre Dame in the SoFA arts district of downtown San Jose.
ND PASS RATE • Spanish Literature 100% • Computer Science Principles 96%
Visual & Performing Arts Pathway
• Calculus BC 96%
Students interested in the arts — whether visual or performing or both — can explore content and hands-on learning opportunities that position student artists to pursue the arts in college and beyond.
• English Language 94
• World History 95% %
• Spanish Language +94% • Psychology 93%
79
%
of students take one or more of
29 AP & Honors classes
12 Honors classes
17 AP classes
offered this year
Innovative Learning
154 JUNIORS
participated in a civic hackathon and presented prototypes to a panel of community partners
"Being passionate about engineering, science and mathematics, I was grateful for the opportunity to take AP Computer Science Principles, one of Notre Dame’s technology, engineering and design (TED) courses. It provided the opportunity to experience a new innovative approach to learning and explore how technology can impact the world."
Shruthisri '21
11
author visits hosted on campus
49
students
working towards
ENDORSED DIPLOMAS in STEAM, VAPA & Social Justice
"As a freshman, I like that we study women of impact through our Woman's Place Project because we are able to recognize and celebrate the contributions women have made for the betterment of their community. Having had the opportunity to be part of the Women of Impact luncheon and the Woman’s Place Project, I aspire to be one of those women who make an impact on society."
Sri '21
2
Reasons to Love ND "One of the most amazing days from my time at Notre Dame has been the freshman sleepover. It was a fun experience to bond with our class and choose our identity for the next four years. The sleepover is the first step in building excellent friendships, sisterhood, new connections and a great bond with classmates."
Claire '21 TOP REASONS
parents chose to send their daughter to Notre Dame
• Academics • Opportunities for development of career and life skills • Innovative learning environment • Leadership opportunities • Safe environment • Daughter's choice
165
+
STUDENTS at freshman sleepover each year
81 ALUMNAE visited campus last year for
networking events with current students
3,185
+
crazy costumes FOR SPIRIT WEEK