History
The Academy was founded in 1856 in West Rittenhouse Square, Philadelphia, by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, a 200-year-old international congregation with schools on five continents. Over 3,000 young women have graduated from NDA since its relocation to Villanova in 1944.

Enrollment
The Academy enrolls approximately 500 girls in grades 6 through 12; Senior High: 359, Middle School: 139. Students come from 30 school districts and more than 100 different schools.

• Freshman Class Size: For 2007-2008 there are currently 92 freshmen representing 33 schools and 36 zip codes.
• Sixth Grade Class Size: 42 sixth graders representing 33 schools and 21 zip codes

Faculty
Our lay faculty includes 74 teachers and administrators. Seventy percent hold advanced degrees. The faculty-student ratio is 1 to 7.

College Preparation
The Academy offers a rigorous course of study that exceeds minimum college requirements, with most students opting to take Advanced Placement (AP) and Honors courses and a fourth or fifth year of science, math, and foreign language. Two personal guidance counselors and two college counselors begin working with students early in their high school careers.

Advanced Placement
Notre Dame offers seventeen AP courses in nine disciplines .

Technology
The entire campus is networked with fiber optic and high speed Internet access. Students use academic technology equipment in three multimedia computing labs and a state-of-the-art digital language lab. Seventy percent of classrooms are equipped with interactive Smart Boards, multimedia workstations with video and DVD capabilities, and LCD projectors that seamlessly integrate media resources. The campus has its own closed-circuit cable network and a video production studio.

Activities
A wide variety of sports options are offered each season. Extensive co-curricular opportunities range from academic competitions such as Hi-Q and Mathletes, to publications such as newspaper and yearbook, to Student Council and Campus Ministry.

Scholarships and Financial Aid
Academic scholarships and need-based financial aid are available.

Campus Expansion
(Opened 2007-2008): Buildings and grounds enhancements provided additional classrooms, a new library, a new gymnasium and improved parking.