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academics

High School Academics

Click here to download the school profile.

Twelve academic departments in the high school are staffed by 73 faculty and administration members.
The student-teacher ratio is approximately 7 to 1.

High School Administration
President: Mrs. Veronica Collins Harrington
Principal: Dr. Joseph F. D’Angelo
Director of Counseling: Mrs. Jan Janosik
Academic Dean
: Mrs. Megan Palevich 
Director of Admissions: Mrs. Diane Sander


SAT Scores and National Merit Statistics

Notre Dame Class of 2011:
National Merit Finalists 1
Commended Students 5

National Hispanic Recognition Program finalists 2

The Class of 2011 received over $11 million in scholarships.

SAT Scores (Class of 2011)

The mid 50% range for the SAT on the 1600 scale is 1080 – 1300 

The mid 50% range for the SAT on the 2400 scale is 1630 – 1990

ACT Scores (Class of 2011) Mid-Range Scores
Exam 23-28 

 

Course Offerings

Art
  • Understanding Art*
  • Ceramic Design
  • Survey of Art Techniques
  • Advanced Drawing and Painting
  • AP Studio Art/Senior Studio
  • AP Art History
  • Art Methods(1/2 unit)
  • Sculpture(1/2 unit)
  • Photography(1/2 unit)
  • Freshman Studio

Dance

  • Introduction to Dance (1/2 unit)
  • Dance Appreciation and Performance (1/2 unit)
  • Dance Company

English

  • Literary Genres/Writing
  • British Literature/Writing/PSAT Preparation
  • American Literature/Writing
  • Contemporary Themes in Literature and Writing
  • AP English Literature
  • AP English Language and Composition
  • Shakespeare
  • Writing Women
  • Honors British Literature

Foreign Language
  • French I, II, III, IV, V
  • French Honors II, III, IV
  • AP French Language
  • Latin  I Elective
  • Latin IV / AP Latin - Vergil
  • Spanish I, II, III, IV, V
  • Spanish Honors II, III, IV
  • AP Spanish Language

* One-semester Course

Mathematics
  • Algebra I
  • Honors Algebra I
  • Algebra II
  • Algebra II with Trigonometry
  • Honors Algebra II with Trigonometry
  • Geometry
  • Honors Geometry
  • Geometry / Algebra II / Trigonometry
  • Trigonometry and Logic*
  • Advanced Math Concepts
  • Statistics*
  • AP Statistics
  • Pre-Calculus
  • Honors Pre-Calculus
  • Calculus
  • AP Calculus AB
  • AP Calculus BC
  • AP Statistics

Music
  • Vocal Techniques
  • Music Theory I, II
  • Women's Chorale (by audtion)
  • High School Chorus
  • Show Choir
  • Instrumental Ensemble (Brass, String, Woodwind and Advanced)


Physical Education
Health*
Developmental Guidance
**
(ninth and tenth grades)

Religious Studies
  • Introduction to Catholicism
  • Scripture
  • Catholic Morality
  • Senior Religion Seminar

Science
  • Biology
  • AP Biology
  • Honors Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Honors Chemistry
  • AP Chemistry
  • Physics
  • Honors Physics
  • AP Physics B
  • Environmental Science
  • AP Environmental Science
  • Human Physiology and Anatomy
  • Ethical Issues in Science
  • Independent Research (1/4 unit)

Social Studies
  • World Cultures
  • American Government: Institutions and Issues
  • United States History
  • AP Government and Politics: United States
  • AP United States History
  • AP Government and Politics: Comparative
  • Constitution Law
  • Introduction to Pyschology
  • Introduction to Anthropology*
  • Global Issues: Conflict and Cooperation Since 1945*

Sample 9th Grade Course of Study

  • Introduction to Catholicism

  • Guidance

  • Algebra I or Geometry or Geometry/Algebra II/Trigonometry

  • Freshman Chorus

  • Literary Genres

  • Freshman Studio

  • Biology

  • Honors Biology

  • Spanish Iand II or French I and II

  • Physical Education

  • World Cultures

  • Freshman Ensemble
  • Health

  • Freshman Dance

 

Requirements

English 4 units
Foreign Language 3 units
Mathematics 3 units
Religious Studies 4 units
Science 3 units
Social Studies 3 units
Electives 4 units

Graduation Requirements

Each student must earn a minimum of 24 units in order of graduate. In addition to meeting academic requirements, forty (40) hours of social service are required for graduation.

 

Advanced Placement

Advanced Placement courses are offered in the following areas:

Government and Politics: United States Government and Politics: Comparative
United States History Art History
Studio Art - Drawing Biology
Chemistry Environmental Science
Physics English Literature and Composition
English Language and Composition Spanish Language
French Language Statistics
Latin: Vergil Calculus
Calculus AB  

In 2009-2010, Notre Dame students took 272 AP examinations. Of those exams taken, 83% received scores of 3 or higher.


Honors Courses are offered in the following areas:

  • French
  • Spanish
  • Biology
  • Chemistry
  • Algebra
  • Geometry
  • Precalculus
  • Calculus II
  • Honors British Literature

National Honor Society

Inclusion in the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur Chapter of the National Honor Society is offered to junior and senior students who have a cumulative grade point average of 3.90 for four semesters (juniors) or six semesters (seniors). To be included in NHS, students must also demonstrate leadership, scholarship, service and character, be active in at least three activities/sports, and live the spirit of the Honor Code. Learn more about the National Honor Society.

Archdiocesan Scholars Program

Four students are selected by a faculty committee to take one course each semester at a neighboring college during their senior year. Selection is based on the students' academic records, essay applications and two faculty recommendations.

Senior Inquiry

Members of the senior class who are not involved with the current three-day Kairos retreat spend two days at an off-campus site, learning about careers that interest them. They return to school on the third day to share their experiences.

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur     560 Sproul Road     Villanova, PA 19085     610 687 0650     Fax 610 687 1912     Contact Us     Site Map
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