The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur is a Catholic, independent, college prepatory school for young women in grades 6 through 12.

A Catholic, Independent, College Preparatory School for Young Women, Grades 6 through 12

Academy of Notre Dame de Namur: Inspiring Young Women Since 1956

Science

Inspiring Exploration and Discovery

Notre Dame offers a comprehensive STEM curriculum, where critical thinking and analytical skills are encouraged by a question-oriented, problem-solving approach. We believe strongly in the hands-on experience as central to science education. Therefore, the laboratory component is strongly emphasized. Consistent with our school’s broader goals, the science curriculum addresses the role of women in science and the responsibility to utilize scientific knowledge within a moral values framework.

Great courses
  • A vibrant Middle School program consisting of courses in Earth, Life and Physical sciences
  • Three years of required science, including Physics, Chemistry and Biology
  • Advanced Placement courses in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Environmental Science
  • Interesting and relevant elective courses, such as Robotics and Coding, Environmental Science and Sustainable Design, and Human Anatomy and Physiology with Biomedical Engineering Applications
  • Honors-level courses for the most advanced and motivated science students
A focus on student research
  • A large number of students participate and excel in regional and statewide science competitions, including the PA Junior Academy of Science, the Delaware County Science Fair, and the Delaware Valley Science Fair
  • A vibrant independent research program encourages students to pursue their passion for science. Independent research participants design and implement a year-long scientific research project, under the guidance of a science faculty member. 
Science is not limited to the classroom
  • The beautiful grounds of Notre Dame serve as a laboratory. On any given day, one might observe middle school science students launching rockets, a physics class measuring the strength of their raw egg delivery systems, the environmental science class taking soil samples for analysis, or the biology classes making dichotomous trees to compare local ecosystems
Our students love science
  • Most students take more than the three required courses during their time at Notre Dame. Some students graduate having taken five or even six upper school science courses.
  • Many graduates choose college majors in the sciences or in health-related fields.
  • Alumnae often return to Notre Dame stating how well prepared they were for their college science classes

21st century learning takes place in and around the Academy’s new, 30,000 square foot Riley Center for STEM Education.

Department Faculty

Ms. Michelle Alvarez
Mr. Michael Berger
Mrs. Deb Gleeson
Dr. Terry Maksymowych
Mrs. Kathleen McTiernan
Ms. Mary Monck
Mrs. Karen Pauciello
Ms. Jessica Reid