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

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

About
Our Mission

The Academy of Notre Dame de Namur, a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school, commits itself to the education of young women of grades 6 through 12 for responsible living in a global society.
Academics
Notre Dame students thrive in a rigorous college preparatory environment that inspires them to ask the “what if” questions so critical to intellectual inquiry, innovative exploration, and collaborative learning.
Admissions
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What inspires your daughter? At Notre Dame, we empower every student to pursue her passion, find her voice, and discover her limitless potential. Schedule a visit to learn more or explore these admissions pages.

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Arts
At Notre Dame, we believe that the Fine and Performing Arts are both a creative and an academic pursuit. The development of imagination, creativity, and aesthetic judgment are essential complements to the critical thinking skills developed in other disciplines.
Athletics
Leadership is forged on Notre Dame’s playing fields, courts, and in the water. Our student-athletes build strong foundational skills - including teamwork, persistence, and self-discipline - that will positively impact their lives and careers.
Campus Ministry
Through Campus Ministry and worship, students deepen their understanding of the faith tradition of the Catholic Church and carry the spirit of Saint Julie Billiart in their own lives by serving the poor and those who are neglected.
Student Life
Student-led clubs, performing arts, student government, literary publications, and Community Time activities engage students in all grades. Notre Dame is a sisterhood, where classmates become lifelong friends, traditions are honored, and life inside “The Gates” is treasured.
Support ND
We are grateful to the many parents, alumnae, faculty, grandparents, and friends who support the mission of the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur through the Notre Dame Fund.
Every gift is an investment in the future of our students, the Academy, and our community.

Show Your Support Here

Social Studies

Inspiring Global Awareness

The Social Studies Department is committed to the integration of history, government, and the social sciences. The development of critical thinking and writing skills within the framework of an array of Social Sciences (history, government, economics and geography) is fundamental in the preparation of students as both global citizens and leaders. Students develop a respect for, and an appreciation of, cultural, ethnic, and religious diversity, as well as a grasp of major institutions and modern nations in a complex and changing world. The comprehensive nature of each course prepares our students for the demands of college level courses. In addition to preparing students for their future academics, our goal is to inspire a life-long interest in the social studies.

Points of Pride

Varied methodology of instruction
Project based learning
Primary source and document based analysis
Participation in National History Day (Middle School and Upper School - High School National History Day participation offers .25 credit)
Four Advanced Placement courses in American Government, United States History, Human Geography, and Comparative Government, with scores consistently ranked above the national average
Electives
- World History II
- AP Human Geography
- AP Comparative Government and Politics
- Global Studies in the 21^st Century
- Macroeconomics and Contemporary World Issues
- Independent Research
Co-curricular activities
- Diversity Club
- National History Day Upper School Club
- Mock Trial
- Politics and Public Policy Club
- World Affairs Club
- Model UN (Middle School & Upper School)

Department Faculty

Mrs. Joan Turner, Department Chair
Dr. Holly Caldwell
Mrs. Rosana Fox
Ms. Sally Gallagher
Ms. Eileen McAnulla
Ms. Suzanne Moran
Mr. Sean Quigg
Mr. Thomas Verdi