ND Experience
Since the Academy's establishment in 1856, our world has changed dramatically but our commitment to teaching young women "what they need to know for life" has remained the same. Because of this, Notre Dame acts as a leader in innovation and college-readiness by preparing students for the real world through teaching relevant topics like STEM and global competency while promoting ideals such as respect for self and others, eager curiosity and independence.
With a curriculum that emphasizes depth as well as breadth, a world of possibilities opens up for our students. At Notre Dame, they explore new cultures and languages, investigate the sciences, delve into history, express their creativity through fine and performing arts, code, and invent; all while deepening their understanding of the Catholic Church's faith tradition and how it applies to their lives.
The Academy of Notre Dame strives to create an atmosphere of openness, warmth, and responsible freedom, grounded in the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame and the Honor Code, so that all members may be able to internalize and implement those Christian values so important to personal and social growth.
Honor Code
The Honor Code fosters the development of each community member's personal integrity, character and respect for self, others and school policies. The obligation to follow the guidelines will afford the opportunity to provide the proper academic atmosphere in the school. The specific goals of the Honor Code, supported by faculty, staff, and parents, stand as follows:
- The Honor Code should serve as a system of behavior through which each person is primarily responsible for her/ his actions. If it becomes evident that this responsibility is not being met, it will be necessary for appropriate action.
- The Honor Code should establish a level of self-discipline through which everyone is encouraged to make good decisions.
- The Honor Code should create individual awareness of self in relation to the group.
- The Honor Code should be instrumental in instilling the positive values.
The Honor Code will not be effective unless each community member makes its success our collective goal. It is our responsibility to remind those who violate the code of its importance to our Mission and Statement of Beliefs. Each member of the community is expected to conduct herself/ himself according to the norms of the Honor Code.
Notre Dame is so much more than just a place of formal education. It is a place for girls to discover themselves, their voices, hone their strengths, uncover new passions, and take their first big strides outside of their comfort zones, all while being gently guided and encouraged by the loving staff. We wanted our daughter to be in that environment as soon as she could. Within her first week at ND, we saw huge growth in her confidence and self-advocacy!Class of 2030 Parent
"At Notre Dame, the learning environment empowers you to follow your dreams. Confidence is instilled in you. Your voice is heard, and it matters."
- Julie Swiniuch '10
Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame
The Hallmarks describe the essential characteristics, values, and activities of a Notre Dame learning community. These Hallmarks emerged in response to the question from both the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur and their co-workers: “What makes our school a Notre Dame school?"
The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, in collaboration with the learning communities, began a process to explore this question. The process gave birth to these “living statements," statements that will continue to develop, are relevant to the times, and which inspire faithfulness to the spirituality and mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur for generations to come.
Hallmark 1: We proclaim by our lives even more than by our words that God is good.
Hallmark 2: We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.
Hallmark 3: We educate for and act on behalf of justice and peace in the world.
Hallmark 4: We commit ourselves to community service.
Hallmark 5: We embrace the gift of diversity.
Hallmark 6: We create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve.
Hallmark 7: We develop holistic learning communities that educate for life.
These Notre Dame Hallmarks are used through a reflection-action-reflection process, whereby each learning community, on a regular basis, metaphorically takes a look in the mirror and, based on what it sees, makes choices for its continued development.
Thus, the Hallmarks give value-based direction for decisions and activities, so that the learning community continues to express the spirituality and mission of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.