Notre Dame Preparatory

Wow, some very interesting "reviews". I think they show you where some folks heads are at - and it's not on academic excellence, following rules, community service, work ethic, and preparing for college. And having a well-rounded student. The reviews seem to be about making exceptions for me or my kid who's special, the cost, or taking care of parents' needs. NDP tells you from day 1 that they expect the students to be responsible for their own scheduling, academic, classroom, and counseling concerns. They don't want parents running to counselors every week or intervening for their kids. That doesn't teach the kids responsibility or accountability. On the few occasions we've had to ask questions of ANY of the staff, response has been prompt whether we called or emailed. We know a number of NDP grads, and all have "hit the ground running" in college, not only because of raw knowledge, but also being prepared in terms of study habits, organization, and maturity. If your kid isn't up for that, or if you're not supportive of that as a parent...these folks are correct, NDP isn't for you. If you want a college-ready student and can afford it - NDP is an national-class school.
--Submitted by a parent

I don't think NDP is a good choice for a child who excels academically. The administration is overly ridgid and is unwilling to take into account any childs previous schooling or classes taken when placing a student in a particular class. Department heads refuse to return phone calls to parents. The counselling department is virtually non-existent and one must call and call to reach a specific advisor. Our assigned advisor had little information about my child and was unable to assist in any way with different class placements. "The rules are the rules at NDP." One size fits all is the order of the day.
--Submitted by a parent

This school is a young school on its way to great things. As a young school, it still has improvements that could be made to the teaching staff, the curriculum, and the extracurricular, including athletic programs. However, in retrospect, this young school (10 years old) has come very far quickly - earned respect in many areas of academics and athletics, as well as its strong commitment to developing good young people of character and good values. My wife and I cannot imagine a better place for our daughter this year, and we did our due diligence, so we know that this was the best option. Our daughter loves her school, her friends, and the overall community experience is outstanding. We look forward to many great years as our younger daughter will also be attending in a couple years as well.
--Submitted by a parent

Having had a student that attended NDP (but ultimately left) I found that there was much room for improvement with regard to how the students were treated. There no doubt was a "pecking order;" sometimes how a student was treated reflected the amount of financial strength his family could bring to the table. I was supportive of the random drug testing, but, here again, depending on who you were and what your purpose was at NDP, you could avoid consequences or avoid being tested altogether. For example, if your parents were strong contributors, or if you were on a varsity team that may be headed for greatness, some indiscretions would be overlooked. Teachers were mostly good, what with the school still being on the young side. It all boils down to your wanting a strict learning environment (vs.a more creative one) for your child and will he/she be up to it.
--Submitted by a parent

I am going into my senior year at NDP, and I could not be happier. It has been an amazing fit for me. The teachers are kind and concerned not only with the education of students, but also with their futures. The principal is very involved, he often asks me how I am doing and asks about my brother, who graduated several years ago. The majority of the students are kind and get along well. The comments about rules being too strictly enforced are ridiculous, Notre Dame prides itself on being a model for education, and if you don't want to follow the rules, don't attend the school. All in all, I have been incredibly happy in my time spent at NDP.
--Submitted by a student

Notre Dame is a wonderful place. I think my daughter is extremely informed and a critical thinker since attending this school after one year. The difference is amazing. The comments regarding the principal are false. He is warm and always walking the campus talking to teachers and students. I know this because I am a volunteer and have a hard time tracking him down at times because he is meeting with students or visiting classrooms. His vision has been ideal and it is working. We are so blessed to be there!!
--Submitted by a parent

I sent my son to NDP in 2007 and I have to say that I would not recommend this school. It seems like every second the school is trying to milk more money out of you. If you are not catholic get ready to pay about $3000 more than everyone else, to a grand total of $15,000. In addition to this I have to give my kid $8 per day for lunch money. Seem like allot? I thought so too until I asked the front office for the lunch menu with prices. $3.00 for a PB%J seems like highway robbery to me. The same goes with the $1.75 milk, and $1.50 water. It also costs $100 per year for a parking pass. For all that money the school doesn't seem to be anything special either, my son spent half of his freshman year at Chaparral and likes Chaparal better than NDP.
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter is graduating from NDP in May 2010 and has loved her experience at this school. She is a free spirit but did not have any problem conforming to the rules, which are a great way to prepare your child for the realities of life. If you want a school that says it is okay for your child to look sloppy and chew gum, this is not the place for you but, really, is that what you wish for your child? I see the principal all over campus interacting with students and at most evening sporting events, which is impressive because he lives quite some distance away. My daughter says the Dean, who appears very strict (as he should be!) is a great guy when you get know him. She has really enjoyed most of her teachers at NDP. Our other 2 children will also attend NDP.
--Submitted by a parent

The Dean overexerts his power to the extent of harming his students wellbeing. There have been multiple reports of assault and no action was taken. The principal will do anything and everything to make sure that his students suffer before the 'great name and reputation' of his school suffers in front of the arizona diocese and board of education. Please, if you care about your children - think twice before sending them here. The teachers are great, (especially the theology department.) But the administration has no compassion or sympathy towards the hardships of adolesence- however drastic they may be. Save both your pocketbook and your child and take them somewhere they will be well cared for, safe, and happy.

NDP is amazing! i love it and your missing out if you dont go to NDP! it is the best school! everyone is so nice and it is such a blast. the acedemics are very tough but it is so worth it!
--Submitted by a student