Notre Dame Elementary School

Having sent 2 children to NDE, I have always found it a very warm, caring environment where the children make lasting friends and get a good education. The academics had strayed a little, but with new leadership are back on track to be better than ever. The teachers are really superb, and the religious education is not heavy handed, but has been a really great influence on my children.
--Submitted by a parent

Thank GOD we got a new Principal this past year. The old one was...well, let's just say I am so glad she's gone. There was no accountablity for any disciplinary actions of ill behaved children or poor teaching. The school really needed to be revamped from the ground up and Dr. Traynor, is the man to do it. He comes with a business sensibility with a real plan to update the school's curriculum and teachers and the building and grounds. This is a great school because of the parent involment and let's face it - a more affluent community, but the school really lacked a real leader to guide the ship. This is a gem on the Peninsula and it's only going to be getting better! There is no tolerance for mean girls or bullying. I only wish more parents would talk to their children about exclusions and cliques, which is the nature of the beast during adolesence. If we want great schools then we need to be proactive GREAT parents to support GREAT schools with GREAT kids.
--Submitted by a parent

Wonderful 1-8 for both girls and boys. The academics are strong (top IOWA test scores) and most children end up in high school honors programs. The school community is very supportive and emphasizes community service and the development of character. The children are so polite and engaged in school. The teachers, principal and school secretary are all top notch! Notre Dame Elementary is really a small hidden gem. Believe me, you are lucky to discover it!
--Submitted by a parent

Notre Dame Elementary school is a small gem on the Peninsula. The teachers are amazing and go above and beyond. If you have a problem or question, they will get back to you. The new Principal is outstanding and is bring the school to a new level in many ways. He is approachable, always available, and willing to look at any idea a parent or child may have. His number one focus is the children. The families are wonderful and always willing to lend a helping hand. I am so happy to have found such an amazing school.
--Submitted by a parent

NDE is an amazing school. There are so many kind people willing to help. The teachers make sure that you understand the lessons. My fellow classmates make me smile and we really understand each other. Go Vikings!

NDE is very different in middle school. When I started there it was a great place and the kids were nice. In the last 2 years it has changed. Cyber bullying, bullying on the play ground and the principal does nothing. The kids now know she will do nothing so who cares. I do care about my education and about people. We need someone who can set rules and stand by them
--Submitted by a student

Notre Dame creates an environment where independent, well rounded and polite students are the norm!
--Submitted by a parent

It is great experience for your child to interact with the Sisters of Notre Dame. But, because of the mix of students, religion is not as high a priority as most Parish schools. NDE has never had a good sports program, and always ends up in last place. The school uses peer council , which are a few older kids who try to sort out disputes for the younger students. This allows the Principle to avoid conflict with the parents of unruly children. As class size is small, and only one per grade, if your child does not fit in then they will be unhappy. Technology is behind other schools, despite what you will hear at the open house. If you decide to put your child in this school the best thing you can do is give a healthy donation, and find a way to befriend the President of the PTA.
--Submitted by a parent

NDE is montessori based, which seems to be an excuse for the teachers not to teach. the kids are left to figure work out for themselves, and often told to go read their text book. the teachers teach multiple subjects which they are not very well skilled in. this is mostly an issue in the 5-8 grades. the new principal seems to hide in her office most of the day, avoiding any type parental communication. there is bullying in the upper grades, which is ignored by the new principal. on the plus side, the parents are wonderful. they keep the school going.
--Submitted by a parent

NDE has a wonderful reputation for community service and religion. This I love. Rating is low because of the failure of the principal to address dicipline issues of bullying. The math program needs revising too, too little teaching. The teachers are great.
--Submitted by a parent