Notre Dame Academy Elementary

As an alumni and parent, NDA is doing amazing things all of the time. The campus has been revamped with students and families responding well to it. New programs have been great. Keep up the good work!
—Submitted by a parent

11 of 13 8th grade boys attending Loyola in fall of 2012. Stats speak for themselves. Don't believe sour grape postings!
—Submitted by a parent

After being at Notre Dame for years, first as a student myself, and then as a parent, I have noticed a sad trend in the last couple of years. They are so interested in being a flashy school that they have lost sight of the true meaning of Catholic Education. The iPad technology while fantastic in its idea, is not being used a a supplement to the teaching, but as a replacement for the teacher. A general lack of concern for the student also seems to be prevalent now.
—Submitted by a parent

NDAE was a good school when we our son started 8 years ago. We chose NDAE because of the safe campus, good teachers and diverse community. What I could not have predicted was how GREAT NDAE would become. Our new principal started 2 yrs ago & committed to making NDAE "a catholic school for the 21st century". She & her team work to reach this goal every day! Progressive teaching methods, ongoing teacher development & best practices from a career in catholic education are helping drive the transformation. 4 boys basketball teams, after school arts (theater) and academic programs (#1 Decathlon team). Most programs did not exist 2 years ago & are a blessing at a small school. Technology is fully embraced by the entire community. All Jr. High students have iPads. My son is more engaged with Math & Science than ever before! The skills taught at NDAE will get our sons ready for HS & beyond. Instruction is focused on critical thinking, project based learning & teaching to the whole child. Our boys will be life long learners! Their future success will be due (in part) to the dedication of the NDAE administration and faculty. Our experience at NDAE has always been good but now it is GREAT!
—Submitted by a parent

NDAES offers a balanced curriculum and since the new administration took over, emphasis on building character and spirituality has taken the forefront even more. The administration made some much needed changes and the school is now a better institution. The new principal identified which curriculums needed an overhaul and took appropriate action. The new teachers this year have brought life to their subjects. For example, the JH students produced full Spanish dialogue imovies which illustrated their technological advancements and recently learned Spanish communication skills. The new principal has also catapulted the school into The Nation's spotlight by becoming a successful pioneer in the use of ipads at the K-8 grade levels. She remodeled and updated classrooms to keep up with modern-day technological needs and even surpass them. The new Junior High Villa houses a full Broadcast Media Center. The principal is humble about the school's accomplishments. Every newsletter we receive gives credit to where credit is due and the letters thank parents for their hard work and contributions. NDAES is giving our child a superior well-rounded education in an incredibly caring community.
—Submitted by a parent

Our daughter started K in September and so far, she is doing very well and already reading proficiently. The school is strict, but fair and while demanding of parents, everyone pitches in to help. We were accepted into two other excellent catholic schools in the area (St. Timothy's and St. Paul's in Westwood) and chose NDA over both, mainly due to the school's long-staning academic record, leadership and experience of the new Principal Mrs Paetzold and finally, the school's impressive campus facility. We also like the diverse community at NDA. We thought we would miss not having a church asociated with the school, but have not found this to be an issue.
—Submitted by a parent

Don't believe the March 2011 posting. Talk to some of the great teachers that the school administration drove out. Talk to the 6th grade parents whose children have been working on the names of colors in spanish class. When the last Principal left, many had great hope for the school's future, but another ineffective leader followed her. Academic Decathlon? The credit goes to the PARENT who managed the team. Most will tell you how the school hardly supported her efforts.

Notre Dame Academy is a great school. My suggestion to anyone interested is to visit during visitors day or open house and see how well the 8th grade class has done. 8th grade represents the end result of a rigorous yet balanced curriculum. Every student takes algebra before getting to high school. The school's Academic Decathlon team has brought home the LA Archdiocese 1st place trophy 2 years in a row (2010-2011) and came in 3rd place in the state last year! The sports programs are excellent also. Often placing 1st in the league and placing in LA Archdiocese-wide competitions such as basketball and track.
—Submitted by a parent

Notre Dame Academy has a great sense of family and community.
—Submitted by a parent

Too many students in the class rooms. Not enough time for one on one.
—Submitted by a parent

Compassionate,caring environment and strong on academics and traditional values. My daughter has attended from k through 2nd grade and she loves the social life. She has done well academically and made many friends. We are very pleased overall.
—Submitted by Cedric Joins, a parent

My three kids are all different and all have had an exceptional experience. High quality education, state of the art technology, credentialed teachers and accredited school. Very family friendly. Children can get into any high school of choice upon graduating here with decent grades.
—Submitted by LISA GAINES, a parent

An excellent school to send your child to.
—Submitted by Joe Schmoe, a former student

They offer computer, music, art and Spanish. Also have after school care and sports teams. Currently reducing class size to 30 (from 35 or more). Good moral code. Traditional learning style (text book driven).
—Submitted by a staff