Notre Dame Academy

Notre Dame Academy provides children a caring, challenging environment that can transform them as students. The Sisters who lead the school (and they are in charge) have a nuanced, sophisticated understanding of how children learn and interact year by year. The result we have seen is that Instead of simply pounding children with homework as so many of the area schools do, this school builds them into individuals and motivated learners over time. I have read reviews and heard parents say the school isn't "hard enough" but for those with the patience to let their children develop, this school offers a wonderful learning environment.
--Submitted by a parent

I wrote a review 3 years ago and wanted to check in to see what's happened since then. My son is finishing his 5th year at NDA and we are still extremely happy with the school. We have had one teacher who wasn't quite up to par, but I think in 5 years at any school you're bound to have one. The other teachers we've had were very good, if not excellent. The parents are nice, there are no cliques, no elitism. There has been much progress in every way... the sisters & the principal are doing a great job. They will listen to your concerns, which is huge in my opinion. This did not happen at another catholic school we attended previously. In fact, it felt like an "old boys" network there... you didn't really stand a chance. Interestingly, that same school has been having some big troubles lately, which makes us even more thrilled and grateful to be here! NDA has come together nicely - no need to worry about the "new school" issues any longer. They've pretty much arrived at the place they were trying to get to. Yes, it's pricey, but I think overall, it's worth it. It's a wonderful environment for my son & for us as parents.
--Submitted by a parent

My daughter is currently in the preschool at NDA. While the teachers are wonderful and caring, the preschool director can be rude and disrespectful. She discourages parental involvement and she does not display the Catholic values of compassion and gentleness. She also does not communicate important information, and this can cause rumors and misinformation to circulate. My daughter is receiving an excellent education and lots of love from her teachers so I will continue to send her, but I do caution that there can be frustration with the admin at the school, so be prepared.
--Submitted by a parent

My child is in 8th grade and has attended since NDA opened. Every year she has had wonderful, talented teachers (yes a few have been newer teachers--but they have been ALL energetic and gifted teachers). This is definitely better than public school program and environment. The school and parents discourage bullies and cliques. There are many after school activities and parental involvement is welcome.
--Submitted by a parent

Notre Dame strives to provide the classrooms w/ qualified teachers for the students. I was not fortunate to have two teachers during my elementary years. Having two can differentiate the lesson or topic through his/her training. It also gives a sense of comfort to the petites in event one of the teachers call out sick, the other is there with a substitute. Therefore, the children still see familiarity in the classroom. This dual planning of teaching in class helps the teachers when they need to move to another classroom to teach language course or specialty subject. The school addresses the academic and spiritual needs and interest of my children. The director has done a wonderful job for the petite section. The Sister for the pre-kinder class demonstrates genuine care and provides a Christian atmosphere not only during the day, but also during her after school care. The director of first impression (right when you walk in the office) is a keeper and our traffic controller at the parking lot continues to provide safety to our children. Kudos!
--Submitted by a parent

I feel they have new teachers coming in and out of the school. Just alone this school year they had three preschool teachers resign. They have the Director as a Pre-K teacher and she is in and out of the classroom and also two of the Sisters who are in and out of the other Pre-K classroom. The children need a sense of consistency and I feel that consistency is not being achieved at NDA. This school year I know must be tough on the faculty, but they need to think about what they might be doing wrong at their school because those three teachers had to have resigned for a reason. I also feel there was a lack of unity amongst the teachers. What is their motto? Oh yea..'One Family, Always United.'
--Submitted by a parent

Our daughter graduated from NDA and is currently well prepared for the rigor of the Catholic High School curriculum. The balance between academics and moral teaching is important to us as parents. As mentioned in other comments, when deciding who to trust your children to, talk to current parents at the school. The presence of the Sisters and Father Nick has given our children a sense of enrichment to their education.
--Submitted by a parent

Notre Dame Academy is a GREAT school! The reviews posted on March 27th do not even remotely represent the NDA where my two children presently attend. The Administration at NDA is supportive and responsive - working side by side with the teachers and parents to help the students acheive their academic goals, develop their social skills and foster a deeper understaning of their Catholic faith. The Sisters set a beautiful example for the children -they are kind, loving and want the best for every student and family. The previous submissions cannot be from anyone who knows the Sisters! It seems like someone is just trying to make the school look bad - denoucning Catholic Education and doesn't really know what the school is about. Parents looking at the school for the the future should talk to currently enfolled families to really find out about NDA!
--Submitted by a parent

Notre Dame Academy has been a very positive expereince for our two children. You can't place a price tag on a good solid education while backed by a strong moral foundation. Our children have done well academically, socially, spiritually and have become very confident teenagers. Middle school age children can be very challenging. NDA goes above and beyond fine tuning the middle school curriculum, social activites, and sports programs to help form well rounded, academically prepared students. Our son graduated from NDA and is now a sophmore at a Catholic High School. We have found him well prepared to tackle the heavy high school load, is ranked near the top of his class , is consistenly on the honor roll and equally as important, is able to make smart and moral decisions. We thank NDA for this.
--Submitted by a parent

Congratulations to Notre Dame for providing great education to the students! Their mission is to educate the whole person Spiritually, Morally, Academically and Physically. This they have accomplished in all areas with extras in foreign language skills , computer education and in creating a great spirit of peace on the campus. It is a pleasure to observe the wonderful job they do in creating the well-rounded child .
--Submitted by a teacher