Notre Dame des Victoires School

I have two kids at NDV now and I could not be more delighted. A second language (French) every day, a truly fantastic Art program, a solid music program with great support for 'pull out' sessions and academics that get kids into the best high schools in the City. And in the last few years they have bought notebook computers and completely upgraded the WiFi network in addition to the great computer lab they already had. Perhaps most impressive to me is the support for educational robotics. NDV is the only school in SF that hosts the Lego FIRST robot league competition. They have at least ten of the Lego NXT robot kits and they are integrating them into the science program across the grades. And the NDV DragonBot club went to the State championship two years ago and to the Regionals last year. Where else are you going to send your kids where they will get such a complete education for the price?
--Submitted by a parent

NDV is a great school- If you care about great scholastic outcomes you should care about NDV. Not only do a large percent of the graduating classes get into exceptional high schools, the children are mature and well-prepared for continued growth. In fact, take a tour and talk to some eighth graders like I did and you will easily recognize what a caring and academically challenging environment can yield. These outcomes are because of strong leadership from our long-tenured and wholly committed principal, our passionate pastoral team, our strong and caring faculty, our parent community, and even from the leadership of the student body itself. San Francisco has great schools, and NDV is one of them.
--Submitted by a parent

My three children attend the school (5th, 2nd and K) and it has fabulous attributes. NDV provides a Catholic education, with an emphasis on arts, language (French) and music, in the urban setting of downtown San Francisco. The extra-curricular music program can start as early as Kindergarten or 1st grade. My 5th grader has been playing violin for 5 years and my 2nd grader plays piano and my youngest is learning the cello. NDV does not promise to make your child bi-lingual by graduation but most kids enroll in French 3 when they enter the 9th grade of high school and can speak the language. It puts a child on a good footing to really excel in French Language at the High School and College level. The Catholic community is amazing and definitely puts God in the forefront of the child's education. It can be as little as Father Phil greeting the children as they walk in to school or the children's preparation for the sacraments with daily catholic education in-between.
--Submitted by a parent

NDV is a City Family's perfect choice. As brand new Kindergarten Family in 2111, we can enthusiastically say that NDV is warm, welcoming and amazing school / community. Ffinding such a perfect home for the next 9 for our son and soon our daughter is heartwarming. The kids are polite, diverse and happy yes happy to be at school. It s a small school community; our son is building relationships with kids from all grades. They have this great buddy system for the kindergarteners with the 8th graders, where the 8th graders take them to a pumpkin patch for Halloween and the kindergartens support the 8th graders on their annual 8th grade musical with joy and exuberance. This all the best pieces of an elementary school experience. The events, like a kids Jogathon, Halloween Carnival, International Night of food and drink and of course a party to end all fundraising parties, for parents and children alike these events while of course raising money are also full of energy, commitment and real fun. As we have a commitment and deep desire to live and learn with our kids in SF this is the perfect school. In addition the uniforms are cute and so easy!! Love it
--Submitted by a parent

NDV is a great school for my son 2nd gd) and daughter (K). If you are looking for a school that will nurture your child spiritually, academically, socially, emotionally, and physically, then consider NDV. My son, who was casted as a shy boy, has blossomed to be a respectful, happy, and engaging 2nd grader. It has to do with the fact that he is surrounded by other boys and girls who have supported him and encouraged him to be able to socialize in a safe environment. Every conversation I've had with a NDV student has always engaging. They're able to express their feelings eloquently and give their opinion with eye contact tells me that they're in an environment where they are encouraged to express themselves and prepared to be successful individuals. My (K) daughter is reading at a 2nd grade level and her penmanship is of an adult. My 2nd gdr is doing research paper on dinosaurs and tigers and reading his work to the principal and other grade teachers. How great is that where the school principal, is making time, given her busy schedule, to listen to my 7yr-old son read out his paper?He's also completed many math-in-a-minute exercises and weekly spelling tests w/o any mistakes.
--Submitted by a parent

NDV has made great strides to grow and change over the past 5 years we have been there. There has been much talk of boys not getting what they need and not being supported, but with my 10 year old that is not the case. I am watching my boy grow learn responsibility, how to be organized and of course all of the academic skills. The classes are large, but the full-time aides balance the numbers. The community is strong and diverse and we are proud to be a part of it.
--Submitted by a parent

NDV is a fabulous school and community; its students grow into successful adults-ethical, respectful, cultured, insightful, purposeful and resourceful. The older comment about the purported Catholic punitive environment is off. NDV teaches respect; discipline, when necessary, is meted out gently. In addition to the 3 Rs (and French!), NDV kids learn decision-making, accountability and gracefulness; families are drawn precisely because of these traditions. Music/art programs are superb; cultural enrichment opportunities abound. Students achieve highly and are well regarded by the best high schools in SF (I know this well because I serve on the board of one of them). Academic program is rigorous and contemporary, and technology is up to date (computer lab, Promethean boards, etc.). Many alums like me come back as parents. NDV s proposition is: first-rate education, uber-competent principal and administration, teachers who care about your whole child, grown-up parents who are actively raising their kids and a warm, vibrant, culturally diverse community, all at a bargain price. It s the best of Catholic education and a lovely place for your child if these things speak to you.
--Submitted by a parent

NDV is a fantastic school. Don t let a few grumpy parents reviews keep you from considering NDV for your child. The majority of parents and children are extremely happy with the school administration and teachers. NDV provides a solid education and results that prove it. From impressive test scores, to art music & sports programs, not to mention top Bay Area high school acceptances, we ll take the traditions and values of this school any day. We were impressed when we toured the school years ago and continue to be impressed by the educational programs, the talented Principle, the committed parent community, plus the supportive Parish. The parent community is very involved which builds on the solid foundation this school provides. Our child thrives at NDV as do many others. This school is a gem. Take a tour, talk to parents and you ll rind a richer prospective. Not every school is going to be perfect, but we ve witnessed first hand actions the administration takes to consistently deliver an exceptional well rounded program. Our family feels extremely lucky to be part of the NDV community and so do many others.
--Submitted by a parent

Do not agree at all with the negative reviews. The school is academically rigorous and traditional in many ways, but the principal makes great effort to make informed, thoughtful decisions and strives to be forward thinking and open to making school-wide policy and program changes as needed. Her dedication to the school is like nothing I've ever seen. The support and level of commitment from the pastor and church is phenomenal. Overall, this school provides the ideal balance of a structured yet progressive environment for the kids, boys and girls alike. As for staffing, high turnover and/or (the opposite) "dead wood" teachers entrenched in thinking and approach are cliche challenges of any school. NDV is no different- finding and keeping great teachers and getting the long term ones to be open to ever-evolving changes in curriculum and teaching approach are ongoing missions that the school takes to heart. School community is tight- knit, highly diverse, low key and committed like no other. This is a safe, fun, enriching school for any child; they come in as adorable kindergartners and leave as young leaders motivated and equipped to make a difference.
--Submitted by a parent

Have to agree with some of the reviewers here. School does seem out of touch and have seen a lot of turnover in recent years, but the school does have some real gems, especially in the lower grades. Good sports programs overall and very caring/committed parent community. After School Program significantly below par with stories of parents and kids complaining regularly with nothing changing. We know several parents who have said leadership is unresponsive to repeated parent and child complaints.