Notre Dame High School

It is an amazing school that helps you develop leadership skis and there isn't any peer pressure.
—Submitted by a student

I've just finished up my junior year at ND, and I love it. The academics, of course, are great. Our humanities departments are particularly strong. The multitude of clubs offered is also one of ND's strengths. But hat sets ND apart from the other private schools in the area is the sense of tolerance that the school practices. We're easily the most diverse of the Catholic schools- ethnically, religiously, financially... It sounds cheesy, but Notre Dame really does 'teach us what we need to know for life'. ND strives to empower and motivate young girls. From the Facing History program, to the abundance of guest speakers, to the brilliant immersion trips, I feel like I've developed a global conscious annd a passion for service and justice at ND. Oh, and the location in downtown San Jose is amazing! The 'city as a classroom' admissions pull is not an exaggeration.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter thrived at ND. It provides an admirable education setting that instills a culture of students being exceptionally supportive of one another. ND provides an inspired college preparatory program for young women in Silicon Valley, through a global outlook that integrates classroom learning with a commitment to service. ND is culturally as well as economically diverse, a valuable attribute that increases the reach of the learning experience. ND engages young women around issues of a global society and seeks to equip them to succeed and contribute to the communities they will touch with their lives. Students at ND also become part of a history that dates to the school's founding in 1851.
—Submitted by a parent

School has everything a student needs with an inexpensive cost.
—Submitted by a student

This coming year, I am going to be a sophomore at ND. It's a wonderful school, that has many great teachers and fun classes. I have had such a great experience here, and I have made tons of friends and learned a lot.
—Submitted by a student

I went there for freshman year.When i first heard that I was accepted,I was beyond excited. it seemed like the perfect school.However, as the year progressed,I started to like it less and less. there arnt that many AP classes to chose from compared to public schools.At first glance, it might seem as if everyone is very close knit and there arnt any cliques or annimosity between the girls. In reality, there is just as much as any other school. If not more because it is all girls. That spells drama-drama-drama. I transfered out sophomore year, as did nearly 1/2 of my class. I was happier in a large public school. I saw no difference in the quality of education. It all depends on the individual teachers and the individual student. Dont waste your money. Going to ND does NOT guarantee your child to a brighter future.
—Submitted by tina b, a former student

Strong academics, qualified teachers, competitive sports, community service, all under the spiritual umbrella of love and giving of ones' time and talents for the benefit of all.
—Submitted by a parent

Notre Dame High School provides an excellent college prep program for girls. Most of the teachers, and maybe all of them have at least a Master's Degree in their subject; some have PhD. My daughter graduated in 2006 and my younger daughter will be attending in 2008 and will graduate in 2012. You won't find a better school and I recommend this school to any girl who wants to reach college and probably have most of her Freshman college credits complete. You can't ask for more in a school. It has a 99.8% rate of grads who attend college. The teachers are wonderful and there is a parent website for homework and grades. If you send an email to a teacher, you will receive a response within 24 hours. My daughter loved the atmosphere and notes that there aren't any of the common 'clicks' or groups.
—Submitted by JoAnn Ricks, a parent

I has been our distinct pleasure to sent our daughter to NDHS. With the quality of expertise in all areas of courses being taught by the teachers and staff at your school, my daughter was able to use them as a tool successfully. She graduated this year in Southern California with dual Degree. Thank you for continuing to teach and guiding our children to the right path.
—Submitted by a parent

Great school to prepare you for college because it works like one. Its a very tight knit school where you can feel comfortable being yourself. Sports and clubs could be better.
—Submitted by a former student

Academically, fairly strong. Notre Dame provides myriad opportunities to combine academics with practical learning through internship programs with downtown organizations. Classes encourage critical thinking.
—Submitted by a former student

Since we have our daughters at NDHS, we have seen a clear improvement in their academics (comparing to EVHS). The teachers are very responsive, always ready to help parents and easy to contact and make appointments. My wife and I feel far more satisfied and believe now that our daughter will be able to attend a UC college.
—Submitted by a parent

I agree that at the begining of the year my impression of ND was wonderful. I couldn't ask for anything better, but as the year progressed I found that I was slipping academically. Now I am not blaming that on the school but I feel that the teachers could be a little more involved and I got the impression that the teachers I have don't really want to be there. To me teaching is a wonderful position and if you don't have a passion for it then your students might not be very involved in the learning process. Just an idea for the new teachers who are not aquainted with the ND teaching process. Other than that and the fact that some girls can be quite rude and hurtful Notre Dame is a wonderful school.
—Submitted by a student

My daughter just graduated in June 2003. She graduated from a top academic school that helped her to attain her goals and grow as a person. I hope to send my youngest daughter there next year. Thank you Notre Dame!!
—Submitted by a parent

My daughter appreciated the education she had received from the Sisters of Notre Dame Damur. She was academically & socially prepared for college life. She loved the competitive spirit of the Notre Dame girls and the sense of belonging and acceptance within the community. The educators were great!
—Submitted by a parent

Extremely sports oriented, not conducive toward developing students desiring to be involved in other activities besides sports. Above average academic opportunities and cultural diversity.
—Submitted by a parent

Notre Dame was a great experience in my life, full of fun, laughter, hard work, and service to others. I learned so much not only scholastically but spiritually as well. In the environment of all-girls I felt free to be who I truly am without any apprehension and that is so important for all high school students as they mature.
—Submitted by a former student