Notre Dame Mission

Our
Mission

To inspire academic excellence, nurture personal growth and foster integrity and compassion in students
of diverse talents, backgrounds, and beliefs through our Catholic, Holy Cross tradition.

Our Vision

To be a transformative leader in educating the minds and hearts of young men and women by maximizing innovation, tradition, and the strength of our community to empower every Notre Dame student to realize their full potential.

Our holy cross foundation

ND's HIstory

Founded in 1946 by the Brothers of Holy Cross, Notre Dame High School of West Haven began with the Braun family's generous gift of Harugari Hall and eight acres of land. The first class of 100 students graduated in 1950.

Key Developments:

  • 1955-1957: Added gymnasium and east wing classrooms
  • 1965: Completed west wing with band room and athletic facilities
  • 1977: Modernized library
  • 1984: Updated science facilities
  • 1996-97: "Light on the Hill" Campaign raised $2+ million
  • 1998-2003: "Challenge 2000" Campaign enhanced athletic facilities
  • 2012: Opened 30,000 sq. ft. Arts, Technology, and Spiritual Center
  • 2014: Completed "Fields of Dreams" Campaign with turf field
  • 2015: Robert Curis appointed first lay principal
  • 2019-2024: "Excellence Imagined" Campaign raised $14.5 million for:
    • Building modernization
    • Faculty development
    • Academic programs
    • Scholarship endowment growth

Recent Innovations:

  • Implemented signature programs: NDXL, Engineering, Sports/Health Sciences, International Baccalaureate
  • Enhanced schedule with community period and self-directed time
  • Expanded technology infrastructure

Future Growth:

  • Fall 2025: Transitioning to co-education
  • Current enrollment maintains 100% graduation rate with 99% college attendance
  • 13,000+ alumni network
  • $9 million Loyalty & Endowment Fund

Notre Dame continues its Holy Cross tradition while embracing innovation to prepare tomorrow's leaders.

A Legacy of Excellence

Perched atop a hill in West Haven stands Notre Dame High School, a beacon of Holy Cross education since 1946. Our story began with an extraordinary act of generosity—the Braun family's gift of Harugari Hall and eight acres of land, purchased for a symbolic dollar. From our first graduating class of 100 students in 1950, Notre Dame has grown into a prestigious institution shaping generations of leaders.

Through decades of thoughtful expansion, our campus has evolved to meet the changing needs of our students. The addition of our gymnasium in 1955 marked the beginning of a legacy in athletics. The Arts, Technology, and Spiritual Center, completed in 2012, transformed our campus with a state-of-the-art auditorium, student success center, and chapel. Our recent "Excellence Imagined" campaign raised an unprecedented $14.5 million, enabling comprehensive modernization of our facilities and strengthening our academic programs.

Today's Notre Dame offers innovative signature programs including Experiential Learning (NDXL), Engineering, Sports and Health Sciences, and the International Baccalaureate Programme. Our dynamic schedule encourages student engagement through community periods and self-directed learning, while maintaining our commitment to academic excellence—evidenced by our consistent 100% graduation rate and 99% college attendance rate.

As we look to the future, Notre Dame continues to evolve. In Fall 2025, we will welcome young women to our student body, expanding our mission while honoring our Holy Cross traditions. With over 13,000 alumni, a robust $9 million endowment fund, and a dedicated faculty, Notre Dame stands ready to inspire and educate the next generation of leaders.

Our strength lies not just in our proud past, but in our vibrant present and promising future. Notre Dame remains committed to our founding principles while embracing innovation, preparing students to meet the challenges of tomorrow with wisdom, integrity, and purpose.

Congregation of Holy Cross

The Congregation of Holy Cross schools embrace a distinctive educational vision that dates back to 1842. Our approach integrates rigorous academics with spiritual formation, developing students' minds and hearts through:

Faith & Formation

  • Active faith exploration through prayer, service, and study
  • Emphasis on moral development and ethical decision-making
  • Cultivation of hope, compassion, and social justice

Academic Excellence

  • Challenging curriculum that develops critical thinking
  • Integration of technology and traditional learning methods
  • Focus on research, writing, and analytical skills
  • Commitment to lifelong learning

Character Development

  • Formation of strong moral leaders
  • Development of global awareness and cultural competency
  • Emphasis on personal responsibility and integrity
  • Cultivation of servant leadership

Holistic Growth

  • Balance of intellectual, spiritual, social, and physical development
  • Extensive extracurricular opportunities
  • Strong emphasis on community service
  • Personal attention to each student's development

This Holy Cross educational philosophy prepares students not just for college success, but for meaningful lives of purpose, leadership, and service to others.