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 Core Values
Tradition
Notre Dame High School remains anchored in the Holy Cross mission to educate the minds and hearts of young men and women.
innovation
We embrace innovative teaching practices and support diverse learning styles to help students become flexible, independent, 21st-century thinkers.
Transformation
We help develop each Notre Dame student into a person of character, compassion, and confidence who is college-and life-ready.
Our Philosophy
Notre Dame High School is a Catholic independent secondary school admitting students of any race, nationality or religion to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available at the School. Its primary purpose is to assist the parents and guardians of its students in the education of their sons by providing a college preparatory curriculum. Notre Dame is founded upon the Catholic philosophy in the Holy Cross tradition which offers the student a greater appreciation of his personal worth and dignity as an individual of a loving God and of the equality of all human life. A Notre Dame education offers a holistic approach which develops integrity, independence, leadership, and values. Notre Dame High School further fosters an environment where students, administration, faculty, and parents or guardians work together toward faith development, moral self-discipline, and academic excellence.
Notre Dame students are 21st-century learners: they strive for academic excellence; they embrace and stand up for diversity in people and ideas; they understand their strengths and limitations; and they regard fellow students as brothers, not competition. In turn, they become the ideal leaders for our rapidly-changing world.
Character Development
the ND Way
Rigorous Academics
- 30 Honors courses taught in all content areas, including our signature interdisciplinary Moreau Honors Program for freshmen and sophomores
- 21st-century skills-based education that promotes innovation and supports diverse learning styles
- Advanced Placement (AP) classes in 11 subjects, including Calculus, Spanish, Physics & Mechanics, and more
- Seven UConn Early College Experience (ECE) classes that provide direct college credit in English, Math, Science and Foreign Language.
Devoted Faculty
- Talented faculty who challenge each student with varied instructional methods, critical thinking and problem-solving
Intentional Technology
- 1:1 Chromebook and E-Backpack program allows students to learn beyond the classroom
- Future Innovation Technology (FIT) lab includes 3D printers, five drones, spheres, and the robotics team practice area.
“The emphasis on character growth is a unique experience at ND.”
Notre Dame students inherit a legacy of responsible stewardship from the Brothers of Holy Cross. Students here understand their larger purpose in the world and strive to make a meaningful impact through hard work, service, and integrity.
Campus Ministry & Service
- Campus Ministry adds a reflective, prayerful dimension to student life
- Retreats foster personal growth and help build a community attuned to matters of the heart
- Together, ND students perform approximately 33,000 hours of community service each year
Student Life
- Students care for each other and do not judge based on interests or abilities
- Senior ND students serve as peer counselors to ease the transition for their freshman “mentees”
- Students form, experience, and embrace community everywhere: during lunchtime, class projects, community service, extracurricular clubs and more
“He has grown and become more mature while building his character and expanding compassion for his fellow students and the community around him. The opportunities at Notre Dame for growing as a young man are fantastic.”
Learning at Notre Dame is rigorous, engaging and personal. Students receive the individualized support they need to examine where they are and reach their maximum potential. Each ND student leaves confident in their abilities and ready to excel in college and beyond.
Building Confidence
the ND Way
Counseling & Support
- ND School Counseling provides support and direction for each student, from freshman year through graduation
- College Counseling begins sophomore year to help determine suitable areas of study and learn the details of the college application process
- The Rita Benney Academic Center offers workshops that help students become confident, independent learners
Athletics
- ND athletics are rich in tradition and known for success -- we’ve won eight state championships in the past six years!
- ND Green Knights compete in baseball, basketball, cross-country, football, golf, hockey, indoor and outdoor track, lacrosse, soccer, swimming, tennis, wrestling and more
- ND competes in the highly competitive Southern Connecticut Conference
Clubs & The Arts
- ND students develop the confidence to engage in creative outlets like art, drama, writing and music
- Student art exhibits, annual stage plays, a literary magazine and a variety of concerts allow students to celebrate their collective talent
- There’s an activity for everyone: Book Club, Debate Team, Drone Club, Model U.N., School Newspaper, Ski & Snowboard Club, Stock Market Club and many more.
“Knowledge itself does not bring about positive values, but positive values do influence knowledge and put it to a good use.”
Blessed Basil Moreau, Founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross
Congregation of Holy Cross
In our schools, we teach the Catholic faith, we encourage the pursuit of academic excellence, and we nurture a commitment to integral growth by focusing on Christian values and the intellectual, creative, social, and physical development of our students.
