ISP Program FAQ's

NDB

Frequently Asked Questions International Student Program

What are some special features about NDB that make it unique?

Our community (students, parents, faculty, staff and alumnae) is warm and caring. We offer the unique combination of rigorous academics and a nurturing environment.

Health and wellness is a top priority, and it is incorporated into our spiritual life curriculum.

All girls education offers a more focused academic environment with many opportunities for leadership, creative expression, athletics and authentic articulation.

Our relationship with Serra High School includes co ed opportunities for educational, extracurricular (i.e. drama, band, etc.), campus ministry, community service and athletics activities. With Serra High School, we offer 25 co-ed class options.

A balanced environment with numerous clubs, leadership opportunities, faith development, athletics and artistic opportunities contribute to an integrated education.

Creative expression is encouraged through a multitude of visual and performing art electives with an array of class options from which to choose.

What kind of food is available on campus?

Daily lunch is included for all students! Tiger Café also provides hot breakfast for purchase beginning at 7:30 a.m., as well as an afternoon snack. Daily lunch includes hot and cold daily specials, sandwiches, soup and a salad bar. The daily lunch offerings include vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and dairy-free options. We are a nut-free facility, as well as a green community with composting of all dining room waste. Wednesday includes a delicious dessert. All food is fresh, locally sourced and organic when possible.

What are the advantages of an all-girls environment?

There are many advantages to an all girls environment that are evident daily at Notre Dame. An all girls education has been proven to enhance success in the classrooms and encourage leadership. Students are less distracted and they are more engaged academically. They also develop a stronger sense of self with more authentic articulation. An all girls education provides a culture of achievement and confidence.

What opportunities are available to interact with co-ed peers?

We offer many co-ed options through dances and regular social events with Serra High School, our brother school. Performing arts (theatre, symphonic band, jazz band and mixed chorus) are with Serra. Additionally, there are 25 co-ed courses on both campuses. Our students have the best of both worlds!

What are the uniform requirements?

The uniform offers simplicity and flexibility. It consists of a navy or khaki skirt, and a navy or white polo shirt. NDB sweatshirts may be worn over the polo shirt. There is also a formal uniform for special occasions that includes a white polo and a navy V-neck sweater. Uniforms foster a level of equality among the students (fewer distractions) and eliminate the worry or potential competitiveness of “what to wear” to school. Every Friday is free dress.

Are service hours or volunteer commitments required for parents?

Although service hours are not required for NDB parents, we encourage families to become involved in the Notre Dame community. We have a Dads Club, a Mothers Club, and the Boosters Club. A helping hand is always appreciated. Students complete 80 hours of community service over four years.

What resources are available for students with learning differences?

Our Empowered for Success (EFS) Program was established to support students with documented learning differences (cognitive, medical, psychological and physical) by providing specific accommodations based on identified areas of need. If your daughter has a documented learning difference, please email her documentation to EFS Director Camilla Soto at csoto@ndhsb.org. There will be an EFS information session via Zoom at 5 p.m. on Monday, November 3, 2025. Please visit ndhsb.org to register. Empowered for Success (EFS) applications are due Friday, November 21, 2025.

How well are students prepared for college?

Academics at NDB are rigorous and centered on core values, including leadership, social justice, service to others, and believing in the goodness of God, self and one another. NDB offers an unusual combination of rigorous academics in a nurturing environment. More than 30 AP and Honors classes are available at every grade level. NDB’s class of 2023 earned $12.3 million in college scholarships. Since 1851, we have educated young women to lead lives of vision and impact!

How can I be sure my daughter won’t get lost in the shuffle?

Multifaceted outreach programs are designed to provide ongoing support to new students. We begin the freshman experience with an orientation designed to facilitate connection to NDB and each other. Senior and junior Link Crew leaders conduct the freshman orientation. Associated Student Body (ASB) officers eat lunch with new students at the beginning of the year. There is also a freshman dance at the beginning of the school year at NDB, and a freshman splash social at Serra High School. Our big/little sister program is a long-standing tradition in which each freshman is paired with a junior mentor with similar interests. Activities are held throughout the school year to foster and grow the big/little sister relationship. Our club fair is held in September to encourage new students to get involved. Counselors, faculty and staff members are available for guidance and outreach.

What is the school’s drug/alcohol policy?

There is a zero tolerance policy for drugs and alcohol. NDB works with the Belmont Police Department for drug education and enforcement. The safety and well-being of our students is our most important priority.

What is the Academic Integrity Program?

The Academic Integrity Program has been initiated to help students maintain integrity in matters related to their academic success. The program is designed to deal with myriad issues, such as cheating on tests and homework, plagiarism, Internet use, etc. Current technology is employed to assist academic integrity. Students are also educated regarding the digital footprint they are curating with the use of the Internet and social media.

How do the girls interact with one another?

We foster an environment of acceptance and kindness. Uniforms and the all girls setting enhance community and friendship. Notre Dame Belmont works diligently to provide an environment where bullying is not tolerated or ignored. Link Crew and student ambassadors are “touch points” for all new students, continuing the legacy of sisterhood that is uniquely NDB!

What kind of religious and ethnic diversity can be found here?

The student body has a 43 percent minority population. Approximately 50 percent of the students are Catholic, with roughly 50 percent representing virtually every world faith tradition. We foster Gospel values throughout our community and curriculum. Simply said: We are called to love one another.

Is the campus safe?

Notre Dame is a closed campus. We take precautions to keep the campus safe and we work closely with the Belmont Police Department and our high school resource safety officer. Standard practices are in place in case of an emergency and routine drills test the school’s safety plan.

How easy is it for the girls to get to school each day?

Students who take Caltrain can ride the free NDB shuttle from the train station to campus each morning. The NDB van picks up from the Belmont train station. Many families are in carpools together. Juniors and seniors may drive to school. On-campus parking is available for juniors and seniors.

Are facilities open before and after school?

The school is open at 7:30 a.m. and is closed at 6 p.m. The Tiger Café provides breakfast before school beginning at 7:30 a.m. for a nominal fee. Lunch is included in the cost of tuition. Afternoon snacks are available at 1:30 p.m. daily. There is adult supervision before and after school. Athletics in the Moore Pavilion are also conducted into the evening hours. NDB is a lively campus!

How much is tuition for the 2025-26 school year?

Tuition is $43,000.00 this year and includes daily lunch, medical insurance, all AP and Athletic fees, and all registration fees. If a student needs a host family,it would be an additional $20,000.00 ($10,000.00 per semester).

Where can we find more information?

Please visit our website for additional information at ndhsb.org or contact: Director of International Student Program Raena Mullan: 650-595-1913 ext. 449 or rmullan@ndhsb.org International Consultant Mary Chang: 415-828-9360 or mchang@ndhsb.org

Thank you for your interest in Notre Dame Belmont!