From the Head of School
Dear Friends,
It is an honor to introduce Common Ground: Building NDP’s Future, a forward-looking and missioncentered philanthropic campaign for Notre Dame Preparatory School.
Common Ground reflects both our shared values and our shared responsibility. This $6.5 million campaign calls on all of us—alumnae, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends—to come together with a common purpose to ensure that Notre Dame Prep continues to thrive for generations to come. This accelerated campaign unites two essential goals: renewing the central gathering space of our campus and sustaining the vibrant daily life of our school through increased philanthropic support to The Fund for Notre Dame Prep.
Our students are asking for more—more space to collaborate, more opportunities to connect, and more access to the full NDP experience. The future we envision requires thoughtful investment today, and we believe deeply that there is no greater gift we can offer than a learning environment where young women are empowered to grow in intellect, faith, leadership, and service.
I am honored to serve as Notre Dame Prep’s new Head of School and have been so inspired by this community’s history, mission, and standard for excellence. Common Ground: Building NDP’s Future is a shared commitment to what matters most. Now is the moment to make a gift and join the Common Ground campaign—your generosity supports the transformative future we are building for NDP.
Thank you for being our partner in this exciting next chapter of Notre Dame Prep’s story.
With gratitude and hope,
Dr. Angela Allen Head of School
New Student Commons…coming soon!
Scheduled to open in September 2026. All renderings shown are aspirational and provided for illustrative purposes only. Designs, materials, features, and layouts may not reflect final plans.
Our Vision
We invite you to join Common Ground: Building NDP’s Future, a bold philanthropic effort to raise $6.5 million to shape the next chapter of student life and strengthen the foundation that sustains our mission. This campaign supports two essential priorities: the creation of a new Student Commons—replacing and enhancing the dining room and kitchen that have served our campus since it opened in the early 1960s—and the strengthening of our Annual Fund, The Fund for Notre Dame Prep. Together, these investments address critical campus needs, enrich the student experience, and secure NDP’s long-term sustainability.
Construction for the Student Commons project alone represents a $10 million investment. Recognizing both the urgency and the opportunity of this moment, NDP has committed an initial $5 million, demonstrating our confidence in this vision. Now, we invite our community and philanthropic partners to help bring this vision to life and shape generations of Blazers to come.
“The mission of Notre Dame Prep has always centered on students at its vibrant core, so it makes sense that now is the critical time to reimagine and embrace a new Student Commons. The transformation of our ‘heart of the home’ will address not only our current but also our rapidly evolving needs to best serve our community looking toward the future.”
Victoria B. Chou, Ph.D. ’92, P’31, Co-Chair, Common Ground Campaign
Our dining room will become the new Student Commons—a vibrant, multifunctional space designed with our students in mind. Featuring increased square footage, a student lounge and café, an outdoor patio, and a refreshed faculty and staff lounge, the Commons will foster connection, meet student needs, elevate the daily experience, and continue to advance our mission.
We know from community feedback that healthy eating and wellness are important to our students. A modern, effective kitchen to provide for the nutritional and dietary needs of our students and a more flexible, functional, and welcoming gathering space are now necessities to be addressed to reflect the spirit, pace, and energy of NDP life.
All renderings shown are aspirational and provided for illustrative purposes only. Designs, materials, features, and layouts may not reflect final plans.
“NDP’s dining room is more than just a spot to grab lunch—it’s where we catch up with friends, collaborate on projects, and take a break from the stress of classes.
Some of my best times at NDP have taken place in the dining room, like school dances, Fun Fridays, movie lunches, and even seeing the new Pope chosen! NDP is our home, and the dining room is the center of that home.”
Lynn E. ’28 MAKE YOUR GIFT TODAY!
“The Common Ground campaign represents an investment in the heart of NDP. As a grandfather and parent of two alumnae, I think often about the kind of communities we leave behind for the next generation— and I’m proud to support a campaign that puts students, connection, and shared purpose at the center.”
George Kilroy P’88, P’96, GP’30, Campaign Co-Chair and Trustee
“The new Student Commons will be a vibrant gathering place at the heart of life at NDP. Rooted in the charism of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, it will be a space where sisterhood is strengthened, friendships are formed, and school traditions are celebrated. The Commons will support collaboration, innovation, and opportunities for faith and prayer, enriching the NDP community for generations to come. It is imperative that The Fund for Notre Dame Prep is strengthened through this campaign to ensure that this community space is alive with meaningful programs, shared experiences, and the daily moments that shape student life. It is essential to invest not only in the physical space, but in the people and programs that bring it to life.”
Vic Pellechia, Ed.D., Upper Level Principal
The Fund for Notre Dame Prep fuels our commitment to exceptional education by supporting academic programs, the arts, athletics, and vital financial aid initiatives such as the Rollins-Luetkemeyer Scholars Program. This support ensures a dynamic, inclusive student experience that reflects our core values, while helping us attract the best and brightest students to NDP. By investing in our people and programs, The Fund will transform the Student Commons into a vibrant center for learning, connection, and community.
