Middle Level Viewbook 2020-2021

Happens Here TRANSFORMATION

AT NDP

N O T R E DA M E P R E PA R AT O R Y S C H O O L M I D D L E L E V E L • G R A D E S 6 - 8

LAUNCHING ROCKETS.

DISCOVERING A NEW INTEREST.

DEEPENING YOUR FAITH.

MAKING FRIENDS FOR LIFE.

N

HAVING FUN. otre Dame Preparatory School’s Middle Level

is the perfect place for sixth, seventh, and eighth graders to learn, play, and grow in an environment that empowers young girls and prepares them for high school and beyond. A Catholic, independent school, NDP combines strong academics with faith formation and service to foster kindness, cooperation, and respect. Notre Dame offers something for everyone—exciting courses; caring teachers; STEAM challenges; art, music, and dance; fun clubs; and unique traditions.

All of these experiences make school life educational and fun!

The moment you put on your blue dress and saddles, you know you can see yourself at NDP!

1

NDP

fast facts

Where Girls Become Women Who Transform the World MISSION STATEMENT

NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY SCHOOL educates and empowers girls to become

women who transform the world. As a Catholic, independent, college preparatory

school for girls in grades 6 through 12, Notre Dame Prep inspires students to pursue academic excellence, spiritual growth, and the practice of justice. Infused with the

spirit of the School Sisters of Notre Dame and rooted in the teachings of the Catholic Church, the NDP community strives to answer God’s call “…to act justly, to love tenderly, and to walk humbly with God.” (Micah 6:8)

SCHOOL HISTORY FOUNDED IN 1873 by the School Sisters of Notre Dame, a teaching order from Germany, Notre Dame Preparatory

FACULTY

School is one of Baltimore’s oldest For more information about NDP, go to 2

Catholic, college preparatory schools for girls.

Originally located on Charles Street, NDP moved to Towson, north of Baltimore, in 1960.

• 9:1 Student:Teacher ratio • 100, including School Sisters of Notre Dame and lay faculty • Nearly 90% hold

COLLEGE PLACEMENT NEARLY 90% OF THE CLASS OF 2020 earned more than $28 million in merit scholarships.

www.notredameprep.com

advanced degrees

MIDDLE LEVEL STATEMENT OF PURPOSE NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY SCHOOL is a Catholic, independent, college preparatory school rooted in the tradition of the School Sisters of Notre Dame. The Notre Dame Middle Level (grades 6-8) serves adolescent girls who possess both the motivation and the ability to succeed in a rigorous academic curriculum while immersed in the spiritual and extracurricular life of the school. The program of study follows a pattern that is developmentally appropriate, featuring engaging and active learning that spans all disciplines.

At the core of our program is a respect for knowledge and an understanding of how girls learn best. We create an environment that celebrates strengths, nurtures confidence, and fosters independence and leadership. Our campus ministry and service programs are designed for our girls to grow in their faith while actively assisting those in need. Performing and Fine Arts offerings, STEAM, Guidance, and Advisory programs further enrich the overall Middle Level experience. Our girls complete the Middle Level experience prepared for high school having become more loving, just, and wise.

FINANCIAL AID LIMITED FINANCIAL AID is available to qualifying families. Apply via FACTS between Nov. 1, 2020-Jan. 2, 2021. Gateway Academic Achievement Award available to qualifying applicants who meet the merit criteria.

CAMPUS 60 ACRES situated in beautiful Dulaney Valley; three featuring a medical suite with a full-size Anatomage table, design labs, Fabrication lab, art studios, galleries and more; renovated 1,000 seat auditorium with new

TUITION (for 2020-2021)

sound and lighting system, performing arts center with

$20,590; books

new dance studio; Sports & Fitness Center; five athletic

cost $300-400 per

fields, including a three-sport turf field, six tennis courts,

year (used books

swimming pool.

available). Fees vary by grade and range from $300$700 per year.

www.notredameprep.com

classroom wings; a new, state-of-the-art Innovation Wing

For more information about financial aid, visit the “Admissions� tab at s

3

Happens Here

LEARNING

S

tudents pursue a dynamic academic life in NDP’s

Middle Level. With an understanding of how middle

school students think, the faculty is dedicated to educating and encouraging our girls to take ownership of their learning.

Rooted in the liberal arts and contemporary in expression, the curriculum builds skills and knowledge over time and Upper Level. A tailored educational program fits individual needs and ensures that girls’ talents are fully realized.

For example, eighth graders may take Topics in Algebra, Algebra I, or Geometry. High school classes are available to students demonstrating advanced ability.

Small classes and up-to-date technology enhance the classroom experience. Regular guidance sessions with a certified counselor, plus the relationships students develop with their teachers, support the girls’ academic and personal growth. Such attention demonstrates the many safety nets that complement the Middle Level’s focus on increased independence and high expectations. To engage these tweens and new teens in learning, faculty members present challenging lessons and keep learning fun. Teachers conduct hands-on projects, connect class material to the outside world, complement instruction with technology, and share their enthusiasm for their discipline, all of which makes learning meaningful.

http://www.notredameprep.com/Middle-Level-Academics STEAM: Science-Technology-Engineering-Art-Mathematics Creative problem solving, hands-on learning, and multi-sensory activities come together in NDP’s Middle Level Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics (STEAM) program. Students develop 21st-century learning skills, connect information across subjects, participate in STEAM challenges, and learn about possible STEAM careers for women. Leading this program is a STEAM Director and enthusiastic, talented faculty who work collaboratively to provide each student with a meaningful and fun learning experience. A state-of-the-art Innovation Lab provides just the right learning environment for students to cultivate curiosity, hone existing interests, and explore new ideas.

The Innovation Lab is designed to inspire student interaction and cooperation while expanding the boundaries of ideas and creativity. This unique, fluid workspace, with large whiteboards to facilitate creativity and workbenches to design and build, enables students to bring their ideas to life. Students also work in the new Innovation Wing, which houses a Fabrication Lab, design studio, a gathering space, art galleries, and more. Technology is used to facilitate, support, and enhance a wide range of activities.

www.notredameprep.com/STEAM-IDT-and-More

For more information about Middle Level academics, go to s

prepares the girls for the college-prep demands of the

For more information, go to s 4

Innovate & Design Time (IDT) Providing hands-on, project-based learning opportunities in STEAM, Innovate & Design Time (IDT) is an extension and enrichment of the NDP Middle Level curriculum. All Middle Level students participate in these non-graded classes, which are planned to foster collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.

IDT classes may include: • Digital Design

• Forensic Science

• Logic & Games

• 3D Printing & Physical Computing

• Technology

• Art Capstone

• World Music

• Engineering & Architecture

• Computer Coding

• Hand Bells

• Digital Communications

• Robotics

BYOD Middle Level students must participate in a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program.

BYOD lays the foundation for technology mastery that carries the student through her sevenyear NDP experience. BYOD allows students to bring in their own technology devices to use in the classroom and have access to NDP’s wireless internet system. Students who use BYOD technology will be able to take notes, research information, access files, and use their device before and after school for homework. Participating in BYOD facilitates 21st-century learning skills and promotes digital citizenship. (Note: iPads and Chrome Books are not part of BYOD; other laptops and notebooks are.)

5

NotreDamePrep AT THE HEART OF

THE STUDENT: The focus of Notre Dame is the student. Her education, personal growth, and ultimate transformation into a woman who can change the world is our greatest motivation.

THE CLASSROOM: Each classroom is a safe place for students to explore ideas, stretch intellect, question, create, and communicate.

THE TEACHERS:

Dedicated, tireless, enthusiastic,

NDP Middle Level teachers love their students! They give the girls confidence, inspire creativity, and prepare them for the demands of high school.

TECHNOLOGY: Our Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) program allows Middle Level students to use technology in the classroom every day.

OPPORTUNITIES: After-school programs…

Student clubs providing chances for exploration…

Personal expression and performance…

Athletic competition…all designed for personal transformation.

TRANSFORMATION: At the core of NDP’s mission is transformation—of the person and ultimately the world. We do this through education—in the classroom, through service, on the playing field, through community.

6

SPIRITUALITY: Faith expression enables the Notre Dame community to share God’s love and the transforming, healing, and inspiring power that accompanies it.

SERVICE: A way of life at NDP, service is introduced to students in age-appropriate ways. The girls see firsthand that it isn’t just what they do when they serve, but how they are changed by the experience.

JUSTICE: Central to Notre Dame’s service mission is moving students from acts of charity to works of justice.

Students recognize issues of injustice and work toward systemic change.

COMMUNITY: It has been said, “There’s a spirit about this place.” The Notre Dame Prep community centers on mutual appreciation, respect, joy, and honoring the God in all. For many, NDP is a second home, and all are welcome.

TRADITIONS: Walking through the Gateway, Tree Trim, Field Day, the Eighth Grade Synchronized Swim Show…from the deeply spiritual to the “just for fun,” traditions define the Notre Dame Prep student experience.

SISTERHOOD: Forged in the day-to-day moments, long-standing traditions, faith and service exploration, and the special occasions, sisterhood makes for life-time friendships and connects Notre Dame women across

7

Happens Here

FAITH FORMATION

N

otre Dame Prep is a Catholic school rooted in the charism

of its founding order, the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Daily prayers anchor Middle Level life. Each student takes religion as a class every year. A vibrant Campus Ministry program enhances classroom instruction, and spirituality infuses each day, from morning prayer

For more information, go to the “Student Life� tab at s 8

to the afternoon blessing. Girls deepen their understanding of Gospel response through age-appropriate service activities both on and off campus and grade-level retreats that build their relationship with God. Self reflection is key to service at Notre Dame, where girls understand how they grow through service. Each Monday morning, the Middle Level begins the week with a prayer service in the Chapel. School liturgies, the cornerstone of NDP spiritual life, bring the Middle Level together with the Upper Level, uniting the entire NDP community in celebration.

www.notredameprep.com

Happens Here

FUN

PERFORMING AND VISUAL ARTS

The Performing Arts Program at Notre Dame Prep includes elective instruction in vocal music with the Middle Level Chorus; instrumental music with Band, Orchestra, and Piano Lab; and dance. In addition, Middle Level students have many extracurricular opportunities to explore and celebrate their inner performer, including the annual Middle Level Musical, in which students assume all performance and stage-crew roles. Students may participate in our extracurricular dance program, which includes annual shows and area competitions.

All students take art two days a week during their time in the Middle Level. On Arts Night, when all visual artwork is on display, the Middle Level explodes with beauty. In addition, parents and friends enjoy concerts featuring NDP Middle Level musicians and dancers.

LEADERSHIP & CLUBS Leadership development and opportunities are naturally part of the Middle Level experience. In an all-girls environment, our students are afforded countless opportunities to lead—whether through elected positions in student organizations, or in their classroom environment. NDP Middle Level students develop into leaders in a variety of ways.

Student Organizations include: • Student Government

• STEAM Organization

• Spirit Association

• Campus Ministry

Clubs include: • Afternoon Tea

• Nature Club

• Book Club

• Robotics

NDP Middle Level students

• Boote Camp (Fitness)

• Scrabble Club

compete in: badminton,

• Calligraphy and Handwriting • Shalom Club

basketball, cross country,

• Coding Club

• STEAM

field hockey, lacrosse, soccer,

• Cross-Stitch Club

• Students Saving the Bay

• Green Blazers

• Writing Workshop

• Kindness Club

• Yoga

softball, tennis, and volleyball.

ATHLETICS Athletics in the Middle Level focuses on skill-building, sportsmanship, teamwork, team strategies, and fun. We strive for a no-cut policy, enabling students to build on existing experience or explore a new athletic interest. Notre Dame offers interscholastic competition in cross country, field hockey, soccer, and volleyball in the fall; basketball and soccer in the winter; and badminton, lacrosse, softball, and tennis in the spring.

9

T

radition is woven into the fabric of Middle Level life, including grade-specific and all-Middle Level activities. Dressing up for the Halloween Parade, creating

Advisory cheers for Field Day, participating in Middle Level clubs, and hosting guests on Grandparents’ Day are just some of the traditions which add spirit and fun to the Middle Level experience.

Other activities specific to NDP’s Middle Level include: • Eighth Grade Synchronized Swim Show

• Sisterhood Program • Sixth Grade Girls’ Night Out • Middle Level Musical • Mix It Up Lunch • Eighth Grade Speeches • WNDP Video, Sound, and Production Studio • Middle Level Garden NDP Middle Level students also benefit from the facilities of the larger campus, such as the performing arts wing, 1,000-seat auditorium, swimming pool, NCAA-sized gymnasium, fitness center, and Technology Department and Help Desk. The Mother Philemon Doyle Library houses an extensive collection of more than 30,000 items, a reading room with a special women’s collection, extensive database resources, and media equipment.

10

11

Happens Here!

TRANSFORMATION

N

otre Dame Preparatory School’s commitment to educating young women to be loving, just, and wise has endured for nearly 150 years. Our students graduate

from NDP ready, able, and determined to change the world and make it a better place.

To learn more about how you can apply to Notre Dame Prep, visit the Admissions tab on www.notredameprep.com. There you will find: • Admissions checklists and timelines • Financial aid information

Become a fan at facebook.com/NotreDamePreparatorySchool

• Shadow Day scheduler • Online application

Follow us at twitter.com/NotreDamePrep1

CONTACTS FOR ADMISSIONS & ENROLLMENT MANAGEMENT Maureen Cannon, Director

See us at instagram.com/notredameprep

Kathleen Sukeena, Assistant Director admissions@notredameprep.com Call: 410-825-0590 Mail: Office of Admissions Notre Dame Preparatory School 815 Hampton Lane Towson, MD 21286

www.notredameprep.com

12

Read about us at ndpbluenote.com

N O T R E D A M E P R E PA R AT O R Y S C H O O L 815 Hampton Lane, Towson, Maryland 21286 410.825.0590 www.notredameprep.com