Notre Dame Preparatory School Upper Level Viewbook

Notre Dame Preparatory School

It’s All Here…

Welcome to Notre Dame Prep!

Each student has her own strengths, passions, and style.

To reach her potential, she may need assistance at different times during her high school years, and the center was built to offer such personalized academic support.

NDP AUXILIARY BUILDING

THE CONVENT

Set on 65 wooded acres and ranked as the #1 Girls Catholic School in the Baltimore area, our campus offers a captivating, inspiring, and safe space to start your high school journey.

YEARDLEY LOVE FIELD

23,500 sq. ft. STEAM-centric facility housing NDP’s CyberCenter, state-of-the-art science and bio-technology lab, two-story Fabrication Laboratory (a.k.a. Fab Lab), Architecture Studio, Digital Media Lab, Recording Studio, and dedicated Humanities Classrooms.

DIGITAL MEDIA LAB AND RECORDING STUDIO

TWO-STORY FABRICATION LABORATORY (FABLAB)

BATZA & SIMON ACADEMIC SERVICES AND ENRICHMENT CENTER

Unique to Notre Dame Preparatory School, swimming, water safety, and lifeguarding classes are part of our curriculum.

JANE KROH SATTERFIELD INNOVATION WING

MOTHER PHILEMON DOYLE LIBRARY

BETTE ELLIS O’CONOR HUMANITIES WING

NDP’s Sports and Fitness Center hosts the iconic Gym Meet as well as physical education classes and court sports such as basketball, volleyball, and badminton.

KIRBY WING

SPORTS AND FITNESS CENTER POOL

MEDVED FAMILY COURTYARD CHAPEL CAFÉ NDP

AUDITORIUM

Catholic faith is the cornerstone of an NDP education.

Students of all faiths are invited to grow their spirituality individually and together.

KNOTT PERFORMING ARTS CENTER

THE TRADING POST On-campus school store offering clothing, hats, school supplies, and snacks to our students and families.

THE GATEWAY

Holding over 1,000 guests, this state-of-theart space hosts all-school liturgies, assemblies, dance, music, and theatre performances, as well as guest speakers and special presentations.

All ninth graders walk through the Gateway when they are officially welcomed to the school. Upon graduation, they walk under the Gateway again after their commencement, symbolizing their entry into the world beyond Notre Dame Prep.

With studios and performance spaces, this is the heart of performing arts on campus.

Offering instruction in ballet, guitar, jazz band, piano, chamber choir, and more, students have many outlets to express their creativity and passions.

The classes you’ll take will expand your understanding and world view.

JESUS CHRIST AND CHRISTIAN SCRIPTURES

FORENSIC SCIENCE

A transformative journey across two semesters, learn about the profound legacy of Jesus Christ and the enduring impact of the early Church, while discovering how Catholic Social Teachings guide us in shaping a compassionate world.

480 546/547

The world of sports medicine invites you to explore human anatomy/ physiology and health science concepts while exploring exciting career opportunities in the sports-medical field. From understanding the principles of sports medicine to mastering techniques in injury prevention, evaluation, and rehabilitation, students gain practical skills and knowledge essential for success in this fast-growing industry.

CREATIVE COMMUNICATION

CIVIL LIBERTIES/ WOMEN’S STUDIES

Students learn verbal and nonverbal communication through drama, speech, and media projects, developing critical thinking, leadership, and poise in group and individual settings.

A thought-provoking journey through the complexities of Civil Liberties in this dynamic seminar-style course, where historic Supreme Court cases and contemporary headlines converge to spark engaging discussions and insightful projects. Foster a deeper understanding of our rights and freedoms in society.

CSI at NDP! Students act as crime scene investigators and forensic scientists to evaluate evidence and solve crimes. Topics explored include forensic science and the law, crime scene preservation and documentation, evidence collection, fingerprint analysis, hair and fiber analysis, forensic toxicology, trace evidence, forensic serology, blood spatter analysis, DNA fingerprinting, and document analysis.

2365

020

Explore the complexities of contemporary global affairs in this engaging elective, where students explore pivotal events and trends of the later 20th century to the present day, dissecting them through group discussions, readings, and current news journals.

INTRODUCTION TO SPORTS MEDICINE

CIVIL ENGINEERING & STRUCTURES

594

CONTEMPORARY WORLD ISSUES

Students enhance their understanding and use of the French language in an engaging and fun way. Expand your knowledge of Francophone cultures through French-language films, class and lab discussions, formal and informal presentations, and personal interviews.

163

This advanced semester elective allows students to investigate aerospace engineering, aeronautics, astronautics, and physical computing as a means of solving real-world problems.

Topics include aerodynamic forces, basic plane structure, typical aerospace materials, physical computing with Arduino, propulsion, and basic orbital mechanics.

FRENCH V EXPLORING FRANCOPHONE CULTURE THROUGH FILM

241

AEROSPACE ENGINEERING & AVIATION

463

243

2366

Choices Abound

20TH CENTURY IBEROAMERICAN LITERATURE

Investigate civil engineering, static structures, and building design as a means of solving real-world problems. Students will utilize design process and CAD/CAM skills to work on full-scale solutions with realworld clients.

Students who enjoy the challenge of reading Hispanic Literature will love this independent-study course. They will conduct research and write critical essays as they explore Hispanic cultures and read from notable Hispanic writers such as: Ana María Matute, Federico García Lorca, Miguel de Unamuno, Rosa Montero, Juan Ramón Jimenez, Jorge Luis Borges, Gabriel García Márquez, Alfonsina Storni, Julia de Burgos, Nancy Morejón, Carlos Fuentes, y Julio Cortázar.

THEATRE DESIGN I Gain hands-on experience by working through four design areas: scenic, lighting, costume, and prop. Students will also have the chance to work on the direction side of an NDP production.

THE CHURCH AND WORLD RELIGIONS Delve into the rich tapestry of the world’s major religions, exploring primary and secondary sources to deepen your understanding while embracing the opportunity to reflect on your own faith journey. This course challenges students to learn from other religious traditions, grow in understanding of Catholic Christianity, and appreciate the role that interreligious dialogue plays in protecting justice, peace, and freedom.

987

Polish your ability to recognize, understand, and describe the materials and processes of music of all genres.

The course will instill mastery of the rudiments and terminology of music, including notation, intervals, scales and keys, chords, metric organization, and rhythmic patterns will take your musicianship to the next level.

POOL LIFEGUARD TRAINING

251

AP MUSIC THEORY

2383

Study human and animal anatomy and draw from direct observation of specimens like the professionals! Students will develop an understanding of anatomical systems and their interdependent relationships.

Traditional and high-tech virtual illustration tools are used to imitate the appearance of organs and organ systems.

840

Students will engage in critical thinking, creative problemsolving, and collaborative work to investigate the biology and chemistry of cancer—its causes, progression, prognosis, and current treatment options.

885

488 748

MEDICAL ILLUSTRATION

030

BIOLOGY OF CANCER

AP AFRICAN AMERICAN STUDIES

You’ve never seen a PE class like this before! At the end of this course the student will be certified by the American Red Cross in Lifeguarding, CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer, and Standard First Aid.

An interdisciplinary course that examines the diversity of African-American experiences through direct encounters with authentic and varied sources.

Students explore key topics that extend from early African kingdoms to the ongoing challenges and achievements of the contemporary movement.

PROGRAMMING CONCEPTS WITH PYTHON Utilizing Python as a computing platform, this course will advance knowledge in one of today’s hottest programming languages and is applicable in the computing needs of today which include: data science, web development, artificial intelligence, and cybersecurity. Hands-on experiences through classroom/ homework exercises and projects will strengthen skills in control flow, looping constructs, working with Python collections, functions, File Input Output, and modules.

Signature Certificate Programs

THE BETTE ELLIS O’CONOR HUMANITIES PROGRAM The Bette Ellis O’Conor Humanities Program is a community of scholars dedicated to intellectual pursuit that transcends the boundaries of usual study. An exciting alternative course of study in which interdisciplinary connections and projectbased learning are the goal, the Humanities Program allows students to explore the relationships between disciplines, particularly art, English, music, religion, and social studies.

Examining critical issues and ideas, the program encourages dialogue and diversity of perspectives.

encourages the exploration of courses in each of the STEAM disciplines, OR they may choose to follow a specialized pathway to focus their studies on Architecture & Design, Computer Science, Engineering & Manufacturing, or Medicine.

BILITERACY CERTIFICATION RECOGNITION Students who receive a Biliteracy Recognition Certificate demonstrate intermediate-high proficiency in Spanish, French, or Mandarin Chinese. Focusing on writing, listening, reading, and speaking, Biliteracy students interact with native speakers in everyday situations

The Humanities Program concludes with

and commonly enroll in higher-level language

a Capstone Project presentation to which

courses as college freshmen.

parents, administrators, and the benefactors of the program are invited. Students present a summary of their projects and display it in the lobby for viewing. At that time, students are presented with certificates of completion.

STEAM Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, and Math (STEAM) are taken to a new level with NDP’s

CERTIFICATES AVAILABLE General STEAM Concentration in Architecture & Design Concentration in Computer Science

pursue a STEAM certificate have the unique

Concentration in Engineering & Manufacturing

opportunity to choose a course pathway that

Concentration in Medicine

STEAM Certificate Program. Students who

pairs academic goals with career interests. They may choose to follow a general pathway that

Humanities Global Languages

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) Notre Dame Prep is a welcoming, Catholic community rooted in the mission of our founding religious order, the School Sisters of Notre Dame. Our faith expression is centered on sharing and spreading God’s love and the good news of Jesus Christ. Our Catholic identity fuels our pursuit of love, justice, and wisdom.

Prayer, liturgy, and retreats anchor faith life at NDP and foster an inviting atmosphere for girls to explore and share spirituality, community, and personal growth.

FAITH FORMATION • Vibrant Peer Ministry program • All-school liturgies once a month • Community prayer services • Daily classroom prayer • Liturgy Band • Annual class retreats • Stations of the Cross prayers during Lent Age-appropriate service opportunities are offered for girls in all grade levels.

These opportunities hone leadership skills, encourage compassion, introduce students to charity and justice, and instill a sense of responsibility.

SOCIAL SERVICE ACTIVITIES • Camp Umoja and Sisters Academy Summer Service Camps • Dinner with our Elders • National and international service trips • Habitat for Humanity • Christmas gifts for families of Marian House • Stone Soup Day • Refugee Youth Project

DIVERSITY & INCLUSION AS AN EXPRESSION OF CATHOLIC SOCIAL TEACHING & JUSTICE In the spirit of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, our school presents Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging (DEIB) Commitments, which were spearheaded by NDP’s Anti-Racism Task Force called STRIVE (Sustaining Transformation: Racial Inclusion, Value, and Equity) and approved by NDP’s Board of Trustees. These commitments are an expression of NDP’s Catholic identity and serve as a touchstone for all our work promoting justice and equality.

DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION, AND BELONGING COMMITMENTS • To nurture in all ways a community of one mind and one heart.

• To guide our way forward and strengthen our commitment to the message of love, respect, justice, and equality for all.

• To recognize that racism is a sin and work toward ending all systemic racial injustice within the school community and extending to the greater community.

• To embrace a diverse and inclusive community and create an environment that honors and respects the dignity and gifts of each individual and fosters equity through its community life, programming and activities, and outreach to the broader community.

• To educate and empower young women to work actively to eliminate the root causes of injustice and thereby transform our world for the better.

Unbreakable Bonds.

Notre Dame Prep Athletics is committed to transformational education by creating a

positive and challenging atmosphere where girls will:

• Pursue athletic excellence • Experience and execute female leadership • Compete honorably and justly Running. Swimming. Kicking. Spiking.

If you’re looking for a way to develop as a student-athlete, Notre Dame Prep has a team to help you do it. Whether building skills in brand-new sports or pursuing your dream of playing in college, our Blazers don’t play games—they compete.

Our Blazers compete at the highest level of independent school competition in the DMV area: the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM), and have the opportunity to compete against the best of the best at both national and international tournaments.

Some highlights of NDP Athletics include: • 2024 IAAM Swimming Champions • 2024 National Catholic Swimming and Diving Champions • Recent IAAM Softball, Swimming, and Indoor Track and Field Coach of the Year • 2023 IAAM Softball Champions • Unrivaled athletic facilities including multiple gyms, turf fields, courts, and indoor pool

Unlimited Opportunities.

15 BLAZERS ATHLETICS SPORTS Badminton

Field Hockey

Squash

Basketball

Indoor Track

Swimming

Cross Country

Lacrosse

Track and Field

Crew

Soccer

Tennis

Golf

Softball

Volleyball

Igniting Her

Creative Spark Drawing on the conviction that creativity and selfexpression fuel intellectual growth and personal development, NDP provides countless outlets for the artists in all.

Visual Arts courses explore a wide variety of classical and contemporary techniques. Students experiment with different media and skills as they develop their abilities to reflect and interpret their understanding of the world and their place in it.

Hundreds of pieces of original student artwork displayed throughout NDP 30 Scholastic Art Awards received in 2024 52 students named to the National Art Honor Society in 2024 Young Artists’ Showcase

Lights. Camera.

Blazers!

Notre Dame Prep places high value and strong emphasis on the performing arts, offering multi-leveled programs in Dance, Music, and Theatre. With many curricular and co-curricular options, as well as NDP’s dedicated performing arts center and state-of-the-art auditorium that seats more than 1,000 people, students have unlimited opportunities to discover talents and develop skills at all levels.

Dance at Notre Dame Prep is designed to help aspiring dancers explore multiple genres, cultures, and techniques.

All-school dance performances are scheduled twice a year.

Notre Dame Prep’s Music program gives students the experiences, knowledge, and skills necessary to express themselves musically in meaningful and joyful ways. Students are actively engaged in creating, performing, learning about, and sharing music throughout the year. The curriculum combines vocal and instrumental techniques, music theory, and multicultural music appreciation. Several performances in band, orchestra, and chorus are presented annually.

Theatre at NDP is designed to help emerging actors and stage technicians build skills and confidence in the art of performance.

Students can participate in theatre both on the stage and behind the scenes at two Broadway-style productions each year.

PERFORMANCE OPPORTUNITIES FOR NDP STUDENTS • C oncert Choir, Chamber Choir, Concert Band, and String Orchestra concerts • L iturgy Band participates in monthly all-school liturgies • M usic in the Parks Adjudications nationwide • A ll-State Performance Groups • S ummer Dance Company Intensive • V isiting guest performers • T wo Broadway-style theatre productions each year • I ndependent Dance Network Dance Festival • C hristmas and spring dance showcases • A nnual dance symposia • R egular invitations to perform for the Baltimore Ravens, School Sisters of Notre Dame, NDP Annual Gala, social service visits, and MORE.

“ There is a spirit about this place.”

Forged in the day-to-day interactions, our Catholic faith, long-standing traditions, life-long friendships, and special moments, the Notre Dame Prep experience makes for lifelong friendships. As a student here, you are immediately part of a large and loving sisterhood.

WIN in Action

WIN, short for “Women In…[insert amazing career track here],” is a career exploration program that allows NDP students to step out of the classroom and into the workplace.

The WIN Experience educates students beyond the classroom and empowers them to work with talented professionals in multiple career fields. WIN is another way that NDP develops leadership by encouraging students to explore different career paths and discover what inspires them.

To date, more than 1,500 students have enjoyed a WIN experience in over 50 industries, with more expected each year as new career tracks are added.

Ready to Lead

Combined with academics, NDP offers a holistic experience allowing students to develop interests, realize talents,

1. Leadership opportunities

and grow into confident female leaders. Leadership is a

2. Public speaking experience

natural part of NDP’s college prep experience. In an all-girls environment, students are offered countless opportunities to lead—through Gym Meet, Student Government, elected positions, service, academic clubs, and athletic teams.

Whether it’s building robots, competing on the court, or leading their peers through elected student government positions, Notre Dame Prep provides students just the right environment for personal exploration.

FOUR LEADERSHIP ORGANIZATIONS AND 60+ CLUBS INCLUDING: • Athletic Association • Christian Community Awareness Program

Leadership Organization

• Diversity Council

• Green Schools

• Student Council

• And MORE…

• Women in Medicine

4. Opportunities to expand cultural and educational interests

TOP FIVE REASONS TO JOIN A CLUB

• Ambassador • Cybersecurity Club

3. Chances to plan and organize events

5. Many ways to have fun with friends!

Categories of clubs range from cultural to religious to service to social.

Students never hesitate to start a new group when they find they have interests in common. Is there a club you’d like to see at NDP? Grab some friends and start a new one!

It’s just the students attending Catholic universities

100 /0

merit scholarships awarded

3 Commended

total service hours

0

granted in merit awards

Scholars

accepted to four-year colleges or universities

1

students studying internationally

National Merit Scholar

5 National Hispanic

Recognition Awards scholarathletes playing in DI-III programs

Academic Certificate Programs (STEAM, Humanities, Biliteracy)

beginning for our Blazers.

3 National

Dots represent colleges/ universities where Class of 2024 graduates are attending

African-American Recognition Awards

AP Scholars

college acceptances

Information pertains to the Class of 2024

Every Girl is Known

Notre Dame Preparatory School is committed to academic success for all students. Whether she is navigating her first year of high school, working through a challenging time, or preparing applications to college, each student at NDP has access to valuable resources designed to support her needs and achieve her goals.

LIBRARY The Mother Philemon Doyle Library is foundational to the school’s academic program. Two full-time librarians partner with teachers to customize support materials and resources for classwork and research projects. With more than 35,000 circulating items, college-level reference materials, 24/7 access to more than 20 databases, and a comprehensive collection of eBooks, students in all grade levels can access up-to-date, relevant information for all their academic projects.

BATZA & SIMON ACADEMIC SERVICES & ENRICHMENT CENTER NDP’s staff of Learning Specialists support all students in all areas of academic challenge. Additionally, Math, Reading, and Writing Specialists provide support services. Students with and without a documented disability can easily access the center and a Learning Specialist throughout the school day. Services* offered may include but are not limited to: • Developing formal education plans for students with a documented diagnosis • Reviewing skills and strategies • Offering additional support in math, reading, and writing

SUPPORT WHERE YOU NEED, HOW YOU NEED

• Assisting with time management, study skills, and organization • Offering individual and small group help as well as consultation with classroom teachers and counselors • Accommodating requests for extended time testing for classroom and standardized testing (i.e. ACT, SAT) *Some services include a fee to be determined based on the level of need

COUNSELING AND WELLNESS Preparing students and families for the college selection and application process is a four-year process. During the student’s freshman year, she is assigned both an academic/personal counselor and a college counselor who follow her for four consecutive years. This collaborative approach ensures that each student has the most comprehensive academic, personal, and college preparatory program available. NDP’s dedicated Wellness Counselor supports the additional social-emotional needs current students face such as self-advocacy, confidence-building, conflict resolution, and stress and anxiety management.

Honoring the past.

Transforming the future.

When you step onto Notre Dame Preparatory School’s campus, you become part of a story that began over 150 years ago. Much has changed since the days of Notre Dame of Maryland Institute for Young Ladies which opened in 1873.

Much has stayed the same. The traditions we honor unite us. Everything you experience at NDP— from the Gateway Ceremony during the first month of school, to the candlelight Christmas Liturgy, to the adrenalinepumping countdown to Gym Meet—will remind you of this: you are part of a large and loving sisterhood that shares your passions and commitment.

The Notre Dame Prep community centers on mutual appreciation, respect, joy, and honoring God in all. For many, NDP is a second home where students can fit in and stand out.

Forming lifelong friendships through cherished traditions like Penny Queen, Tree Trim, and Ring Dance; showing off your school spirit at Gym Meet; making a positive impact on your community through countless service opportunities; experiencing personal growth through spiritual retreats; sharing memories with a network of over 10,000 alumnae worldwide—these are the tenets that define a Notre Dame Prep education.

Investing in Your Daughter’s Future Notre Dame Prep seeks to enroll the most qualified and dynamic students whose families understand and embrace the mission and vision of the school. To achieve this goal, NDP is committed to providing financial options and assistance for families of all situations.

TUITION 2024-2025 • Grades 9-12: $23,600 • Technology Fee: $300 • Activity fees: Dependent upon grade level, elective choices, and athletic participation

FINANCIAL GRANTS & AID • $1,420,500 granted in need-based financial aid for the 2024-25 school year • 30% of the student body received need-based financial aid for the 2024-25 school year For need-based financial aid, NDP uses FACTS Grant & Aid and Assessment, a streamlined, mobile-friendly application that families can complete in less than 30 minutes.

Anyone wanting to be considered for needbased aid needs to submit a financial aid application to FACTS between November 1 and January 1 of the enrollment year. Need-based financial aid is granted after a thorough review of the family’s completed FACTS application. All aid is awarded on a yearly basis and is continued each subsequent year so long as the application is updated as required and FACTS continues to identify need. Students must be in good standing in all aspects of student life to maintain grants and scholarships received.

NDP’s need-based financial aid is comprised of grants and scholarships. All students who apply for financial assistance through FACTS will be considered for both. Scholarship availability changes from year to year. Once enrolled, parents must update their application in FACTS

each year in a timely manner to continue to receive grants or scholarships.

To be considered for financial assistance, the following must be submitted to FACTS

by January 1 of the enrollment year.

1. A completed financial aid form sent to FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment. https://online.factsmgt.com/signin/3FSCL 2. FACTS will ask for prior year W2s as we realize that current year W2s will not be available until the end of January. We do ask that when you receive your current year W2s, you upload them to FACTS. All decisions on financial awards will be mailed to all grade 9 students in February, along with admissions decision letters. FACTS applications received after the January deadline will be reviewed only if funds are still available.

Financial aid is only available to incoming 9th graders.

MERIT & TALENT AWARDS FOR 9TH GRADE Merit Award • Gateway Academic Achievement Awards 25% of the cost of tuition Talent Awards offer $3,000 in each of the following categories: • STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics) • Theatre • Dance • Visual Arts • Music (Band, Chorus, Orchestra) • Athletics (basketball, cross country, field hockey, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, track, volleyball)

Entry for Notre Dame Preparatory School Upper Level Checklist n Submit an Inquiry if you did not attend Spring Sneak Peek n Schedule Your Blazer Day n Registration for High School Placement Test Opens: September 1, 2024 n Visit NDP at Open House: October 19, 2024, at 8:30 a.m. n Take the High School Placement Test at NDP: December 7, 2024 n Submit Application by December 20, 2024, at 4 p.m. n Submit Transcript Release Form/Common Referral Form and Teacher Recommendations n Share your Decision n Submit Enrollment Contract and Deposit by March 7, 2025, at 4 p.m.

We are grateful for your interest in Notre Dame Preparatory School and look forward to working with you and your family as you make this important decision for your daughter(s). Please contact our dedicated Admissions team with any questions about the process.

Mrs. Jennifer Caine ’86 Director of Upper Level Admissions & Enrollment Management Phone: 410-825-6202 ext. 1622 Email: Cainej@notredameprep.com

Mrs. Susan Muller Admissions Database & Office Manager Phone: 410-825-6202 ext. 1013 Email: Mullers@notredameprep.com

815 Hampton Lane, Towson, Maryland 21286 • 410.825.0590 • www.notredameprep.com Sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame