Admissions 2025-2026
Oldest Girls’ School in the Western U.S.
Our Mission
Notre Dame High School, in the heart of downtown San Jose since 1851, provides young women an exemplary Catholic, college-preparatory education to become lifelong learners, spiritual seekers, justice advocates and community leaders.
We are inspired by Saint Julie Billiart and the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. We empower young women and
Teach them what they need to know for
life.
The Notre Dame Experience
Founded in 1851, Notre Dame has a proud history of shaping women of impact. We are rooted in the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame de Namur learning community, emphasizing holistic education, dignity for all, and social justice. Our students are encouraged to embrace leadership, global citizenship, and socially-responsible entrepreneurship that responds to the ever-evolving world around us.
Situated in a vibrant downtown location in the nation’s 12th largest city, our innovative programs empower young women with strong voices, ready to lead in local, national, and global arenas. As the Center for Women’s Leadership, our campus enhances this vision with state of the art learning labs for design, sciences, and engineering alongside spaces for arts, humanities, and spiritual growth.
Families across the Bay Area and Santa Clara County choose Notre Dame because of our exceptional educational experience, which draws students from 125 middle schools and over 60 zip codes.
We invite you to learn more about Notre Dame’s unique history, distinctive programs, and remarkable students, and witness the transformative impact of the Notre Dame experience!
Notre Dame by the numbers
650+ Student Body Average
24 Average Class Size 1:10 Faculty to Student Ratio
18 Faith Traditions Practiced by Students
60+ Zip Codes
30 Second Languages Spoken at Home by Students
33 AP/Honors Courses Offered
95% Students taking AP/Honors Courses
129 Courses Offered
Graduation Outcomes
LIFELONG Learner
A Notre Dame graduate cultivates intellectual curiosity through critical, creative and divergent thinking, digital fluency, collaboration, and resilience.
SPIRITUAL Seeker
Recognizing the goodness of God in all of creation, nurturing spiritual growth, and promoting interfaith dialogue and understanding contribute to a Notre Dame graduate’s growing sense of purpose and well-being.
JUSTICE Advocate
Each Notre Dame graduate fosters inclusive relationships with empathy, compassion and solidarity, and drives social change through community service.
COMMUNITY Leader
Honoring the legacy of women’s leadership empowers a Notre Dame graduate to determine their own path to ethical and effective impact in work and life.
To learn more about our Graduation Outcomes, visit: www.ndsj.org/mission
Benefits of a Women-Centric Education
Research has proven that a women-centered environment empowers educators to champion the needs of students. As a result, students grow into more resilient and confident learners.
Respect
87% of students feel their opinions are respected at their school (compared to 58% at coed schools).
Support
95% of students feel supported by their teachers (84% at coed schools), and 90% feel supported by other students (73% at coed schools).
Leadership
93% of students were offered greater leadership opportunities than coed peers.
Challenge
80% of students report most of their classes challenge them to achieve their full academic potential (44% at coed schools).
Opportunity
Graduates are 6 times more likely than coed peers to pursue STEM majors and 3 times more likely to consider engineering careers.
Source: National Coalition of Girls Schools
We believe a school for girls is better than a school with girls.
What sets Notre Dame apart is the strong sense of sisterhood. There’s a shared understanding that we’re here to support one another. Whether it’s helping clean up a spill, offering homework help, or encouraging someone who’s having a tough day. That kind of community isn’t something you find at every school, and it’s something I truly value.
Sara ’26 ST. LEO THE GREAT SCHOOL
Downtown San Jose
serves as a hub for connection and a laboratory for learning, empowerment, and impact.
Within walking distance, students have access to:
9 Professional Theaters
14 Places of Worship
12 Museums & Galleries
100+ Restaurants & Eateries
Real-World Learning in the Heart of Downtown
Notre Dame’s campus offers a vibrant educational experience that extends into the bustling heart of the 12th-largest city in the United States and the thriving center of Silicon Valley. Here, the city itself becomes a dynamic classroom, allowing students to explore and interact with its rich resources every day.
Students frequently venture out on field trips to downtown destinations, enriching their education with experiential learning, including:
• Real-world applied learning opportunities
• An appreciation for diverse communities
• Familiarity with cultural and civic resources
• Safety in navigating city environments
• Enhanced awareness of their surroundings
• Increased self-confidence and independence
• Deepened relationships with neighbors and each other
Notre Dame students have also made their mark on the city by contributing artworks to the Downtown Doors project and collaborating on a mural in the SoFA arts district that surrounds our campus with culture.
Through these experiences, Notre Dame students are prepared to navigate and thrive in city spaces, gaining confidence and skills that will serve them well beyond their academic years. Our accessible location and welcoming community support our mission to “teach them what they need to know for life.”
Grounded in Faith, United by Diversity
Because we are Notre Dame Catholic, our experience includes prayer, reflection, and community service for each student. In our inclusive, multifaith learning community, students have the opportunity to grow their skills in dialogue and relationship building, all while deepening their own spirituality and sense of purpose.
HALLMARKS OF A NOTRE DAME DE NAMUR LEARNING COMMUNITY
These Hallmarks are the essential characteristics, values and activities shared by all Notre Dame de Namur learning communities:
Hallmark One
We proclaim by our lives even more than by our words that God is good.
Hallmark Two
We honor the dignity and sacredness of each person.
Hallmark Three
We educate for and act on behalf of justice, peace, and care for all creation.
Hallmark Four
We commit ourselves to community service.
Hallmark Five
We embrace the gift of diversity.
Hallmark Six
We create community among those with whom we work and with those we serve.
Hallmark Seven
We develop holistic learning communities that educate for life.
50% Catholic student body
18 faith traditions
18k service hours completed annually
5 annual student led liturgies held at Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph
50 students received the Sacrament of Confirmation in 2025 through ND’s Faithful Life course
100% of students participate in campus ministry programming and religious studies classes
Be like the sunflower
that follows every movement of the sun, and keep your eyes always turned towards our good God.
ST. JULIE BILLIART - FOUNDRESS
Student-Centered Learning
Our diverse, engaging programs empower students to have choice and voice in the classroom and to cultivate their own pathways. Notre Dame emphasizes a hands-on, experiential learning model that takes education beyond the classroom and into the world. Through positive relationships with teachers and peers, students feel a sense of belonging that builds confidence and enables them to do their best work.
RELEVANT CURRICULUM
Our curriculum reflects an ever-evolving world that includes diverse voices and perspectives. Students are invited to reflect on their own identity, to connect personally to the content and to think critically. Course themes emphasize justice and leadership through an interdisciplinary lens.
COLLABORATION WITH TEACHERS
Students have weekly opportunities to meet with faculty during school hours to collaborate outside of class, fostering growth and community. This connection encourages meaningful discussions, clarifies challenging topics, and enhances the educational experience, equipping students with confidence and essential skills for lifelong learning.
ACADEMIC RESOURCES
Notre Dame offers a variety of avenues for students to build their personal learning toolbox, including workshops, study sessions, peer note taking and tutoring. These opportunities are designed to empower students to increase their academic engagement and to take advantage of the curriculum to their fullest potential.
AGENCY & INDEPENDENCE
Our balanced framework allows for active involvement outside of school and prioritizes physical and mental health. Policies center learning over grades, supporting time management, skill-building, and self-advocacy.
PERSONALIZED SUPPORT
Through our comprehensive counseling program, each student is assigned to a counselor who supports them throughout their four-year journey. This ensures they receive the personal, academic, college, and learning support needed to navigate the high school experience.
COLLEGE READINESS
Our holistic college counseling program includes oneon-one meetings, group sessions, class-level discussions, parent education events, and more. Throughout the process, students are invited to discover their identities and beliefs while exploring the full range of college options, guiding them to a choice that not only challenges them academically but also aligns with their values, interests, and career aspirations.
CAREER & LIFE SUCCESS
We create learning experiences that take students beyond the walls of the traditional classroom and empower them to identify and nurture their individual gifts and talents. Students have access to a variety of enriching opportunities, including pre-college programs, guest speakers, career experiences, internships, and job shadows.
EQUITY IN EDUCATION
Our learning community is inclusive and equitable. This is reinforced through ongoing professional development for our employees and experienced by students through a culture that honors identity while amplifying diverse voices and experiences. Learn more: www.ndsj.org/equity
INDIVIDUAL EMPOWERMENT
ARISE (Academic Resources Individualized Support Empowerment) is a partnership between Notre Dame’s learning resource specialists, faculty and student participants to provide personalized and differentiated support to students with documented learning differences. Learn more: www.ndsj.org/arise
We are the Center for Women’s Leadership
The Notre Dame student experience begins and ends with signature projects – the Woman’s Place Project (WPP) in freshman year and a senior year service capstone project, which is presented at the Young Women’s Advocacy Summit (YWAS).
WOMAN’S PLACE PROJECT
Integrated within our core curriculum, the Woman’s Place Project (WPP) develops a student’s research and public speaking skills to honor a woman of impact. The finished project features a place setting and toast to honor the woman’s life and accomplishments. In 2025, Notre Dame celebrated 30 years of freshmen recognizing women’s leadership through the WPP.
Y
OUNG WO MENÊS AD VO CA CY SUMMIT
YOUNG WOMEN’S ADVOCACY SUMMIT
At the Young Women’s Advocacy Summit (YWAS), seniors present their capstone service project and advocate for the justice issue it addresses. At the conclusion of the summit, students take their place at the table – the same tables they set as freshmen for the WPP – and become women of impact.
WOMEN OF IMPACT
For nearly two decades, Notre Dame has celebrated the contributions of women in Silicon Valley at our annual Women of Impact event. Honoring women for their vision, commitment and leadership, the event highlights their important role in our community.
Graduates by the numbers
1:1 college counseling support for all juniors and seniors and their families
80%
matriculate to a firstchoice or high-interest college
99%
matriculate to a two or four-year college or university
79
college rep visits last year
16%
first in their family to attend college
CLASS OF 2025
COLLEGE DESTINATIONS
• 49% Private
• 18% University of California
• 16% California State University
• 11% Out of State Public
• 3% Community College
• 1% International
CLASS OF 2025
MOST POPULAR MAJORS
• Biology/Biological Sciences/Biochemistry
• Psychology & Neuroscience
• Civil/Electrical/Mechanical Engineering
• Business/Business Administration/Marketing
• Nursing
For a complete list of acceptances and matriculations, scan the QR code below to visit our website: www.ndsj.org/college-counseling
a
REGENT!Life as
Student Life
Notre Dame is committed to providing students with opportunities to engage with classmates across grade levels as well as peers from nearby schools, cultivating a vibrant social scene tailored to each student’s interests. From the glitz and glamour of Prom and the excitement of Homecoming to lively co-ed mixers and the competitive atmosphere of Spirit Week, students have abundant opportunities to connect and celebrate. Events like Freshman Night Out and the Senior Sunrise create unforgettable memories, while the Diversity Showcase highlights the rich tapestry of cultures within the community.
The Notre Dame experience is distinguished by a profound sense of sisterhood and camaraderie, creating a nurturing environment where students flourish both academically and socially. At Notre Dame, students achieve a harmonious balance between academic excellence and social involvement, ensuring a well-rounded and fulfilling high school experience. After all, high school should be fun too!
Athletics
Notre Dame is home to 22 competitive athletic teams across 12 interscholastic sports over three seasons, competing in the West Bay Athletic League (WBAL) and Central Coast Section (CCS). Student athletes also have access to year-long strength and conditioning programs.
During the 2024-2025 school year, 80% of Notre Dame’s athletic teams advanced to for CCS playoffs, and our basketball team won a section championship!
FALL SPORTS
• Cross Country
• Flag Football
• Golf
• Tennis
• Volleyball
WINTER SPORTS
• Basketball
• Soccer
SPRING SPORTS
• Lacrosse
• Beach Volleyball
• Softball
• Swimming and Diving
• Track & Field
Notre Dame graduates continue their athletic pursuits at the collegiate level, with many joining prestigious colleges and universities, including Division I and Ivy League programs. In recent years, this has included schools such as Cornell University, University of Denver, University of Oregon, Yale University, and more!
Go Regents!
WHAT IS A REGENT, YOU ASK?
A Regent is a leader who steps up when needed — an apt description of a Notre Dame student!
Athletics at ND has demonstrated to both me and my teammates that women are capable of achieving anything. We have gained invaluable leadership experience, from serving as team captains to leading prayers before games. Being involved in ND’s Athletics has transformed me into a more effective leader by equipping me with skills in communication and advocacy for myself and my teammates. Additionally, I have developed a greater sense of self-discipline and self-confidence.
’26
ST. JOHN VIANNEY SCHOOL
Sofia
Campus Ministry
Notre Dame students engage in community service and social justice advocacy, participate in student-led liturgies, and are invited to attend grade-level retreats. With more than 70 student leaders, the Campus Ministry program continues to grow each year as we expand our interfaith partnerships and students explore their spirituality and strengthen their connection with God. Through various avenues, from peer ministry leadership to travel opportunities within the Notre Dame network of schools, students can deepen their faith, serve the community and broaden their spiritual exploration beyond their religious studies classes.
Being part of a Catholic school allows me to practice my faith through education, reminding me of its importance in my life. The missiondriven community was welcoming and encouraging, helping me understand how Catholic identity inspires advocacy and service. Notre Dame’s Catholic Identity has transformed my perspective on classmates and teachers as we collectively support one another through spiritual experiences.
’27
MERRYHILL SCHOOL
Robotics: The Janksters
With the support of two coaches and 15 mentors, The Janksters, also known as FRC Team 1967, work in a state-ofthe-art engineering lab to construct a student-built robot that competes locally and nationally. The team is made up of over 70 students and 4 committees – electronics, business, mechanical and programming – allowing students to explore a variety of facets of engineering and business.
During the past academic year, the Janksters earned an array of honors and awards, including:
• 2024 Silicon Valley Regional (Semifinalists) Spirit Award & Dean’s List Finalist
• 2025 Contra Costa Regional (Semifinalists) Autonomous Award
• 2025 Northern California Robotics Invitational (Quarterfinalists) Engineering Inspiration Award
• 2025 Silicon Valley Regional (Quarterfinalists) Spirit Award
Performing Arts
At Notre Dame, the arts aren’t just an activity – they’re a launching pad for confidence, creativity, and leadership. With over 50 performances and exhibitions each year, students in drama, choir, music, dance, and technical theater programs take center stage – designing, directing, choreographing, and performing.
THEATER & TECHNICAL THEATER
Hands-on learning with professional designers gives students real-world experience in set design, lighting, sound, makeup, costumes, stage management, and more. Through our Arts Business & Marketing program, students explore video production, advertising, and creative entrepreneurship. Theater students enjoy field trips, overnight festivals, and partnerships with professional venues like City Lights Theater, Cirque du Soleil, the Hammer Theater, Teatro Visión, and 3Below.
DANCE
Our dance students have opportunities to participate in major performances on and off campus. The program supports skill development in various dance styles, fostering technical, creative, and collaborative growth. Leadership opportunities are available through the National Honor Society for Dance Arts, as well as event planning and campus roles such as assistant choreographers, dance captains, and student choreographers.
CHOIR & BAND
Our music program provides diverse ensembles for all experience levels, where vocalists and musicians expand their skills and knowledge at numerous performances throughout the year and collaborate with peer schools.
• Regent Harmonies
This inclusive choir focuses on vocal technique and community with multiple performances.
• Fleurs du Soleil
Students audition for our advanced choir exploring various styles with year-round performances.
• Chamber Ensemble & Jazz Combo
Students of all levels collaborate and deliver two concerts each fall.
• Pit Orchestra
A small but mighty cohort performs as the backing band for our spring musicals.
• Symphonic Band
This group combines with a string ensemble for performances and school events.
• Music Ministry
Open to all voices/instruments, this ensemble emphasizes service and liturgical music.
Speech & Debate
Notre Dame’s Speech & Debate program promotes intellectual growth, communication, and leadership skills through competitive scholastic events. With over 100 students participating, Notre Dame’s nationally recognized program competes in more than 40 tournaments each season, including:
• 10+ Consecutive Years of qualification to the California State Tournament
• State Champions – Public Forum Debate
• Tournament of Champions Qualifiers
• National Runner-Up – Informative Speaking
• Prestigious Invitationals – Stanford, UC Berkeley (Cal), James Logan, Alta Silver & Black
• National-Level Competitions – NSDA Nationals, NCFL Nationals, and Tournament of Champions (TOC) Qualifying Events
• Model UN Conferences – BearMUN, SCVMUN, Dartmouth MUN, and NorCal MUN
Once you develop that confidence, you start to see how much it helps in your classes, relationships, and really, in all areas of life.
Student Leadership
Providing access and opportunities for students to develop their leadership skills is fundamental to our mission as the Center for Women’s Leadership in San Jose. Our student leadership program features over 400 positions in all areas of interest, along with formal leadership training for all students during their sophomore year. Student leaders are provided with dedicated time in their weekly schedules to focus on enhancing their skills.
Clubs & Interest Groups
Notre Dame offers a diverse range of clubs and interest groups for students, including cultural, community service, and special interest clubs. Unlike other schools, these clubs meet during lunch, allowing participation in after-school activities like athletics and performing arts. With 43 active groups, there’s an opportunity for everyone to celebrate the diverse backgrounds and talents of our student population. If they can’t find the affinity they’re looking for, students can also create their own group!
A Lifetime Investment
Enrolling at Notre Dame is more than a choice — it’s a transformative investment in the future, fostering growth within a nurturing and faith-filled community.
Notre Dame’s community not only provides an exceptional college preparatory education but also supports the development of the whole person.
Named the #1 Catholic High School in Santa Clara County by Niche, Notre Dame will prepare your child for a successful future. Notre Dame’s 99% annual retention rate reflects the deep satisfaction of our community and the impactful education and experiences Notre Dame provides for students.
Recognizing the importance of accessibility, our Board of Directors and Administration are dedicated to making a highquality Catholic education attainable. In fact, 25% of Notre Dame families benefit from tuition assistance each year, ensuring that mission-aligned students from diverse backgrounds can be part of the Notre Dame community.
$27,500 tuition for 2025-2026 school year 99% annual student retention rate 25% of families benefit from tuition assistance
Applying to Notre Dame San Jose
Our admissions team aims to see each applicant as a whole person, considering their academic strengths, character, values, and interests. We evaluate applicants based on academic readiness and how well they align with our mission, recognizing that a student is more than just data points.
To empower our prospective students, we offer flexibility in application requirements through our test-optional admissions process. Students can either take the High School Placement Test (HSPT) or submit an academic work sample that showcases their academic strengths and readiness for high school.
During the application process, applicants will submit materials in three categories:
ACADEMIC: Demonstrating academic strengths and high school readiness.
PERSONAL: Providing insight into the student’s character, interests, and values.
FAMILY: Acknowledging the family’s role as partners in the student’s education.
We offer various ways for students and their families to connect with Notre Dame and learn more about us. For details about our fall events, application process, and the Notre Dame experience, you can:
• VISIT OUR WEBSITE www.ndsj.org/admissions
• CONTACT THE ADMISSIONS TEAM ndadmissions@ndsj.org or (408) 294-1113 ext. 2165
• CONNECT WITH A ND STUDENT studentambassadors@ndsj.org
• FIND US ON RAVENNA!
One thing that really stands out to me about ND’s academic experience is the emphasis on trying new things and being authentically you. I think high school is such an important time to find yourself and ND gives that opportunity. I felt that I could try and participate in lots of different things so now I know what I want to pursue in college.
Nina ’26
HERBERT HOOVER MIDDLE SCHOOL
I transferred to ND my sophomore year and I am so happy I did because, for the first time in my life, people smiled at me as I walked by, waved back, and invited me to sit with them without ever having met me! The energy at Notre Dame is focused on lifting ourselves up as a community, focusing on the achievements of all rather than the accomplishments of some. I chose ND because I saw who I wanted to be within the students, and I saw an environment where I finally felt like I belonged.
Tanvi ’27
CUPERTINO MIDDLE SCHOOL
I love how kind the Notre Dame teachers are. I feel like I’ve developed a genuine bond with so many of them, and I feel comfortable opening up and asking for help. I appreciate being able to talk to my teachers and get advice that I feel I wouldn’t find anywhere else.
Alex ’27
LEONARD HERMAN INTERMEDIATE SCHOOL
At Notre Dame, the girls’ environment fosters deep love and care within the student body. I’ve found it easier to express myself and be true to who I am, surrounded by other young women who empower one another. Learning to be myself without fear of judgment is a lesson I will carry through life, forever grateful to Notre Dame’s girls-centered environment for fostering growth.
Elina
’26
HOLY SPIRIT SCHOOL
My favorite part of ND is its holistic teaching and learning approach to better the future of ND students, which combines academic excellence with spiritual growth, community involvement, and personal development.
Tiana
’26
ST. MARY SCHOOL
Throughout elementary and middle school, I remember being scared to speak up and ask questions. When I came to ND, I was still scared at first, but as I grew comfortable, I realized that I could seek what I needed and get support from the rest of the students. They are sympathetic, kind, and understanding. By attending a school for girls, we’re able to grow together as people and draw strength from one another, building each other up.
Maryam ’27
GRANADA ISLAMIC SCHOOL
596 S. 2nd Street
San Jose, CA 95112
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