Notre Dame High School Parent Brochure 2018

e c n e i r e p Ex

Look Inside 3-4

Why Notre Dame

5-8

Women’s Education

9-12

Catholic Tradition

13-16 College & Career Preparation 17-20

Access & Opportunity

21-24

Urban Landscape

25-28 The Notre Dame Experience

"Notre Dame is a diverse and welcoming community.

We get to know people from different backgrounds and begin to understand their perspective on life.

Notre Dame has taught me to always stand up for what I believe in, for myself and for others."

Kathleen '19 1

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Why

Notre Dame

Since 1851, Notre Dame has provided a distinctive Catholic, college-preparatory education for the young women of Silicon Valley. Building on a strong tradition of teaching students ‘what they need to know for life,’ Notre Dame educates today’s young women for leadership, global citizenship and socially-responsible entrepreneurship. Our rich urban landscape and innovative programs cultivate young women with strong voices who will bring intelligent compassion to their world — young women who become active leaders in our local, national and global communities.

I invite you to learn more about Notre Dame's history, strong and sustainable finances, leadership, programs and students. Visit our campus and witness the transformative impact of a Notre Dame education.

In Notre Dame,

Mary Beth Riley NCEA Catholic Secondary Schools Educational Excellence Award Silicon Valley Business Journal 100 Women of Influence

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YWCA Tribute to Women Award 2018

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Women's

Education

Educating young women who dream broadly about the future and are uniquely positioned to achieve those dreams is at the heart of the Notre Dame experience.

Studies have shown that students thrive in an all-girls environment. They are more confident, have higher career aspirations, and are more competitive and willing to take positive risks. Young women studying STEM subjects in an all-girls environment have been found to outperform their counterparts at co-educational schools. Additionally, such an environment fosters more meaningful relationships with teachers and mentors.

As the oldest all-girls school in the western United States, Notre Dame has an established history of providing education that develops young women of impact.

Through a program focused on developing leadership and critical thinking skills, complex problem-solving abilities and effective communication, our students are empowered to find their voice and use it to bring about the change they want to see in the world.

167

year tradition of educating women 5

16

faculty members

presented at regional and national

conferences last year

275

elected & selected leadership positions available to students on campus

8,000+

ALUMNAE NETWORK

6

Experiential Learning Our unique learning opportunities include global education, community partnerships, guest speakers and interdisciplinary field trips at each grade level.

Leadership Development Each student can develop her leadership skills and experience through exemplary curricular and co-curricular programs.

Technology as a Tool Our Bring Your Own Device program and educational technology empower student-centered learning and allow for global collaboration.

Personalized Support The size of our student body encourages personalization and ready access to faculty, mentors and counselors.

Academic Pathways Students can customize and specialize their learning in areas of interest.

Environment of Innovation Notre Dame develops the skill-set necessary for innovation in all individuals at every level of the organization, from administrators to teachers and students.

Learn more about our distinctive approach to women's education.

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View our flipbook at: www.ndsj.org/WomensEducation

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Tradition

At Notre Dame, we are developing women leaders for a more just world. Guided by the wisdom of Saint Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we have provided a relevant and challenging Catholic education for more than 167 years.

Notre Dame's Education for Justice and Leadership program defines the distinctive curriculum that forms young women for compassionate and socially-just leadership.

Rooted in our mission and call to provide experiences steeped in Catholic values, this commitment to educate towards goals of personal engagement, responsibility, stewardship, solidarity and advocacy requires purposeful integration of academic study and direct experience.

Under the direction of the campus ministry department, more than 127 student leaders help plan and implement Catholic liturgies as well as opportunities for meditation, reflection and prayer for students of all faiths.

Through our program, students at Notre

1

#

in Santa Clara County

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OPPORTUNITIES TO ENGAGE

with inter-faith guest speakers

100

%

OF STUDENTS

16,194

SERVED

Catholic

Catholic High School

HOURS

of community service with local agencies

78

Dame develop a strong spiritual core and sense of self as well as their individual perspective on social issues. As young women of service and impact, they take their place in the community, standing with, and speaking for, the marginalized.

$

61,204

equivalent in feminine products

DONATED OVER 3 YEARS THROUGH THE

Sister Project IN SUPPORT OF

Sacred Heart Community Center

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"Notre Dame emphasizes social justice through action and Catholic social teachings. Through religion classes and community service, ND guides us to see the injustices present in our world — both locally and globally — and then gives us the resources to take action."

Katie '19

Learn more about our Notre Dame Catholic tradition.

View our flipbook at: www.ndsj.org/CatholicTradition

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College & Career

Preparation

A Notre Dame education prepares today's young women for college degrees in emerging fields and encourages them to develop personal skills for a whole and healthy life.

Embracing Saint Julie's tenet to 'teach young women what they need to know for life,' Notre Dame guides students as they discern their individual path to success in a changing and increasingly challenging world.

Nationally, women represent 34% of practicing physicians, 19% of the U.S. Congress, 14% of executive officers and only 4% of S&P 500 company CEOs, even though they earn 60% of college degrees awarded each year. We are committed to increasing women’s leadership and engagement in careers and fields where they have been underrepresented and educating young women who will change those statistics. By leveraging the extensive life and career knowledge of our community partners, parents and alumnae, we provide unparalleled opportunities for our students to develop communication, decisionmaking, self-motivation and teamwork skills, all critical for 21st century success.

Notre Dame's Career & Life Success Program develops a life path beyond college for each student, empowering them to identify and nurture their individual gifts and talents as they explore opportunities for the future.

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CLASS of 2018

19

$

MILLION

MORE THAN

offered in scholarships to 165 students Students were accepted to an average of 5.25 colleges last year.

60

%

attending

college within California

40

%

attending

out-of-state colleges

15

100

%

of seniors who applied to colleges and universities were accepted

70

Class of 2018 are % the matriculating to one of of the students in

the Princeton Review’s

Best 381 Colleges

Most popular majors for the Class of 2018:

• Chemistry/Biology/Biochemistry • Psychology/Neuroscience • Engineering • Computer Science • Political Science/International Affairs • Arts • Business/Economics • Nursing • Environmental Science

OVER 3 YEARS Graduates matriuclated to schools that are:

56 Private 30% UC/CSU 7% CC or Gap 7% Out of State Public <1% International %

19

%

of graduates

matriculate to highly selective colleges (accepting 33% of students or less)

93% ND pass rate

SAT in Evidence Based Reading & Writing

695 ND Upper Quartile

616

ND Mean

513

Nat'l Mean

SAT in Math

667 ND Upper Quartile

604

ND Mean

511

Nat'l Mean

adjusted to 2017 base scoring

for Advanced Placement tests

Learn more about our commitment to college and career preparation.

View our flipbook at: www.ndsj.org/CollegeAndCareerPreparation

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Access &

Opportunity

Notre Dame's rich program offerings and smaller student body translate to more opportunities for students. Our focus is on engaged learning, every day and for every student.

ATHLETICS

CAMPUS MINISTRY

Six co-curricular programs, more than 30 different clubs and organizations and a rich global education program provide students

GLOBAL EDUCATION

with myriad opportunities on and off campus.

Over the last two years, 17 justice, leadership and cultural immersion trips have taken students to destinations around the world.

Through these experiences, students learn to work with diverse populations in a variety of

ROBOTICS

settings to build global perspective, cultural competency and cultural fluency.

On campus, Notre Dame co-curricular offerings are led by adults with area expertise who provide guidance and structure while allowing students to learn by doing and experiencing rather than simply watching.

SPEECH & DEBATE

Students are encouraged to step out of their comfort zone and try something new. They are empowered to create and build and, if they fail, try again. This unique approach cultivates resilience, builds hands-on skills and helps students develop a growth mindset,

STUDENT LEADERSHIP

understanding that learning is a process without limits or preconceived boundaries.

Our young women develop voice and experience in an empowering environment.

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VISUAL & PERFORMING ARTS

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"I have played lacrosse since freshman year. It has really helped build my confidence and ability to lead others.

My team has become a family and that sense of 'family' is what makes me want to participate every year.

Each season I develop a new aspect of my leadership skills, which have improved tremendously."

Julieta '19

Learn more about our wide variety of co-curricular opportunities.

View our flipbook at: www.ndsj.org/AccessAndOpportunity

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Urban

Landscape

A Notre Dame education extends well beyond the footprint of our downtown campus, out into the tenth largest city in the United States and the thriving center of Silicon Valley.

Classes regularly visit historic landmarks, civic and political organizations, and culturallyrich communities within walking distance of campus. Recognized as the most diverse private school in Santa Clara County for the past two years, Notre Dame prepares students for careers in an increasingly global society. In addition, studies have shown that diverse learning environments lead to better critical thinking and problem solving skills.

Our location in the SoFA district provides students with easy access to the art and culture center of San Jose. Classroom learning across the curriculum is applied in real-world contexts through visits to our local neighbors including the Martin Luther King Jr. Library, Guadalupe River Park, the Tech Museum and San Jose State University.

These are just a few of the rich resources that provide opportunities for faculty to empower students to think critically and creatively about the world around them.

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71 22 downtown doors feature ND student art

320

3 & 12 museums galleries places of 14 worship

professional theaters

families carpool to campus

families easily access campus from

65

ZIP CODES

32

downtown destinations WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE

walking field trips to

Learn more about the benefits of education in a downtown setting.

View our flipbook at: www.ndsj.org/UrbanLandscape

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Notre Dame

Experience

Sisterhood, diversity and joy are evident at Notre Dame every day. This unique spirit began with the two women from very different backgrounds who founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

They appeared to have so little in common.

Julie Billiart’s family was considered peasant stock. Françoise Blin de Bourdon was a member of the aristocracy. Although it was not immediate, a deep friendship developed between these two women whose lives were so different. Together they founded the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the sponsoring community of Notre Dame High School.

The sisterhood they shared is replicated at Notre Dame every day. Through activities that have become well-loved traditions, students develop strong bonds of friendship.

It begins with the freshman sleepover, where the class chooses the colors and mascot that will identify them throughout their four years at Notre Dame. The friendships that begin forming are strengthened each year through class color days, retreats, events and everyone’s favorite, Spirit Week!

After graduation, students continue the experience of sisterhood by being part of the oldest women's alumnae association in California, creating the opportunity for networking and life-long relationships.

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"Notre Dame High School offers so much more than just a diploma to its students â&#x20AC;&#x201D; it is a springboard to a better future"

Maeve '21

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Find yourself at ND

OPEN HOUSE: Saturday, October 20, 2018 10:00am to 1:00pm

8TH GRADE DAY: Monday, November 12, 2018 8:00am to 12:00pm

SHADOW VISITS: For 8th graders from September through December

PLACEMENT TESTS: Saturday, January 12, 2019 Saturday, January 26, 2019

APPLICATION DUE: Wednesday, January 9, 2019

7TH GRADE PREVIEW AFTERNOONS: April 2019 To register for events and apply online, visit:

Notre Dame AT A GLANCE:

10:1 student to faculty ratio

35

+

640

student clubs & interest groups meet at lunch

24

average class size

29

Honors & AP courses

FOLLOW US

www.ndsj.org/admissions

@notredamesj

for campus updates and student accomplishments

Mission Statement Notre Dame High School, in the heart of downtown San Jose since 1851, provides young women an exemplary Catholic, collegepreparatory education to become life-long 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 â&#x20AC;&#x153;teach them what they need to know for life.â&#x20AC;?

596 S. 2nd Street San Jose, CA 95112 408-294-1113

www.ndsj.org