Notre Dame High School Admissions Brochure

The Notre Dame Experience ADMISSIONS BROCHURE 2020-21

01 | www.ndsj.org

Contents Why Notre Dame Tradition Meets Innovation Women of Impact Urban Landscape The Notre Dame Experience

03 07 19 33 41

From the beginning, students are encouraged to take risks and try new things, understanding that only then will we be able to find our passion. Our diverse population helps students become well-rounded and accepting through the friendships, acquaintances and bonds we form with one another. In this community, no one asks for perfection, rather, we ask for growth."

Elysse '23 www.ndsj.org | 02

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. The foundation provided by the Hallmarks of a Notre Dame learning community grounds our work in a commitment to holistic education, the dignity of all people and action on behalf of social justice. 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. We further commit to that vision with the addition of the Center for Women’s Leadership on our campus, a classroom building with learning labs, a center for career and life success, and a meditation space to promote spiritual growth.

I invite you to learn more about Notre Dame's unique history, sustainable finances, distinctive programs and impressive students.

Witness the transformative impact of the Notre Dame experience.

In Notre Dame,

Mary Beth Riley Principal

03 | www.ndsj.org

www.ndsj.org | 04

One of my favorite memories each year is Spirit Week, a time of celebration when students can express their ND and class spirit. We have a different dress-up theme every day and school rally every day after class. Spirit Week reminds me of the strong ND community that I'm a part of and allows me to appreciate all the friends I've made."

Layla '22

05 | www.ndsj.org

Notre Dame 23

34

30

6

average class size

Honors & AP courses

at a glance

student clubs & interest groups meet at lunch

co-curricular programs offered after school

Top Reasons Parents

choose to send their daughter to Notre Dame • Academics • Opportunities for development of career and life skills • Innovative learning environment • Leadership opportunities • Safe environment • Daughter's choice

Top Reasons Seniors love their Notre Dame experience • Personal support • Challenging classes • Grade-level bonding • Clubs and activities • Leadership opportunities • Use of technology

www.ndsj.org | 06

07 | Tradition Meets Innovation | www.ndsj.org

Tradition

Meets Innovation

Tradition

Meets Innovation

Notre Dame embodies both tradition and innovation, celebrating our rich Catholic legacy while providing a relevant education that cultivates leadership for excellence and social justice needed in the 21st century.

Integrated learning across the curriculum, experiential field trips out into our urban community and beyond, state-of-the-art equipment and faculty recognized for innovation in education contribute to the distinctive programming that defines a Notre Dame education.

Our culture of innovation also ensures that a Notre Dame education remains relevant in a rapidly changing landscape. Students, and their teachers, are encouraged to generate ideas and formulate solutions to challenges facing our learning community as well as our local and global community.

I have attended a variety of cohorts for STEAM and I learned about many things that are being used in technology today. One woman spoke about artificial intelligence, which is a subject that I am deeply interested in learning more about. She spoke about how it's part of her job and helped me learn more about the subject with an intriguing presentation. I love being able to attend the STEAM speaker series because they help me learn more in areas that I want to study in the future."

Raiya'21

09 | Tradition Meets Innovation | www.ndsj.org

169

RELEVANT CURRICULUM Notre Dame's curriculum challenges students to apply learned concepts and skills to real-world, complex situations.

year tradition of educating women

100+ STATE OF THE ART

GUEST SPEAKERS

EQUIPMENT

A diverse group of speakers provide

Students benefit from state-

students with examples of the working

of-the-art technology and

application of topics learned in

equipment including 3-D printers,

class as well as personal experience.

gel electrophoresis equipment,

Science speakers, ND Reads and

3-D bioprinters and a Polymerase

other authors, Holocaust survivors and

Chain Reaction (PCR) thermo

college admissions deans regularly

cycler.

meet with our students.

INTEGRATED HUMANITIES

RESEARCH & APPLICATION

English, history and religious studies

Notre Dame's Independent

courses are integrated at each

Science Research Program

grade level. Studying topics through

provides students with an

multiple lenses fosters increased

opportunity to conduct in-

comprehension and a broader

depth research into the topic of

perspective on issues facing our

their choice and present their

global community.

findings at local and national

collegepreparatory courses offered

LAST YEAR

123

on-campus professional development hours to support innovative teaching

8,500+

alumni network

conferences.

www.ndsj.org | Tradition Meets Innovation | 10

The Catholic learning community at Notre Dame is inclusive. Faith plays an important role in all of our lives. In addition to regular religion classes, we have liturgies at the Cathedral Basilica in downtown San Jose. It's a beautiful experience and I find these liturgies to be a powerful way to share our faith."

Addie '21

11 | Tradition Meets Innovation | www.ndsj.org

Catholic Tradition At Notre Dame, we develop spiritually-grounded young women.

Guided by the wisdom of Saint Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we have provided a challenging Catholic education for more than 169 years.

Through our program, students at Notre Dame develop a strong spiritual core and sense of self as well as their individual perspective on social issues. Under the direction of the religious studies and campus ministry faculty, students engage in thteir journey through theological inquiry and spiritual practice. More than 100 student leaders help plan and implement Catholic liturgies as well as opportunities for meditation, reflection and prayer for students of all faiths. All students take religious studies courses, participate in spiritual retreats and serve at local agencies in the community. On average, seventy-seven percent of students exceed their community service-learning requirement.

As young women of service and impact, they are spiritual seekers and justice advocates who take their place as community leaders.

TOP 10

Catholic High School in the state of California

100%

of students participate in campus ministry programs and

3 consecutive years

125+

leadership positions available through campus ministry

religious studies classes

GRADE-LEVEL COMMUNITY SERVICE

9th

Service with women and children

10th

Serving marginalized or vulnerable populations

11th

Serving our local communities

12th

Students select issues to address and communities to serve

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Distinctive Program: Education for Justice & Leadership Core themes and grade-level experiential learning opportunities are integral components of our Education for Justice & Leadership program. They reinforce our graduation outcomes and empower young women to see themselves as life-long learners, spiritual seekers, justice advocates and community leaders.

GRADE-LEVEL TRIPS

9th th • 9 th • 10 th • 10 th • 11 th • 12 •

One of Notre Dame's many innovative approaches is its integrated humanities which helps me learn about events from different perspectives.

For example, we learned about the Holocaust in my English, religion and history

Japantown Guadalupe River Park Conservatory DeYoung Museum & Legion of Honor Contemporary Jewish Museum Angel Island Local non-profit organizations

classes. I was able to gain

CORE THEMES

a holistic understanding

• Personal Engagement & Responsibility: Each student is called to

of this tragic event, which

participate in her own growth and in the building of her community

will help me become an

by utilizing her gifts, talents, skills and interests. Her participation and

educated upstander and

engagement reflects her developing responsibility for herself and

global citizen. I feel more

her community.

confident that I can make a positive impact in the

• Stewardship: Each student is called to lovingly care for herself, her

greater world community

community and all of creation. In acts of service, she demonstrates

by having a better

her response to the needs of the world.

understanding of significant events that still have an impact on our lives today."

Emma'22

• Solidarity: Each student is called to be present to the life, experience, and needs of others, especially those in the most vulnerable places. In these moments of solidarity, she offers loving companionship and demonstrates her commitment to the common good.

• Advocacy: Each student is called to speak and work for social, ecological, sustainable, and just change. In these moments of advocacy, she gives voice to the voiceless.

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ND READS Notre Dame's ND Reads program, now in its 14th year, brings the community together for learning and conversation around issues and topics that affect us all, locally and globally. In addition to reading the book and discussing underlying themes across the integrated school program, students and the community meet the author during a campus visit in the fall.

HANDS-ON LEARNING EXPERIENCES Students experience the core themes of Notre Dame's Education for Justice & Leadership program through a variety of projects over their four years, including:

Upstander Memorial

Poverty Simulation

Civic Hackathon

This culminating assessment of

Facilitated by Catholic

As part of the junior

the sophomore Education for

Charities of Santa Clara

year curriculum, all

Justice & Leadership program

County's Step Up Silicon

students use design

asks students to construct

Valley program, this

thinking skills to

a 3-D memorial to a person

simulation explores themes

prototype solutions to

or group affected by the

of stewardship, solidarity and

address civic issues.

Holocaust.

advocacy.

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Evidence-Based Practices OUR LEARNING & ASSESSMENT MODEL Notre Dame's learning and assessment model includes varied, on-going assessments that allow for continuous, effective feedback and enhance learning without the stress of traditional finals. Notre Dame's learning and assessment model: • promotes learning rather than memorization • supports student wellness • develops skills alongside content • aligns with emerging trends in universities • blends traditional assessments with current best practices Notre Dame provides an

CHOICES & SPECIALIZATION

innovative emphasis on learning in areas that are

Counselors support each student in selecting from our 100+ college-

often dictated by rote

preparatory courses. Specialization is also provided to allow students

memorization. In place of

to focus course work in "pathways" of interest.

a traditional finals week, we are given a variety of

• Accelerated Pathway: Highly motivated students with capacity for

projects and assessments

further scholastic challenge can enroll in one or more of 30 Advanced

that require us to apply

Placement and Honors coursesoffered at Notre Dame.

what we've learned over

• STEAM Pathway: Science, Technol ogy, Engineering, Arts and

the year. Notre Dame

Mathematics (STEAM) blends a focus on STEAM with the unique

also hosts demos and

location of Notre Dame in the SoFA arts district of downtown San Jose.

workshops in collaboration with local organizations

• Visual & Performing Arts Pathway: Students interested in the arts can

where we learn more about

explore content and hands-on learning opportunities that position

real-world applications.

student artists to pursue the arts in college and beyond.

In my trigonometry class, • Social Justice Pathway: Students wanting to dive deeper into issues

I designed a structure to transport water from a tank

of justice and advocacy can focus along this pathway through a

into a cup with the help

combination of classes, co-curricular activities, service and travel.

of Santa Clara University engineering students.

This project let us see how engineering and

98%

mathematics are used to create the infrastructure we use daily."

Sandhya'21

of students report that ND has a strong sense of learning and achievement*

98%

of current students feel that ND meets or exceeds their learning needs*

99%

of students believe ND’s academic program requires a high degree of learning rigor*

100%

of surveyed alumni report feeling academically prepared for college

*2018 Notre Dame WCEA student survey data

15 | Tradition Meets Innovation | www.ndsj.org

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

11:1

student-to-faculty ratio

Notre Dame provides a unique academic approach by using

100%

of faculty host office hours and resource periods to support students

flipped classrooms.

Instead of listening to a

AN AVERAGE OF

22

students form each mentoring group that stays together for all four years under the leadership of a faculty member

lecture in the traditional way, and finishing problems at home, in my Trig/Pre-calc Honors class, we listen to video

150+

college and university representatives visit the Notre Dame campus each year to meet with prospective students

lectures at home and solve problems in the classroom. This way, we are able to ask the teacher for help on any of the hard math problems and work collaboratively to deepen our learning."

Shirlene'21

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Life-long Network Yesterday. Today. Tomorrow.

200

+

alumni visit campus for networking events with current students

NOTRE DAME IS ONE OF

120

schools in a global network sponsored across

5

continents by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

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19 | Women of Impact | www.ndsj.org

Women

of Impact

Women

of Impact

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 STEAM 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.

One of my favorite memories is being part of the Woman's Place Project (WPP).

Through the deep research and writing components, I was able to honor a woman that inspired me as a person and as a future influential woman. The WPP brought me together with my class and also helped me learn about myself on a deeper level. It also allowed me to show my creative side and my analytical side too."

Alyssa '22 21 | Women of Impact | www.ndsj.org

SENIOR CAPSTONE PROJECT The Senior Service Learning Project (SSLP) integrates a Notre Dame student’s curricular and co-curricular learning across her four years. Through this project, students gain an understanding that service is transformational — for the community served as well as the student.

FIRST GENERATION TO COLLEGE (FG2C)

RACE, EQUITY & INCLUSION

Notre Dame's First Generation to

Notre Dame High School and the

College Program provides students

Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur

who will be the first in their family to

commit to working to make our

attend college, and their parents,

learning community inclusive and

with assistance in navigating the road

equitable for all and ensuring that

to a college education and helps

diverse voices are amplified in

students explore career possibilities.

every aspect of our program.

100

%

90%

of students believe there are leadership opportunities available to all students at Notre Dame

326

elected and selected leadership positions available

Most popular majors for THE CLASS OF 2020:

• Chemistry/Biology/Biochem • Business/Economics • Visual/Performing Arts

of seniors who applied

• Psychology/Cognitive Science/Neuroscience

were accepted

• Engineering

• Nursing

to colleges and

• Political Science/ International Affairs

• Environmental Science

universities

MORE THAN

• Computer Science

In their freshman year,

Notre Dame advances

At the Young

all students undertake

women's leadership

Women’s Advocacy

the interdisciplinary

by honoring women of

Summit, attended by

study of the strength

impact and creating

local politicians and

and contributions of

space for them to

community members,

women across time,

engage with our

seniors advocate

culture and industry,

students.

on behalf of the

each honoring an

organizations they

individual woman.

served through their

320+

on and offcampus opportunities for students to showcase talents

SSLP.

www.ndsj.org | Women of Impact | 22

35%

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

168 college representatives visited campus last year

23 | Women of Impact | www.ndsj.org

75%

of the Class of 2020 students are matriculating to one of the schools on the Princeton Review’s

LIST OF BEST COLLEGES

400+

students have participated in Notre Dame's nationally recognized College Application Prep Class

42%

of Notre Dame applicants were accepted to UC colleges compared to 36% nationally

1:1 college counseling support for all juniors and seniors and their families

Graduates matriculated to schools that are: • 48% Private • 28% UC/CSU • 10% Out of State Public • 8% Community College • 3% International • 3% Gap Year

94

%

of ND students passed one or more Advanced Placement tests

MORE THAN

15

+

events featuring local and national college admissions experts hosted by Notre Dame's college counseling department

16m

$

offered in scholarships to 154 students

SAT scores for the Class of 2019 Reading & Writing

710 ND Upper Quartile

647

ND Mean

536

National Mean

Math

730 ND Upper Quartile

640

ND Mean

531

National Mean

www.ndsj.org | Women of Impact | 24

Through Notre Dame's many co-curricular programs students are able to develop a sense of leadership and learn how to work collaboratively with their peers. Notre Dame's leadership roles range from large to small commitments, so it is easy for all students to get involved with the school."

Haley '23

25 | Women of Impact | www.ndsj.org

6

co-curriculars

34

clubs & organizations

Athletics Students have access to 10 sports and 17 teams, as well as year-long strength and conditioning

Campus Ministry 100% of students participate in service, retreats and liturgies

Robotics Four committees form 1 team with 20 coaches and 10 corporate sponsors

Speech & Debate Students participate in approximately 30 tournaments hosted locally, regionally and nationally

Student Leadership Our program includes formal leadership training for all students in their sophomore year

Visual & Performing Arts On average, students participate in more than 50 performances and exhibits on and off-campus

www.ndsj.org | Women of Impact | 26

Center for Women's Leadership Our newest campus building is filled with opportunity for future women of impact: to innovate in an open-lab environment, to chart a path towards career and life work, to consider what it means to be Catholic in the 21st century.

Young women walk through our doors every day with unique hopes, ambitions and dreams. At Notre Dame, they grow as leaders, flourish as students and develop as advocates. The Center For Women’s Leadership reflects our commitment to a campus without borders, welcoming the community in and encouraging students to navigate out.

Notre Dame is a recognized leader in integrating academic learning with the real world. The Center for Women's Leadership provides flexible, interdisciplinary space that encourages students to explore diverse interests and discover new passions.

Within designated sacred spaces, students are encouraged to ask the hard questions and travel along a personal spiritual journey. As graduates they will be ready to step into the world as leaders who understand the need for reflection and promote common respect.

Having been part of the Woman's Place Project, the Women of Impact luncheon, and the groundbreaking for the Center for Women’s Leadership, I aspire to be one of those women who make an impact on our society. Ultimately I believe that all of the courses I take have opened my eyes to the issues present in society today and have made me, and so many others, passionate and empowered advocates."

Madeleine '21 27 | Women of Impact | www.ndsj.org

www.ndsj.org | Women of Impact | 28

Distinctive Program: Career & Life Success Notre Dame's Career & Life Success Program creates learning experiences that take students beyond the walls of the traditional classroom. The program prepares young women for life beyond college by empowering them to identify and nurture their individual gifts and talents as they explore opportunities for future career and life success.

EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING Our unique learning opportunities include community Notre Dame has an amazing

partnerships, guest speakers and interdisciplinary field

program for career and life

trips at each grade level.

success. There are so many workshops, from learning how to change a tire to able to take the calligraphy

10 ESSENTIAL SKILLS FOR CAREER & LIFE SUCCESS

one and learn more about

Notre Dame's ten career and life skills are integrated

art and handwriting. My

throughout the curriculum:

social media etiquette. I was

sister took knitting. Both of us really enjoyed them and implement the skills in our everyday lives."

Dora '23

29 | Women of Impact | www.ndsj.org

•

Adaptability

•

Collaboration

•

Communication

•

Critical & creative thinking

•

Cultural competency

•

Discernment

•

Personal efficacy

•

Philanthropy

•

Solution-finding

•

Wholeness

LIFE SKILLS WORKSHOPS

INTERNSHIPS

As part of our mission to

a hands-on opportunity

teach young women 'what they need to know for life,' Notre Dame offers a series of workshops that focus on building life skills - from changing a tire to cooking and budgeting.

Internships offer students for career exploration and valuable workplace-readiness training. Students also see how their academic studies apply to the real world.

The experience makes them stronger candidates for college and jobs after graduation.

CAREER EXPLORATION Career development and networking opportunities allow students to learn about companies, industries and careers in a personal setting.

Students visit local companies and engage with industry professionals, building their network while exploring career options.

www.ndsj.org | Women of Impact | 30

Women-Centric Environment A place where women thrive.

2020 graduates recognize the value of meaningful opportunities and relationships:

98

%

agree that faculty/staff care about the welfare of all students

98

31 | Women of Impact | www.ndsj.org

%

agree that they learned to encounter real-world problems with collaboration, adaptability and resilience

www.ndsj.org | Women of Impact | 32

33 | Urban Landscape | www.ndsj.org

Urban

Landscape

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.

Classroom learning across the curriculum is applied in real-world contexts through visits to our local neighbors. Classes regularly visit historic landmarks, civic and political organizations, and culturally-rich communities within walking distance of campus including the Guadalupe River Park Conservancy, the Tech Interactive, Cathedral Basilica of Saint Joseph, the San JosĂŠ Museum of Art and San JosĂŠ State University. These are just a few of the resources that provide opportunities for faculty to empower students to think critically and creatively about the world around them.

Recognized as the most diverse private school in Santa Clara County for the past three 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.

One of my favorite aspects of Notre Dame is the school's downtown location. Not only is it a great place to hang out after school, but teachers also incorporate field trips to different downtown locations to enhance our learning. In my Spanish class this year, we visited the MLK's Dia de los Muertos exhibit to learn about culture and perspectives on that holiday."

Shirene '23 35 | Urban Landscape | www.ndsj.org

36

100

downtown doors have featured Notre Dame student art

%

PARTICIPATION

WITHIN WALKING DISTANCE

CITY AS A CLASSROOM

3

Under the guidance of teachers, every student experiences hands-on, real-world learning through the cultural and educational resources

professional theaters

available within walking distance of campus.

12

museums & galleries

14 PARTNERSHIPS

CONFIDENCE

Through an exclusive

Students navigate and explore

arrangement with San JosĂŠ State

the city and its abundant

University, our students can take

resources through a variety of

full advantage of resources

experiences. The outcome is a

typically available only to college

young woman with life-skills and

students.

self-confidence.

places of worship

ON AVERAGE

67

walking field trips to

23

downtown destinations

ACCESSING CAMPUS

330

families carpool to campus

68

different zipcodes

4

ND shuttles run daily to/from the Diridon station & campus

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Downtown Neighbors Notre Dame's 151 Individual Program Partners, 121 Community Partner Organizations and downtown neighbors provide myriad opportunities for education, internships, job shadows and career experiences.

Our location in the SoFA district provides students with easy access to the art and culture center of San Jose as well as partnerships that extend into the downtown core.

Career development and networking opportunities allow students to learn about companies, industries and careers. Students visit local companies and engage with industry professionals, building their network while exploring career options.

Job shadows pair students with business professionals in the workplace. Through hands-on projects that link skills with academic learning, students develop an awareness of the educational and technical skills required for entry and advancement in business.

37 | Urban Landscape | www.ndsj.org

Global Citizenship Concepts studied in classes extend into the world through guided travel and reflection.

National Coastal Plunges Increase environmental justice awareness and rebuild communities — recent locations include the central coast and New Orleans

Urban Plunges Combine social justice and urbanism — recent locations have included Silicon Valley, East LA and the San Francisco Tenderloin

Being a global citizen is important because we think critically about what is equitable and minimizes

Advocacy Opportunities

harm to our world. We learn

Apply classroom learning to real-life challenges — recent

evaluating ethics and the

trips include the Ignatian Family Teach-in and visits to the

impact of our decisions."

state capitol and Berkeley

to become more skilled in

Emma '23

Global Citizenship Travel Combines cultural and language immersion for deeper understanding — recent trips include El Salvador, Tanzania and Costa Rica

Notre Dame Network Cultivates relationships with other Notre Dame communities — recent trips include Boston and Notre Dame Seishin in Japan

Service Learning Trips Provide student opportunities for global impact — recent locations include Mexico, Armenia and India

www.ndsj.org | Urban Landscape | 38

39 | Urban Landscape | www.ndsj.org

City as a Classroom Hands-On Learning in the Real World

8

full-day experiential learning opportunities each year

IN A TYPICAL YEAR STUDENTS EXPERIENCE

70

guest speakers

&

90

field trips

In addition to grade-level field trips, individual classes utilize walking field trips downtown for cultural exploration, extension through exhibits, job shadows and more.

www.ndsj.org | Urban Landscape | 40

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.

Notre Dame's environment is always so warm and friendly with great faculty and staff always there to support students. Being at an all-girls school allows young women to discover their true selves and become more confident.

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!

Notre Dame encourages

After graduation, students continue the experience of

students to take on

sisterhood by being part of the oldest alumni network

leadership roles and

in California, creating the opportunity for life-long

lead a life as a woman of

relationships.

impact, which is incredibly compelling to me."

Vanessa '21

41 | Notre Dame Experience | www.ndsj.org

www.ndsj.org | Notre Dame Experience | 42

43 | www.ndsj.org

Learning Models During COVID-19 Notre Dame's environment of innovation, which calls us to be agile and adapt to the changing landscape of education, allowed for a quick and successful transition to remote learning in the spring of 2020.

Based on educational research, feedback from focus groups and the work of a curriculum think tank, Notre Dame built a Flexible Learning Plan that allows the school community to respond quickly to the dynamic landscape. The plan includes three learning models — hybrid, remote and traditional.

•

Hybrid Learning Model: This model includes both in-person and remote learning happening concurrently. This enables teachers to move all students through the curriculum together regardless of platform.

•

Remote Learning Model: The delivery of instruction and assessment in this model are through online platforms only, providing flexibility for community members who are immunocompromised as well as shelter-inplace scenarios.

•

Traditional Learning Model: With this model in place, the entire student body is on campus at one time, allowing for delivery of all lessons in person.

All three learning models include a Flex Friday each week, allowing for signature experiential programs, guest speakers, mentoring sessions, club and leadership meetings, community-building events and campus ministry activities for each grade level while maintaining four days per week to focus on classroom instruction and student academic support.

Notre Dame has a well-established program and reputation for delivering high-quality academics. Regardless of learning model in place, we remain committed to providing an education that aligns with our mission and current educational research.

www.ndsj.org | 44

Admissions Requirements Notre Dame commits to the health and well-being of students. We understand that a student is more than a collection of data points.

Our admissions process strives to understand the whole person — their academic strengths, character, values and interests.

Research has evidenced biases within standardized testing as well as the overwhelming anxiety that it causes students. Ultimately, a standardized test score is not an accurate measure of student academic ability or potential.

Notre Dame's admissions process is test-optional, which allows students the choice to take the HSPT or to submit an academic sample of work that they feel demonstrates their ability and potential.

As part of the application process, each applicant will submit three portfolios: •

Academic Portfolio to demonstrate academic readiness and strengths.

•

Personal Portfolio that provides insight into the student's character, interests and values.

•

Family Portfolio that recognizes families as partners in their daughter's education.

Please register online for our virtual events during the fall to learn more about the application process and the Notre Dame experience.

To learn more, visit:

www.ndsj.org/admissions 45 | www.ndsj.org

I feel limitless at Notre Dame. I am grateful for the fact that I know that in whatever I do, my school community is always there to support me. This kind of support system, I believe, is what gives all of the students their confidence and creativity."

Mito '22

www.ndsj.org | 46

596 S. 2nd Street San Jose, CA 95112 Address service requested

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Mission

Statement

Notre Dame High School, in the heart of downtown San Jose since 1851, provides young women an exemplary Catholic, college-preparatory 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 “teach them what they need to know for life.”

FOLLOW US

@notredamesj for campus updates and student accomplishments