- Notre Dame Academy

20082009
AD MI S S I O Ns G U I D E
Notre Dame Academy
Hi ng h a m ,
Ma ssa c h u se t t s
G
OALS AN D
Objectives
A Notre Dame Academy graduate values
A Notre Dame Academy graduate sees herself
her personal growth as a Christian woman.
as a member of the global community and
· She will participate in a college preparatory program
and will be encouraged to participate in
co-curricular activities.
is aware of her responsibility to that community.
· She will be encouraged to develop her relationship
with God, self and others.
· She will develop leadership and communication skills.
· She will learn to set priorities, strive for personal excellence,
and achieve balance in her life.
· She will develop critical thinking skills, problem solving skills,
and media literacy skills.
· She will understand and appreciate the role of women in the
development of human history.
· She will recognize the importance of the involvement of the
NDA alumnae in the school community and will be prepared
to assume her responsibility as an active member of this network.
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· She will develop a social conscience through the
study of church and historical documents,
current world issues, and ethics.
· She will strengthen her social consciousness through participation
in a variety of service activities.
· She will learn to value the cultural and ethnic differences in the world.
· She will participate in the creation of a community that is
characterized by gospel values and the charism of Saint Julie.
Dear Prospective Student:
“Train up strong women. Let the foundations of their life be laid on solid,
practical faith…” These words of St. Julie, founder of the Sisters of Notre
Dame de Namur, inspire all that we do at Notre Dame Academy.
Our faculty is committed to challenging the intellect and forming
the heart of each young woman in the NDA school community.
They will guide you as you open your mind and heart to new ideas,
new relationships and new experiences. Through study, reflection and
community service, you will develop the skills necessary for college
study and life’s work.
Notre Dame Academy is looking for students who want to work hard
and try new experiences. We are looking for students who will share their
gifts and talents with the NDA community. NDA’s students come from
over 40 towns and schools. Together we benefit from the richness of our
unique community members.
Choosing the right high school for you is an important step in your
growth. This information guide, along with our viewbook, is designed
to provide you and your parents with information about the school, its
programs and opportunities. Our admissions director will be happy to
answer your questions and can be reached at (781) 749-5930, ext. 235.
Best wishes,
Notre Dame Academy was
founded in 1853 and for over
150 years NDA has made a
difference in the lives of young
women. Our tradition is long
and our heritage is rich.
What was true in 1853 is
still true today. NDA provides
a nurturing atmosphere for
young Christian women to
open their minds and hearts
to all that life holds. With a
strong formation in faith and
a college preparatory program,
the NDA graduate is prepared
to be a leader in the world
community. We are
proud of our past
and confident in
our future.
Sister Barbara A. Barry, SNDdeN ‘69
President
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P
R OFILE
School and Community:
Founded in 1853, Notre Dame Academy is a private, Catholic, college
preparatory school for young women sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de
Namur and is the oldest Catholic day academy for women in New England. Notre
Dame is located in a suburban community 15 miles south of Boston and is
accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Enrollment in
grades 9 through 12 is approximately 580 students, representing 40 communities.
Faculty:
Notre Dame Academy employs approximately 55 full time faculty, most of
whom hold Master’s or Doctoral degrees and state certification. Committed
to life-long learning, the faculty actively participates in various forms of
professional development. As role models for Christian living, faculty members
teach by example as they help the students develop a moral conscience. They
serve the community, side by side with the students, benefiting such programs
as Father Bill’s Place, the Walk for Hunger, and the Susan G. Komen Breast
Cancer Foundation, to name a few. The faculty is committed to helping each
student grow in her potential as a Christian woman.
Facilities:
Arts Center including Graphic Design Lab and Music Lab
900-Seat Auditorium
Cafeteria
Campus Ministry Center
Chapel
Gymnasium
Library/Media Center
Maribeth Merrigan Multi-Media Language Learning Center (Sony L9000)
Networked Computer Labs
Science Center including Carolyn Lynch Greenhouse
Tennis Courts
Track and Three Athletic Fields
Writing Center
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Library/Media Center:
The Notre Dame Academy Library/Media Center is staffed by two certified
library teachers and one part-time library assistant. The Center is open on school
days from 7:15 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. for class related instruction, individual reading and research, and wireless networked computer use. The LMC supports a
fully automated, curriculum-related collection of 14,000 books, 500 videos and
DVD’s and multimedia devices, including digital cameras, LCD projectors and
DVD players. The Center contains a mobile wireless laptop cart and desktop
networked computer workstations with internet access. The following databases
are available for faculty and student use: Science Online, Congressional Quarterly
Encyclopedia of American Government, the CQ Researcher Online, EBSCO Literary
Reference Center, Proquest Historical Newspapers, Infotrac (Onefile, Expanded Academic, Health Reference, General Business, General Reference, Gale Virtual, Academic Onefile, Biography Reference Center, and Contemporary Literary Criticism Select,
Educator’s Reference, Massachusetts History, New York Times), the Encyclopedia
Brittanica, Annals of America, World Data Analyst, Net Library, Elibrary, Proquest
and Newsbank. The LMC subscribes to sixty periodicals and nine newspapers.
Additionally, the school community has access to both black/white and color
copiers and printers. The Notre Dame Academy library teachers are members of
the Southeast Massachusetts Regional Library System (SEMLS), Massachusetts
School Library Media Association, the New England Educational Media Association, the Cooperative Library Association and the National Catholic Education
Association.
F
aith and
action
Advanced Placement Program:
Notre Dame Academy is dedicated to the ongoing development of the Advanced
Placement Program. Advanced Placement courses currently being offered include
English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Computer A, U.S. History, U.S. Government and
Politics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics B, French Language, Spanish Language,
Latin Literature, Music Theory, and Studio Art.
Graduation Requirements:
Each student must complete 24 credits including these minimum requirements:
Theology.......................................... 4 Social Studies............................... 3*
English ............................................ 4 Physical Education ....................... 1
Mathematics ................................... 3* Visual and Performing Arts...........1/2
Lab Science ..................................... 3* Computer/Technology Studies.....1/2
World Language............................... 3*
*Most students exceed this requirement.
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C
ourse
Offerings
Theology
English
Theology is required each year.
Courses are designed to help the
student grow personally and
spiritually, and to awaken in each
a sense of Christian community
and ethical values.
English is required each year
and includes the study of
literature, language, composition
and media technology.
Saint Julie Billiart and the Charism
of Notre Dame
Introduction to the Church and
the Scriptures
Moral Decision-Making
Just Choices*
Catholic Bioethics**
Adult Christianity
World of Books*
British Literature*
American Literary Tradition*
World Literature*
Advanced Placement Language
and Composition
Advanced Placement Literature
and Composition
English Elective
Introduction to Creative Writing
Mathematics
Social Studies
Math is required for three years,
although most students pursue four
years. All students are required to
complete Algebra I, Geometry
and Algebra II.
Social Studies is required for three .
years, with World History required in
the freshman year and United States
History required in the junior year.
Algebra I*
Geometry*
Algebra II*
Precalculus*
Trigonometry and Special Topics
Statistics and Discrete Mathematics
Statistics**
Calculus**
Advanced Placement Calculus AB
Advanced Placement Calculus BC
World History I
World History II*
Modern European History*
United States History*
Advanced Placement
United States History
World Affairs**
United States Government
Psychology
Advanced Placement
U.S. Government and Politics
Science
World Languages
Science is required for three years,
although most students pursue four
years.
Students are required to study the
same World Language during the
freshman, sophomore and junior
years. Most students pursue four
years of study.
Biology*
Chemistry*
Physics*
Anatomy and Physiology**
Environmental Science
Advanced Placement Biology
Advanced Placement Chemistry
Advanced Placement Physics B
Spanish I, II*, III*, IV*
Advanced Placement Spanish
French I, II*, III*, IV*, V**
Advanced Placement French
French Culture and Civilization**
Latin I, II*
Advanced Latin Studies* (Cycle A and B)
Advanced Placement Latin – Vergil
*Honors section available **Honors only
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Visual and
Performing Arts
Music
Advanced Placement Music Theory
Sophomores are required to
take Introduction to Visual and
Performing Arts with further
study available on an elective basis.
We encourage artistic pursuits to
help our students develop an
aesthetic awareness.
Music Electives
A Cappella Choir
Chamber Choir
Beginner Class Piano
Intermediate Class Piano
Instrumental Music Workshop
Music Theory I
Visual And Performing
ARTS Requirement
Introduction to Visual
and Performing Arts
Art
Studio Art
Independent Studio
Advanced Placement Art:
Drawing Portfolio
Advanced Placement Art:
2-D Portfolio
Advanced Placement Art:
3-D Portfolio
Ceramics and 3-D Design
Art Electives
Art Workshop I, II
Photography I, II
Painting
C
ULTIVAT E
respect
THEATER
Theatrical Arts Electives
Fall NDA Players
Spring NDA Players
Theatrical Arts Advanced
Festival Troupe
Computer/Technology
Studies
Elective courses are available which
will help prepare students for college
and business. Introduction to
Computer Applications is required
for all freshmen.
Global Financial Systems**
Introduction to Computer
Programming with Java**
Computer/Technology
Studies Requirement
Introduction to Computer
Applications
Computer/Technology
Studies Electives
Computer Design I, II
Business and
Personal Law
Personal Financial Management
Entrepreneurship for Women
Introduction to Web Page Design
Advanced Web Page Design
Advanced Computer Applications
Physical Education
Physical Education is required
each year.
Physical Education
Introduction to Weight Training
CPR/Standard First Aid
Interscholastic Sport
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G
G
uidan ce
Services
oodness
of God
The primary function of the Guidance Department at NDA is to assist students
in making the decisions that affect their education and to implement programs
to help students to achieve their full academic potential. Students are provided
with appropriate academic counseling, college and career information necessary
for effective decision making, and personal counseling as it relates to academic
performance.
Guidance Curriculum
Services include:
Future Planning through Self Assessment (Sophomores)
• Academic Advising
Students will begin a self assessment process by focusing on goal setting,
decision making and career information. They will be introduced to various
interest inventories, resume writing, summer opportunities and internships.
• College Advising
• Career Counseling
• Personal Counseling
Planning for High School Success (Freshmen)
Group sessions cover topics such as adjusting to high school, study skills,
time management, extracurricular activities, peer relationships, as well as an
introduction to guidance resources and services.
Planning for College Admission (Juniors)
Students are introduced to the college selection and admission process. Discussion
topics include selecting a college, admission testing, choosing a major, application
essays, college visits and interviews, and the financial aid process.
Senior Guidance Sessions (Seniors)
Students are given detailed information on the process of applying to college and
on the procedures used by Notre Dame Academy.
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C
ollege
Acceptances
One hundred percent of the Class of 2008 entered the four year college or
university of their choice upon graduation. The following is a sample of
institutions of higher education where Notre Dame students have been accepted in recent years.
Amherst College
Barnard College
Bates College
Boston College
Bowdoin College
Brown University
Colby College
College of the Holy Cross
College of William and Mary
Columbia University
Connecticut College
Cornell University
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Emmanuel College
Fairfield University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola College
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
Middlebury College
New York University
Northwestern University
Providence College
Rice University
Skidmore College
Stanford University
Stonehill College
Swarthmore College
Tufts University
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of Chicago
University of Michigan
University of North Carolina
at Chapel Hill
University of Notre Dame
University of Pennsylvania
University of Texas
University of Virginia
Vassar College
Villanova University
Wellesley College
Wesleyan University
Williams College
Yale University
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A
thletics
The Notre Dame Academy Athletic Department constantly strives to
maintain the championship spirit that has been established. Interscholastic
athletic programs currently being offered at the Academy include the
following.
Fall
Winter Spring
Cross Country Alpine Ski
Golf
Field Hockey Basketball Lacrosse
Soccer Gymnastics Sailing
Swimming Ice Hockey Softball
Volleyball Indoor Track and Field
Tennis
Track and Field
In 2007-2008, 72 percent of our student body participated in the athletic
program. Our staff of coaches supervises 35 different level teams including
freshman, junior varsity and varsity competitions. We also sponsor a varsity
cheerleading squad.
Athletes are encouraged toward athletic excellence, yet personal and team
development are of highest priority. The coaching staff at Notre Dame is
dedicated to the development of the whole student - physically, spiritually
and academically.
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C
o-curricular
Activities
Students are encouraged to explore their interests and hobbies through
Notre Dame’s wide array of clubs, organizations, visual and performing
arts programs, and travel opportunities. The following is a sample
of co-curricular activities offered at Notre Dame.
Clubs and Organizations
E
du cate
for life
Anime
Newspaper
Book Club
Peer Mentors
Campus Ministry
Science Club
Computer Team
Student Council
Creative Writing Club
Yearbook
Crew Club
Dance Team
Visual and
Performing Arts
Drama Club
Art Exhibits
Green Team
Concerts
Heritage Club
Drama Productions
Junior Classical League
Musical Productions
Key Club
Oratorical Contests
Language Honor Societies
World as Classroom
Math Team
Model Congress
Model United Nations
National Honor Society
NDAid
Close-Up Washington, D.C.
Montreal and Quebec Tour
Italy Tour
France Homestay Program
Spain Homestay Program
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A
dmission ,
finan cial a s s i s tan ce
a n d Tu i t i o n
All eighth grade students and ninth or tenth grade transfer students are
encouraged to apply. Applicants are accepted based upon previous school
records, recommendations of principals and teachers, and entrance exam results.
The application process for grade nine is as follows.
1. Visit Notre Dame Academy at our October 19th or November 6th open houses.
2. Register for the Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT) at the October
open house or download a test registration form online at www.ndahingham.com.
The test may be taken at any one of the high schools within the Archdiocese of
Boston. Scores may be sent to as many as five high schools for the one testing fee
of $25.00.
3. Take the Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT) on November 15th
or December 13th. (Test results will be mailed directly to the applicants from the
Scholastic Testing Service during the first week of January.)
C
4. Complete the Notre Dame three-part application for admission, which includes
an application form, a hand-written essay and an application fee of $30.00. The
application form may be submitted by mail or online. The application form, essay
and application fee must be submitted and/or postmarked to the Admissions
Office by December 1st. Checks may be made payable to Notre Dame Academy.
reate
communities
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5. Submit the enclosed transcript record form to the applicant’s guidance
counselor or eighth grade teacher. The form must be completed in its entirety,
and postmarked to the Admissions Office by December 1st.
6. Admissions decisions for the Class of 2013 will be mailed on February 2nd.
Applicants to grade ten and eleven should contact the Admissions Office prior
to April 1st for more information.
Financial Assistance
Financial Assistance comes in the form of scholarships, grants and financial aid.
Some scholarships and grants, including the Notre Dame Scholars scholarships,
are awarded at the time of acceptance. Other scholarships are available during a
student’s four years at NDA and are awarded based on an application process.
Notre Dame Academy has a limited amount of financial aid to offer to families
demonstrating need. To be able to assist as many families as possible, the financial
aid offered generally will not exceed fifty percent of the total tuition. The FACTS
Grant & Aid Assessment online site www.factstuitionaid.com is used to determine the extent of need.
Tuition
Notre Dame Academy seeks to enroll its most qualified applicants, regardless of
their financial circumstances. Thus, it has consciously sought to keep its tuition as
low as possible. Tuition does not, however, cover the full cost of providing quality
education. In fact, by virtue of the contributed services of the Sisters of Notre
Dame de Namur, and the efforts of the Office for Institutional Advancement, the
Academy provides indirect scholarships to each of its students.
Tuition for the 2008-2009 academic year is $13,800.00. Additionally, books cost
approximately $600.00. The Notre Dame uniform costs approximately $125.00.
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A
dmissions
Calendar
Freshman Admissions
Transfer Admissions for Sophomores and Juniors
October 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Open House I, Registration for November or December Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT)
October 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Open House I
November 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Open House II
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November 15, 8:30 a.m.
Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT)
December 1 Application, Seventh and Eighth Grade
Transcripts, and Recommendations
Postmarked to Admissions Office
December 13, 8:30 a.m. Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT)
February 2 Admissions Decisions Mailed
February 9, 7:00 p.m. Class of 2013 Reception
February 23 Class of 2013 Registration Postmark Deadline
February 28, 8:30 a.m. Class of 2013 Placement Exams for
Mathematics and World Language
May 14, 5:00 p.m. Class of 2013 Orientation and
Parent Orientation
November 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Open House II
April 1 Application, Transcripts (from Seventh Grade
to Present) and Recommendations Postmarked to Admissions Office
April and May Transfer Interviews Scheduled*
Early June Transfer Admissions Decisions Mailed
* Transfer applicants whose records indicate academic strength, and whose
applications and recommendations indicate good character and a desire to
attend the Academy are invited to interview with the Admissions Director.
Admissions decisions are sent by mail in June.
C
onne c t edness
to all
Directions
Notre Dame Academy is located at 1073 Main Street in Hingham. Take Route
3 to Exit 14 (Route 228 - Hingham). At the bottom of the exit, follow signs for
Hingham/Cohasset. Follow Route 228 north (straight) for approximately 1.5
miles. NDA is set back off the road on the left side. Its driveway is adjacent to
the Resurrection Church parking lot.
Notre Dame Academy admits students of any race, religion, color, national and ethnic
origin and does not discriminate in the administration of its educational policies,
admissions policies, scholarship programs and other school administered programs.
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Notre Dame Academy
1073 Main Street · Hingham, MA 02043
Phone: (781) 749-5930 · FAX: (781) 740-1683
www.ndahingham.com