Academics  |  Courses  |  Admissions  | Tuition  |  Spiritual Life  |  Athletics

MISSION STATEMENT

Always keeping God and Family as our priority, Notre Dame Preparatory, a Diocesan Catholic high school, engages in the formation of students by integrating faith in a college preparatory curriculum, promoting academic excellence, moral values, and lifelong service.

PHILOSOPHY

Consistent with our Gospel values, Notre Dame is committed to the education of the whole person.  Our purpose is to provide a learning environment that challenges students to accept intellectual, personal, ethical, spiritual, and social responsibilities as a means to prepare them for entrance into college.

Notre Dame Preparatory helps students recognize and realize their potential by responding to the gifts God has given them.  Notre Dame affords opportunities to examine life in a Christian atmosphere, to demonstrate concern for individuals in a context in which students become responsible for their own decisions, and to encourage students to assume leadership within the community by sharing their gifts with the less fortunate.

By serving young men and women in the Catholic tradition, Notre Dame is committed to learning as a lifelong process.  Notre Dame hopes to instill confidence, optimism, and compassion in students so that they may help change the world.

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Academic Program

Classes of 2012 - 2013

Notre Dame Preparatory is building a tradition of academic excellence.  We believe the greatest service we can provide our students is to instill in them a love of learning, and to provide them with the necessary skills to pursue their education at a higher level.  Only those students who have a serious approach to academic success should apply. 

Using an eight-period day, students graduate with 28 credits and 125 hours of community service.   Students are required to maintain a minimum 2.0 GPA to receive a diploma.  The required course of study is as follows:

The curriculum is carefully planned to include courses that encourage success at the post-high school level.  Students and teachers benefit from interdisciplinary strategies and the integration of technology in the classroom.

As a Diocesan Catholic high school, students are required to earn one credit each year in Theology.  Courses include Christ in Scripture, Who is Christ?, The Mission of Jesus Christ, Church Mission and History, Sacraments, Christian Morality, Peace and Justice, and Church History.

Advanced Placement classes are offered in Environmental Science, Biology, Chemistry, Physics B, Calculus AB, World History, U.S. History, U.S. Government and Politics, English Literature and Composition, English Language and Composition,  Spanish Language,  Spanish Literature,  Microeconomics, Macroeconomics, and Computer Science A. 

SUMMA CUM LAUDE

Course of Study
 Notre Dame Preparatory proudly offers a special four-year accelerated academic program called the Summa Cum Laude program for the advanced college-bound student.

The Summa program accommodates gifted and advanced students by offering courses that challenge and reward them.  Realizing that school should provide individualized education for the whole person, and knowing that certain talented students require more than what the ordinary curriculum and co-curricular activities can provide, Notre Dame offers this accelerated honors course of study.  This four-year program helps the most gifted college-bound individuals prepare for a successful college career.

TO QUALIFY FOR THE PROGRAM

• The Admissions Office reviews entrance exams and subject area testing to determine initial entry into Honors classes in the 9th grade year. 
• Students must receive the highest recommendations from teachers (math/English) and administrators of the student’s elementary school.
• Students must show a consistent record of outstanding academic work in the 7th and 8th grades.

TO CONTINUE IN THE PROGRAM
Students must:

• Maintain a minimum GPA of 3.75 with no semester grades below a “C.”
• Accept leadership responsibilities within the school infrastructure (athletics, clubs, class, student body officers).
• Contribute services to the community that utilize the intellectual, cultural, and spiritual gifts each student develops while in the program.  

REQUIREMENTS FOR THE SUMMA CUM LAUDE DIPLOMA
To receive the Summa Cum Laude Diploma, a student must:

• Complete thirty (30) credits for graduation.
• Successfully complete a minimum of fourteen Honors and/or Advanced Placement courses
• Complete a minimum of four college- level AP courses (included in the fourteen above).  Only one of the four AP courses can be a ½ credit AP course.
• Successfully complete four years of the same world language.
• Successfully complete the Focus Research Honors class.
• Any English electives such as Debate, Creative Writing, Great Books, or Yearbook.  Any Social Studies electives such as Street Law, Sociology, Psychology, Contemporary Issues.  Any Continuing Fine/Performing Arts electives such as Dance, Chorus, Band, or Drama.

WHAT DIFFERENTIATES THE SUMMA CUM LAUDE PROGRAM?
Notre Dame teaches Catholic values that impact and transform the community.

The four-year program, which includes Honors/AP required classes, permits greater academic achievements on a high school level.

The extensive community service element engenders respect and regard for those less fortunate in our society.

Small classes help form a stronger bond between teachers and students, which permits greater intellectual growth.
Notre Dame offers students the opportunity to earn up to 30 college credits while attending high school. 

Sample Course of Study

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Course Offerings - click here.

Admissions Office

Notre Dame Preparatory is a fully-accredited institution by the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools as well as the Western Catholic Educational Association, and it is under the direction of the Diocese of Phoenix Catholic Schools Office.

It is the policy of Notre Dame Preparatory that it shall not discriminate on the basis of sex, race, creed, color and/or national origin in the administration of educational policies, scholarships, athletics, or any other school programs.  Based on this, our Admissions Policy is in line with the above statements.  Students are accepted following review of the results of the Catholic Diocese of Phoenix standardized entrance exam, review of 7th & 8th grade reports cards and previous standardized test scores, teacher/parish recommendations, co-curricular recommendations, results of a motivational profile, and a personal interview with a member of Notre Dame’s Administration.

Application Process

1. Applications can be downloaded from the Notre Dame Web site:
   www.notredamepreparatory.org; click on Admissions.
2. All incoming applicants applying for 9th grade are required to take the standardized entrance exam.  Exam dates:  January 12, 2013, with a make-up exam to be held January 26, 2013.  Time:  8:00 a.m. – 12:00 noon.
3. Deadline for filing applications, along with a $50 (non-refundable) application fee, is November 30, 2012. 
4. During the months of December and January, applicants and their parent(s) need to schedule an interview with the Admissions Office.

 Admissions Calendar

Eighth Grade Day: Friday, November 2, 2012 (Click here for details)
Come experience student life at Notre Dame Preparatory (8th grade students ONLY).

Open House: Sunday, November 4, 2012
Presentations/Tours for prospective students and their parents will be begin at 1:00 p.m., with a new tour starting every half-hour and the last tour leaving at 3:00 p.m.

Shadowing: Nov. 5, 2012 – Feb. 1, 2013
Prospective students unable to attend 8th Grade Day may “SHADOW” a Notre Dame student for a day.  Shadowing forms are available online - click here 

Click here for a complete Admissions Calendar.

NOTRE DAME PREPARATORY
9701 East Bell Road, Scottsdale, AZ  85260
(480) 634-8200

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Tuition & Fees

A specific policy outlining the tuition payment procedure is needed, not to cause undue hardship to our families in the community, but rather to ensure that revenues owed to Notre Dame Preparatory will be collected in a predictable fashion.  This will enable Notre Dame to meet its financial obligations in an efficient and business-like manner.

TUITION

Tuition for the 2013-2014 school year is $14,200.  Tuition for Catholic families registered, active, and participating in their Catholic parishes is $11,600. A parish verification form is required for the discounted tuition rate.  Tuition may be paid in full on July 15, 2013, or in two installments (1/2 prior to July 15, 2013, and the remainder prior to January 1, 2014), or in 10 monthly installments (July-April) through the electronic transfer  FACTS Payment Plan.   An annual set-up fee of $38 per family will be charged.

FINANCES

Because Notre Dame is a religious school, it is not supported with government funds and, therefore, must rely on tuition collection as a means of operating the school.  Consequently, the tuition cost does not cover the total amount needed to educate each student.  The school must rely on income generated from fundraisers, private donations, corporate contributions, and grants.

FEES

In addition to tuition costs, the annual Student/Registration Fee is due prior to the beginning of school.  The fee for the 2012-2013 school year for freshmen, sophomores, and juniors is $400 per student.   The Senior Registration Fee is $525, which includes a $125 graduation fee.  Included in this fee are the costs of each student’s planner and lock.  Families are also responsible for uniform costs ($150-200) as well as textbook purchases ($450-650).  (Note:  In addition to the agreed upon tuition, each family will be asked to help support various fundraisers held throughout the year.)

FINANCIAL AID

Financial Aid is available to students at Notre Dame Preparatory through Catholic Education Arizona (CEA) and the Notre Dame Preparatory High School Scholarship Fund.  Both are based on the financial need of each family, and applications are available in the spring from the Business Office for students registered at Notre Dame.  Financial Aid covers only a portion of the tuition cost.  The amount of the award is determined after reviewing all applications and the funds available.  This past year, the maximum scholarship aid CTODP awarded a high school student was 30% (50%  for those who qualify for Corporate tax credit scholarships) of the tuition  rate for Catholic families. The maximum scholarship aid Notre Dame Preparatory awarded was $2,000.  No scholarships are granted for athletics.  Please see the CEA web site for eligibility requirements for Corporate Tax Credit (CTC) scholarships.

CATHOLIC EDUCATION ARIZONA

Thanks to the Arizona State Legislature, we have an extraordinary opportunity to help thousands of children obtain a Catholic education.  The Arizona Tax Credit Act of 1997 allows any taxpayer with an Arizona income tax liability to make a payment of up to $1,000 to the CEA and receive a tax credit against his or her state tax obligation.  This means your payment will cost you absolutely nothing.  Those families who wish to take advantage of this opportunity are asked to visit Catholic Education Arizona. Deadline for payment is December 31.

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Spiritual Life

Notre Dame Preparatory is rooted in the beliefs of the Catholic Church.  Many opportunities exist  for spiritual growth and are available to students, parents, faculty, and staff.  Working with parents, parishes, and other church communities, we will challenge the school community to grow closer to  Christ.

MISSION STATEMENT

Always keeping God and family as our priority, Notre Dame Preparatory, a Diocesan Catholic high school, engages in the formation of students by integrating faith in a college preparatory curriculum, promoting academic excellence, moral values and lifelong service.

PHILOSOPHY

Consistent with our Gospel values, Notre Dame is committed to the education of the whole person.  Our purpose is to provide a learning environment that challenges students to accept intellectual, personal, ethical, spiritual, and social responsibilities as a means to prepare them for entrance into college.

Notre Dame Preparatory helps students recognize and realize their potential by responding to the gifts God has given them.  Notre Dame affords opportunities to examine life in a Christian atmosphere, demonstrates concern for individuals in a context in which students become responsible for their own decisions, and encourages students to assume leadership within the community by sharing their gifts with the less fortunate.

By serving young men and women in the Catholic tradition, Notre Dame is committed to learning as a lifelong process.  In order to institute that process, Notre Dame hopes to instill confidence, optimism and compassion in students so that they may help change the world. 

SACRAMENTAL LIFE

• All classes and all student activities begin with prayer.
• School Masses held regularly.
• Class retreats are held annually, providing opportunities for students to think about their relationship with God and develop a sense of community with their peers.
• First Friday Adoration.
• Mass or prayer service is held daily.

Notre Dame Preparatory requires Christian service of all students as part of our commitment to their spiritual and social growth.  Students must complete 125 hours of service before they graduate.  All students are required to perform Christian service work exclusively with non-profit organizations.  At least 25 hours must be performed at the student’s own parish community. 

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Athletic Program

Notre Dame Preparatory recognizes the importance of an athletic program for those students entrusted to our care.   Already in Notre Dame’s relatively short existence, our sports teams have won many regional and state championships.  Along with the school establishing strong religious and academic programs with clear focus and direction, the administration of Notre Dame is also committed to the development of a quality co-curricular sports program that places the student-athlete at the center of attention.   

It is our intent to utilize the best characteristics of athletics (leadership, sportsmanship, honesty, discipline, service, and a sense of community) to teach dignity and respect for each individual person, the value of human life, and the development of the full human potential.  All student-athletes will be taught that they are uniquely gifted by the Creator and are obliged to develop their talents for their own good and the benefit of others.

Based on the above philosophy, Notre Dame is proud to offer the programs listed below.  All students are urged to participate.  Skills learned beyond the basic fundamentals of a particular sport prepare each student-athlete to become future leaders of our society.

Notre Dame offers students a wide variety of athletic teams that compete within the Arizona Interscholastic Association:    

Notre Dame also offers the following club sports: Lacrosse, Cycling, and Hockey.

Clubs

Notre Dame offers a wide variety of clubs and after-school activities.  A listing of these after-school activities are listed on our Web site.  The Notre Dame Administration reserves the right to determine the eligibility of all students based on school academic standards for participation in athletics and activities.

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