N o t r e D a m e a c a D e m yH i n g h a m , M a s s a c h u s e t t s

ADMISSIONS GUIDE

20082009

G OALS AND O b j e c t i v e s

a Notre Dame academy graduate values

her personal growth as a christian woman.

· She will participate in a college preparatory program and will be encouraged to participate in co-curricular activities.· 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.

a Notre Dame academy graduate sees herself

as a member of the global community and

is aware of her responsibility to that community.

· She will develop a social conscience through the study of church and historical documents, current world issues, and ethics.· She will strengthen her social consciousness through participation in a variety of service activities.· She will learn to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.

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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,

Sister Barbara A. Barry, SNDdeN ‘69President

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.

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P ROFILE

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 Lab900-Seat AuditoriumCafeteriaCampus Ministry CenterChapelGymnasiumLibrary/Media CenterMaribeth Merrigan Multi-Media Language Learning Center (Sony L9000)Networked Computer LabsScience Center including Carolyn Lynch GreenhouseTennis CourtsTrack and Three Athletic FieldsWriting 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 read-ing 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 Aca-demic, Health Reference, General Business, General Reference, Gale Virtual, Academ-ic 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 Associa-tion, the Cooperative Library Association and the National Catholic Education Association.

GRADUAtION REqUIREMENtS:Each student must complete 24 credits including these minimum requirements:Theology ......................................... 4 Social Studies .............................. 3*English ........................................... 4 Physical Education ......................1Mathematics ................................... 3* Visual and Performing Arts ..........1/2Lab Science .................................... 3* Computer/Technology Studies ....1/2World Language .............................. 3**Most students exceed this requirement.

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.

F AIth AND a c t i o n

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C OURSE O f f e r i n g s

thEOLOGyTheology 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.

Saint Julie Billiart and the Charism of Notre Dame Introduction to the Church and the ScripturesMoral Decision-MakingJust Choices*Catholic Bioethics**Adult Christianity

ENGLIShEnglish is required each year and includes the study of literature, language, composition and media technology.World of Books*British Literature*American Literary Tradition*World Literature*Advanced Placement Language and CompositionAdvanced Placement Literature and Composition

English ElectiveIntroduction to Creative Writing

MAthEMAtIcSMath is required for three years, although most students pursue four years. All students are required tocomplete Algebra I, Geometry and Algebra II.Algebra I*Geometry*Algebra II*Precalculus*Trigonometry and Special TopicsStatistics and Discrete MathematicsStatistics**Calculus**Advanced Placement Calculus ABAdvanced Placement Calculus BC

ScIENcEScience is required for three years, although most students pursue four years.Biology*Chemistry*Physics*Anatomy and Physiology**Environmental ScienceAdvanced Placement BiologyAdvanced Placement ChemistryAdvanced Placement Physics B

SOcIAL StUDIESSocial Studies is required for three years, with World History required in the freshman year and United States History required in the junior year.World History IWorld History II* Modern European History*United States History*Advanced Placement United States HistoryWorld Affairs**United States GovernmentPsychologyAdvanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics

WORLD LANGUAGESStudents are required to study the same World Language during the freshman, sophomore and junior years. Most students pursue four years of study.Spanish I, II*, III*, IV*Advanced Placement SpanishFrench I, II*, III*, IV*, V**Advanced Placement FrenchFrench 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 ARtSSophomores 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.

Visual and PErforming arTs rEquirEmEnTIntroduction to Visual and Performing Arts

arTStudio ArtIndependent StudioAdvanced Placement Art: Drawing PortfolioAdvanced Placement Art: 2-D PortfolioAdvanced Placement Art: 3-D PortfolioCeramics and 3-D Design

art ElectivesArt Workshop I, IIPhotography I, IIPainting

musicAdvanced Placement Music Theory

music ElectivesA Cappella ChoirChamber ChoirBeginner Class PianoIntermediate Class PianoInstrumental Music WorkshopMusic Theory I

THEaTEr

Theatrical arts ElectivesFall NDA PlayersSpring NDA PlayersTheatrical Arts AdvancedFestival Troupe

cOMPUtER/tEchNOLOGy StUDIESElective 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 rEquirEmEnTIntroduction to Computer Applications

computer/Technology studies ElectivesComputer Design I, IIBusiness and Personal LawPersonal Financial ManagementEntrepreneurship for WomenIntroduction to Web Page DesignAdvanced Web Page DesignAdvanced Computer Applications

PhySIcAL EDUcAtION

Physical Education is required each year.

Physical EducationIntroduction to Weight TrainingCPR/Standard First AidInterscholastic Sport

C ULtIvAtE r e s p e c t

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G uidance S e r v i c e s

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.

services include:

• Academic Advising• College Advising• Career Counseling• Personal Counseling

guidancE curriculum

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.

future Planning through self assessment (Sophomores)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.

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.

G OODNESS o f G o d

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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.C ollege

A c c e p t a n c e sAmherst CollegeBarnard CollegeBates CollegeBoston CollegeBowdoin CollegeBrown UniversityColby CollegeCollege of the Holy CrossCollege of William and MaryColumbia UniversityConnecticut CollegeCornell UniversityDartmouth CollegeDuke UniversityEmmanuel CollegeFairfield UniversityGeorgetown UniversityHarvard UniversityJohns Hopkins UniversityLoyola CollegeMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMiddlebury CollegeNew York UniversityNorthwestern University

Providence CollegeRice UniversitySkidmore CollegeStanford UniversityStonehill CollegeSwarthmore CollegeTufts UniversityUnited States Military AcademyUnited States Naval AcademyUniversity of ChicagoUniversity of MichiganUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Texas University of VirginiaVassar CollegeVillanova UniversityWellesley CollegeWesleyan UniversityWilliams CollegeYale 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 springCross Country Alpine Ski GolfField Hockey Basketball LacrosseSoccer Gymnastics SailingSwimming Ice Hockey SoftballVolleyball 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 teamdevelopment 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 A c t i v i t i e s

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

AnimeBook ClubCampus MinistryComputer TeamCreative Writing ClubCrew ClubDance TeamDrama ClubGreen TeamHeritage ClubJunior Classical LeagueKey ClubLanguage Honor SocietiesMath TeamModel CongressModel United NationsNational Honor SocietyNDAid

NewspaperPeer MentorsScience ClubStudent CouncilYearbook

Visual and PErforming arTs

Art ExhibitsConcertsDrama ProductionsMusical ProductionsOratorical Contests

World as classroom

Close-Up Washington, D.C.Montreal and Quebec TourItaly TourFrance Homestay ProgramSpain Homestay Program

E DUcAtE f o r l i f e

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A dmission, financial assistance 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.)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.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.

C REAtE c o m m u n i t i e s

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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 deter-mine 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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FREShMAN ADMISSIONSoctober 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Open House I, Registration for November or December Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT)november 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Open House IInovember 15, 8:30 a.m. Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT)december 1 Application, Seventh and Eighth Grade Transcripts, and Recommendations Postmarked to Admissions Officedecember 13, 8:30 a.m. Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT)february 2 Admissions Decisions Mailedfebruary 9, 7:00 p.m. Class of 2013 Receptionfebruary 23 Class of 2013 Registration Postmark Deadlinefebruary 28, 8:30 a.m. Class of 2013 Placement Exams for Mathematics and World Languagemay 14, 5:00 p.m. Class of 2013 Orientation and Parent Orientation

A dmissions C a l e n d a r

tRANSFER ADMISSIONS FOR SOPhOMORES AND JUNIORSoctober 19, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Open House Inovember 6, 6:00-8:00 p.m. Open House IIapril 1 Application, Transcripts (from Seventh Grade to Present) and Recommendations Postmarked to Admissions Officeapril 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.

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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.

DIREctIONSNotre 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.

C ONNEctEDNESS t o a l l

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N o t r e D a m e a c a D e m y

1073 Main Street · Hingham, MA 02043Phone: (781) 749-5930 · FAX: (781) 740-1683

www.ndahingham.com