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Notre Dame High School

United States, West Haven

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The school at a glance
Fees $20,500
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 500
Type Co-educational
Opened 1946
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, Italian, Latin
Typical class size 14
Strengths STEM, Academic Enrichment, Service and Sustainability
Clubs Academic and Intellectual, Arts and Creative, Community and Service
Stages High School, Secondary School
Introduction

Notre Dame High School is a Catholic, independent, co‑educational college preparatory high school in West Haven, Connecticut. It offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement, and a Bespoke Curriculum alongside UConn Early College Experience courses. Juniors and seniors study IB alongside AP and honors options, while signature programs in Engineering and Design and in Sports, Exercise, and Health Science provide hands‑on, experiential learning through the Notre Dame Experiential Learning Program (NDXL). The Moreau Honors Program develops rigorous reading, collaboration, and digital literacy. The school reports a 100% graduation rate and 99% college attendance, with 33,000 hours of community service each year and over $2.1 million in financial aid and scholarships. Facilities include a 30,000‑square‑foot Arts, Technology, and Spiritual Center opened in 2012, plus renovated classrooms, a gym, and turf fields. ND maintains partnerships with the University of New Haven and Quinnipiac University and hosts a broad club program today.

One Notre Dame Way, West Haven, CT 06516

The Essentials

Notre Dame High School has 500 pupils, typical class sizes of 14.

Location
Notre Dame High School is located at One Notre Dame Way, West Haven, CT 06516. The campus is in West Haven, Connecticut. The Notre Dame community serves students from a wide area, with the student body drawn from over 65 surrounding towns and 80 middle schools. The school is Catholic and part of the Holy Cross tradition, operating as an independent high school in Connecticut.

Stages
NDHS is a four‑year high school with freshmen, sophomores, juniors, and seniors. It became co‑educational in fall 2025, with plans to graduate the first class of young women in 2028.

Type
Catholic, independent college preparatory high school; co‑ed since fall 2025.

Additional learning support
The Notre Dame High School Academic Center provides limited academic support to all students, including writing, mathematics and organizational skills. Group workshops on topics such as time management, organizational skills, study techniques, and test preparation may be offered. Students with documented learning disabilities may receive services during regularly scheduled study periods.

Country affiliation
United States

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
The day follows a Regular Schedule with a warning bell at 8:05 a.m.; Periods 1–5 include a Teacher Advisory and a Community Period. A Delayed Opening schedule exists with adjusted start times when applicable.

Bus service
Getting to Notre Dame via Bus includes the Greater Valley Line (Ansonia, Derby, Milford, Oxford, Seymour, Shelton, Woodbridge); Northern New Haven County Line (Wallingford, North Haven, Hamden, Northford, Cheshire); and West Haven (free through the city). Bus service is offered on a yearly basis; contact Casey LaMonaca for questions. On‑campus parking is available for juniors and seniors, and there is a carpool network to assist families.
Diving Deeper

Governance and Ownership
The school is governed by the Congregation of Holy Cross and is part of the Holy Cross educational network. In Fall 2025 the school transitioned to co-education.
Fees

Annual tuition at Notre Dame High School ranges from USD 20,500 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Creating an online admissions account and profile does not require a payment; there is no application fee required at the account-creation stage.

Tuition (by year group and academic year)

- Annual tuition for the 2026–2027 academic year is USD 20,500 for all students (grades 9–12).
- Mandatory additional student charges for 2026–27: USD 350 activity fee and USD 450 e-textbook fee (these are charged per student in addition to the annual tuition).
- Senior-specific fee: a senior graduation fee (covering the yearbook, cap and gown, and three tickets to the graduation dinner) is included in the senior year tuition.

Per-term / installment detail

- Tuition is published as an annual amount (USD 20,500). Families may spread that annual amount across installments using the school's tuition plans; the per-term or per-installment amount depends on the payment plan chosen through the school's tuition-management provider. Exact per-installment amounts are therefore determined by the selected plan and number of payments.

Billing schedule and payment terms

- The school offers multiple tuition payment plans through an external tuition-management service; families can receive monthly invoices or set up recurring automatic payments from a bank account or by credit card. Accepted card types include Visa, MasterCard, Discover, and American Express.
- AP, IB and some external exam or course fees (for example, AP and IB exam fees and University of Connecticut ECE per-credit charges) are billed to the student's tuition account by the Business Office (these exam/credit charges are typically billed after October 1).
- Account-review and delinquency rules: returning students with remaining balances from the prior year may not be allowed to return; accounts are reviewed in early August and must be compliant with the selected payment program. Seniors must have all financial obligations paid in full by the end of February or they may be barred from final exams and graduation activities. Transcripts and academic records are withheld until all amounts due are paid in full.

Boarding fees

- The school operates as a day school; there are no boarding facilities and therefore no boarding fees.

Other costs and typical additional charges

- Activity fee: USD 350 per student (mandatory for 2026–27).
- E-textbook fee: USD 450 per student (mandatory for 2026–27).
- AP/IB exam fees: charged to the student account after October 1 when applicable; fees vary by exam.
- University of Connecticut ECE (Early College Experience) course fees: charged per credit by UConn and billed to the student account when applicable.
- Graduation-related senior fee: included in senior tuition (covers yearbook, cap/gown, and three dinner tickets).
- Uniforms and appearance-code items: students are required to wear approved uniform pieces; uniforms and specific appearance-code items must be purchased from the school's approved vendors (uniforms and vendor availability vary by class year). Families should budget separately for uniform purchases.

Refunds and withdrawal policy

- Withdrawal and refund rules: a student who withdraws after June 30 is liable for sixty-five percent (65%) of the full year's tuition. There is no tuition refund if the withdrawal occurs after October 31. All balances due must be paid at the time of withdrawal; records and transcripts will not be released until accounts are paid in full.

Fee payment options

- Payment may be made via the school's tuition-management service which supports recurring automatic bank-account (ACH) payments and credit-card payments (Visa, MasterCard, Discover, American Express). Families select a payment plan (number and timing of installments) through that service; the provider issues invoices and payment reminders. The Business Office can arrange individualized payment schedules for exceptional circumstances if agreed in writing.

Summary of coverage and outstanding detail found

- Published, fixed amounts provided here: annual tuition (USD 20,500), activity fee (USD 350), and e-textbook fee (USD 450) for the 2026–2027 academic year; senior graduation fee is included in senior tuition. Information on per-installment amounts is determined by the payment plan a family selects through the school's tuition-management provider; the school publishes the annual and mandatory fees but uses an external payment service to set installment schedules. AP/IB/exam and some college-credit fees are billed to the student account as noted above, and uniform costs are handled through approved vendors and therefore vary by purchase.
Academics

Notre Dame High School teaches IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Bespoke Curriculum.

Curriculum
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is a rigorous, two-year curriculum for juniors and seniors that emphasizes breadth and depth of knowledge. Signature Programs include Engineering and Design (a three-year program) and Sports, Exercise, & Health Science, with experiential learning through NDXL and immersion opportunities. The Moreau Honors Program emphasizes rigorous reading and 21st‑century skills such as creative problem solving, collaboration, and digital literacy. The curriculum also offers 60 AP, IB, UCONN ECE, and Honors courses across the program. ND At‑a‑Glance highlights 14 varsity sports, 43 state championships, 33,000 hours of community service each year, and $2.1 million in financial aid scholarships and grants.

Higher Education Progression
Graduates gain admission to a broad range of colleges and universities across the United States. Examples of institutions include Amherst College, College of Holy Cross, Cornell University, Harvard University, University of Notre Dame, Yale University, University of Connecticut, University of Virginia, and NYU. The college acceptance history demonstrates access to competitive programs at both national and regional institutions.

Gifted and Talented
Moreau Honors Program emphasizes rigorous reading competencies while developing 21st-century skills including creative problem solving, collaboration, and digital literacy. The curriculum includes 60 AP/IB/UCONN ECE and Honors courses.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school centers social and emotional learning through character development and service. The mission emphasizes Character to Lead, Compassion to Serve, and Confidence to Excel. The Notre Dame Family fosters a welcoming community across students, faculty, and staff. Campus Ministry supports spiritual growth and moral development through the Catholic faith. Peer Counseling provides leadership opportunities for seniors. ND records over 33,000 hours of community service annually.

Mental Wellbeing
The school supports mental wellbeing through a School Counseling program. Campus Ministry supports spiritual growth and moral development through the Catholic faith. The mission fosters personal growth and integrity, contributing to a supportive environment. The Notre Dame Family creates a caring community across students, faculty, and staff. Peer Counseling and Freshman Advisory offer peer leadership and smooth transitions that support student wellbeing.
Parent Experience

History
Notre Dame High School was founded in 1946 by the Holy Cross Brothers, who arrived on the hilltop in West Haven with a donated hall, eight acres, and a conviction that a school could form a young person completely. It remains a school sponsored by the Congregation of Holy Cross and guided by its mission to inspire academic excellence, nurture personal growth, and foster integrity and compassion in students from diverse talents and backgrounds through the Catholic, Holy Cross tradition. The school rests on four Holy Cross pillars — Educating Minds and Hearts, Bringing Hope, Building Respect, and Being Family — and on Blessed Basil Moreau's belief that education of the heart endures through time. It is now in its second year as a coeducational school, with young men and women learning, competing, praying, and serving side by side across three of its four classes. Notre Dame offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme, Advanced Placement and UConn Early College Experience, along with signature programs in Engineering and Design and in Sports, Exercise, and Health Science, and the Notre Dame Experiential Learning Program (NDXL); renovations funded by a comprehensive campaign have modernized facilities.

Community
ND High School's campus life is built around traditions and community-building events that create a family atmosphere rooted in faith, service, and school spirit. There are over 50 clubs and organizations, a school musical, athletic competition, and Campus Ministry opportunities that encourage student leadership and involvement. Faith and service are encouraged through prayer, retreats, and service projects. School events such as Green Bowl, Spirit Week, and pep rallies foster unity, pride, and a sense of belonging.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
The school is located at One Notre Dame Way, West Haven, CT 06516. The campus includes a 30,000-square-foot Arts, Technology, and Spiritual Center opened in 2012. It features a renovated student commons, renovated cafeteria, and modernized classrooms completed through a comprehensive campaign. The site's history shows expansions such as a gymnasium added in 1955–1957 and a 1965 west wing with a band room and athletic facilities, along with a turf field completed in 2014.

Sports Facilities
Alumni Hall hosts Notre Dame's basketball and wrestling programs and is used for liturgies and graduation. Coach Tom Marcucci '66 Field is the home field for football and soccer and was upgraded with artificial turf in 2015. Veterans Field is the home field for football, soccer, and lacrosse and was renovated with turf and seating in 2018. Bennett Rink is the hockey home ice, adjacent to West Haven High School. The Wrestling Room provides dedicated space for the wrestling program.

Academic Facilities
The ND Advantage includes the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme and signature programs in Engineering and Design, Sports, Exercise, and Health Science, and Experiential Learning (NDXL). Moreau Honors, Peer Counseling, and Freshman Advisory are also offered as signature programs. A 30,000-square-foot Arts, Technology, and Spiritual Center opened in 2012. The curriculum includes 60 AP, IB, UCONN ECE, and Honors courses. ND has partnerships with the University of New Haven and Quinnipiac University, offering half tuition to graduates who enroll there. The school reports a 100% graduation rate and 99% college attendance, and students complete more than 33,000 hours of community service each year.

Extra Curricular Facilities
The Notre Dame community offers 50+ clubs and activities. There are 14 varsity sports teams and 43 state championships. Students perform in award-winning music and theater programs. Campus Ministry supports spiritual growth through prayer, worship, and retreats. Students complete more than 33,000 hours of community service each year.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme is offered for juniors and seniors. Signature Programs include Engineering and Design; Sports, Exercise, & Health Science; and Experiential Learning, which broadens study beyond the classroom through study tours, service learning, and immersion. Moreau Honors emphasizes rigorous reading, collaboration, and digital literacy. Peer Counseling provides leadership through service, and Freshman Advisory supports a positive transition into high school.

Arts & Creative
Notre Dame Theater is student-driven and performs for the public; Stage Crew builds sets, runs shows, and handles technical aspects. Art Club expresses creativity through painting, drawing, sculpture, and digital art. 3D Printing Club explores additive manufacturing, while Yearbook documents the year through photography, writing, and design. Drumline provides percussion performances for school events.

Cultural & Language
Italian Club explores Italian language, cuisine, culture, and history through activities, films, cooking demonstrations, and cultural celebrations. Latino Student Union (LSU) celebrates Hispanic and Latino cultures through events and discussions. Model UN simulates United Nations sessions, developing research, public speaking, diplomacy, and negotiation skills. Knights at the Round Table fosters inclusive dialogue and leadership within the Notre Dame community.

Social & Hobbies
Beyblades and Pokemon Club and Board Games Club provide social bonding and friendly competition. Dungeons and Dragons fosters imagination and teamwork, while eSports & Gaming Club supports digital teamwork across video games. Flight Sim and Drone Club, Outdoorsmen Club & Fishing Team, Lawn Games Club, and Table Tennis Club promote outdoor activity and socializing.

Community & Service
Interact (Service Club) engages in local and global service projects. Holy Cross Student Mission Club (CSMC) participates in faith-based service activities aligned with Holy Cross values. Life-changing service opportunities and community outreach are emphasized as part of Notre Dame's culture. Campus Ministry supports spiritual growth and moral development within the Catholic tradition.

Leadership & Professional
Student Government Association (SGA) and the Executive Board provide leadership opportunities, governance, event planning, and school improvement initiatives. Leadership Club develops essential leadership skills through workshops and team-building. Pep Rally Committee plans and executes school spirit events, fostering collaboration and event-management experience.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
ND offers dynamic arts and athletics programs. Intramural Sports provide recreational competition and physical activity. Fencing offers a sport that combines athleticism with strategic thinking; Ski/Snowboard Club engages students in winter sports. The Sports, Exercise, & Health Science Signature Program supports pathways in sports medicine and wellness.
Languages

Language Provision
The Modern and Classical Languages Department teaches Spanish, Italian, and Latin. AP courses include Italian and Spanish. The school offers the International Baccalaureate Diploma Program with IB Language Acquisition options, including IB Italian (SL) and IB ab initio Spanish or Italian (SL). UConn Early College Experience (ECE) language courses are available, including ECE Spanish 5 and ECE Italian 4. The course catalog lists language offerings across levels such as Spanish I–IV, Italian I–III and IV, and Latin I–III with Latin Prose; there are electives like Hispanic Culture. Some language courses are conducted in the target language when feasible.
Admissions

Admissions
1) Freshman Applicants: Your Notre Dame journey starts with your application. We look forward to learning more about you, and introducing you to all the benefits of being a Notre Dame student. The admissions team personalizes your ND experience through an online admissions account. Creating a profile is simple, does not require payment or commitment. 2) Freshman Applicants: Create Your Online Admission Portal. The first step for all prospective students is to create an online admissions account so staff can personalize your ND experience. Creating a profile is simple, does not require a payment or commitment, and is your first step to learning more about our community. 3) Freshman Applicants: Submit Your Admission Application. Submit your admission application by logging in to your ND Admission Portal to complete your Student Admission Application. Early Action Deadline is November 15, and Rolling Admissions begin November 16. Rolling decisions are issued biweekly starting in January. 4) Freshman Applicants: Submit Reports and Tests. Send 6th and 7th grade report cards as soon as possible and the 8th grade report card when it becomes available. Applications are reviewed with the first quarter grades from 8th grade, and the school requests any Connecticut Mastery Tests, SBAC, IOWA Basics, or other standardized tests to be sent to Notre Dame. 5) Freshman Applicants: Request Recommendations. The Principal/Guidance Counselor Recommendation and the 8th Grade English or Math Teacher Recommendation can be completed through the admissions portal. 6) Freshman Applicants: Apply for Financial Aid. The Financial Aid Committee reviews need-based aid and requires all families to complete the FACTS application, which opens October 1. 7) Transfer Applicants: Create Online Admission Portal. The first step for prospective transfer students is to create an online admissions account to personalize the ND experience. 8) Transfer Applicants: Submit Admission Application. Log in to the ND Admission Portal to complete the transfer Student Admission Application. 9) Transfer Applicants: Transfer Admission Deadlines. Fall 2026 Entry: August 1, 2026; Spring 2027 Entry: December 1, 2026; Fall 2027 Entry: August 1, 2027. 10) Transfer Applicants: Request Reports and Test Scores. Please send transcripts/grades from the past two years and the current year's grades as they become available; requests for CT Mastery Tests, PSAT, or other testing should be sent to Notre Dame. 11) Transfer Applicants: Request Recommendations. The Principal/Guidance Counselor Recommendation and the Current Grade English or Math Teacher Recommendation can be completed through the admissions portal. 12) Transfer Applicants: Schedule Interview. All transfer applicants must complete an interview as the final step to finalize admission; the interview is scheduled after the admission application and supporting documents are received. 13) Open House and Events. Fall Open House events are held on dates published by the Admissions Office and provide opportunities to visit; transportation and logistics are provided as noted by the Admissions team.

Scholarships
Merit Scholarships are awarded to incoming students as part of the total financial aid package. To be considered for a merit scholarship, the admission application and the scholarship application must be submitted by the Early Action Deadline of November 15. Scholarship awards range from $500 to $5,000 per year and are renewed annually, provided the student remains in good academic and disciplinary standing. For questions about the Merit Scholarship Application, contact the Admissions Team.
School Events
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