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Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy

United States, Pontiac

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The school at a glance
Instructs in English
Fees $18,480 - 24,840
Ages Not listed
Pupil numbers 1007
Type Co-educational
Opened 1994
Bus Service No
Academic offering
Curriculum IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Catholic Curriculum
Taught languages Spanish, Mandarin
Typical class size 20
Strengths Languages, STEM, Performing Arts
Clubs Arts and Creative, Cultural and Language, Community and Service
Stages Preschool, Primary School, Middle School, Secondary School
Introduction

Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a PreK–12 Catholic independent day school on a single campus in Pontiac, Michigan. It serves Pre-K through 12 and is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Program for Pre-K–5, the Middle Years Program for grades 6–10, and the Diploma Program for grades 11–12. In addition to IB coursework, AP offerings are available, with some IB/AP integrated courses. The school emphasizes inquiry-based, cross-disciplinary learning across divisions, supported by a Catholic Marist sponsorship and a strong commitment to service. The campus includes St. Peter Chanel Library, the Eugenio D'Agostini Media Center, the Melissa Kozyra Greenhouse and Botany Learning Lab, and the Timothy J. Easterwood Science, Art and Technology Wing, along with Beverly Gifford Music Center, a Chapel, and extensive athletic and outdoor spaces. With more than 1,000 students, the school offers 50+ clubs, 31 athletic programs, and service opportunities such as Life Remodeled.

The Essentials

Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy has 1,007 pupils, typical class sizes of 20, instruction in English.

Location
Pontiac, Michigan, USA. Lower School at 1425 Giddings Road; Middle School at 1300 Giddings Road; Upper School at 1300 Giddings Road (ZIP 48340). The campus serves Oakland County and is reachable by daily school bus routes to/from areas including Oakland Township/Rochester, Shelby Township/Rochester Hills, Clarkston/Lake Orion, Waterford/White Lake, with stops along the Woodward corridor into Beverly Hills, Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham.

Stages
Lower School (Pre-K to Grade 5); Middle School (Grades 6–8); Upper School (Grades 9–12).

Type
Private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school

Additional learning support
Academic Counseling with full-time counselors; Academic Interventionist; Social-Emotional/Academic (SEA) Counselor

Country affiliation
United States

Religious affiliation
Catholic

School day structure
Lower School hours are 7:45 a.m.–3:05 p.m. with an eight-day rotating schedule; Extended Care is available 7:00–7:30 a.m. and 3:05–6:00 p.m. for Lower School students.

Bus service
Bus routes run daily to/from Oakland Twp./Rochester, Shelby Twp./Rochester Hills, Clarkston/Lake Orion, Waterford/White Lake; stops include multiple nearby schools and neighborhoods along the Woodward corridor to Beverly Hills, Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham.
Diving Deeper

Boarding Arrangements
The school has no boarding; it is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County, Michigan.

Uniform Requirement
All students wear uniforms; uniforms may be purchased from Dennis Uniform.

Food Options
A hot lunch program is offered; Flik provides several lunch options; cost is $4 per day; students may bring lunch; milk can be pre-ordered.

House System
The middle school uses houses for competitions; Irish Week features house-based activities and competitions.

Governance and Ownership
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a private, Catholic, independent, coeducational day school located in Oakland County; it is Marist-sponsored and administered by the Marist Fathers and Brothers.
Fees

Annual tuition at Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy ranges from USD 18,480 to USD 24,840 for 2026/27.

Application fees

- Gateway scholarship (Clarity) application fee: USD 65; fee is automatically waived for applicants under a certain income level.

Tuition fees by division (2026–27 academic year)

- Upper School (high school) — Annual tuition: USD 24,840.
- Middle School — Annual tuition: USD 22,560.
- Lower School — Annual tuition: USD 18,480.

- Monthly illustration (calculated): each monthly figure below is the division's annual tuition divided by 12 (straight arithmetic division) to match the school's 12-month billing schedule. The school bills on a 12-month schedule.
- Upper School: USD 2,070 per month (USD 24,840 ÷ 12).
- Middle School: USD 1,880 per month (USD 22,560 ÷ 12).
- Lower School: USD 1,540 per month (USD 18,480 ÷ 12).

Billing schedule and payment terms

- Billing schedule: Tuition is billed on a 12-month schedule with monthly statements; families receive bills and payments are due the first of each month. Families who prefer to pay the entire tuition in one payment may receive a 1% tuition discount if payment is made by the school's stated deadline for pay-in-full (the school provides the exact annual deadline each year).

- Payment timing and late fees: Payments due on the 1st are considered late after the 10th; late accounts may incur a late fee and the school may restrict participation in school activities for delinquent accounts. Automatic monthly billing and alternate schedules are handled through the school's billing processes; returned (NSF) checks incur a service charge.

- Enrollment / initial payment: The school requires a non‑refundable enrollment payment as part of the continuous-enrollment process; that enrollment payment also functions as the first tuition payment on the 12-month calendar, and families are prompted about it in the winter billing cycle. Tuition Assurance (optional) must be purchased at the time the enrollment payment is submitted in order to qualify for prorated tuition refunds in the event of withdrawal.

Boarding

- Boarding is not offered; the institution operates Lower, Middle and Upper School day-campus programs (PreK–12).

Other costs and typical additional fees

- Simplified Tuition: Mission‑essential program fees have been incorporated into tuition under the school's Simplified Tuition model, reducing or eliminating many separate “materials” or program charges for core experiences.

- Items that may still appear on student accounts or be charged separately (examples historically billed and still referenced in the school's terms): device/technology fees and academic/course materials fees; AP/IB or Advanced Placement testing fees; yearbook; parking pass; field trips; extended care in the Lower School; athletics or activity participation charges and booster/volunteer obligations; and other optional or program-specific costs. These categories are posted to student accounts when applicable.

- Uniforms, spiritwear and school supplies: Spiritwear and apparel are available through the school bookstore and online spiritwear stores; families purchase uniforms/outerwear and spirit items from these outlets as needed.

Refund information

- Tuition refunds and withdrawal: The school's published refund framework provides prorated credits for tuition paid in the event of withdrawal during the billing/installment months; a typical refund schedule used historically shows progressively smaller credits as the year progresses (for example, larger credits before April 1 and no tuition refund after a late-summer cutoff). Fees, expenses and other posted charges are typically non‑refundable. Tuition Assurance (when purchased at the time of enrollment payment) provides a refund of unused prorated tuition based on days enrolled but does not reimburse non‑refundable enrollment or other fees. Parents should follow the school's enrollment withdrawal procedures and billing deadlines to determine any applicable credits.

Fee payment options and methods

- Online payments: The school encourages use of its secure online payment system; families are generally required to make the initial account payment online. Subsequent payments may be made online.

- Other accepted methods: The school accepts checks and money orders for account payments (make payable to the school) and maintains an address for mailed payments; the business office posts billing statements and manages FACTS/third-party payment plans or other approved alternatives when applicable. Returned-check fees and other service charges may apply.

Notes on optional charges and family obligations

- Device and academic fees have historically been charged on a per-division basis and billed in full at the start of the school year when applicable; under Simplified Tuition, many program costs are included in tuition, but certain optional or extra-curricular charges (testing, trips, extended care, booster events, etc.) continue to be billed separately to family accounts.

- Families may be subject to supplemental fundraising or volunteer obligations; failure to meet these obligations historically results in billing to student accounts.

(Selected official school documents and pages used to compile the above: tuition rates and Simplified Tuition summary; continuous-enrollment and billing policies; Annual Terms that describe payment methods, additional fees and refund terms; and the school bookstore/apparel information.)
Academics

Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy teaches IB (PYP), IB (MYP), IB (DP), Advanced Placement (AP), Catholic Curriculum.

Curriculum
Notre Dame Preparatory School is an International Baccalaureate World School offering the Primary Years Program (PYP) for Pre-K–5, the Middle Years Program (MYP) for grades 6–10, and the Diploma Program (DP) for grades 11–12. It is the first Catholic Pre-K–12 IB World School in the United States. The 11 subject areas are Mathematics, Science, Computer Science, Business, Language & Literature, Language Acquisition, Religion, Social Studies, Physical Education, Performing Arts, and Visual Arts. In addition to IB coursework, AP offerings exist, and some courses are IB/AP integrated (for example, IB DP Spanish and AP English Literature). The program emphasizes inquiry-based, cross-disciplinary learning across all levels.

Student Teacher Ratio
Average class size: 20

Higher Education Progression
Graduates have a 100 percent college acceptance rate and pursue admission to a wide range of colleges and universities. There are over 100 courses across 11 subject areas, supporting college preparation.

Gifted and Talented
AP and IB courses are available for advanced learners.
Wellbeing

Social and Emotional Learning (SEL)
The school provides counselors who provide coordinated academic, personal, college and career guidance. Advisors meet weekly with their groups during Community Time to support student life and expression. A full-time middle school counselor delivers academic and personal guidance and coordinates the Irish Connection program. Peer Leadership helps students adjust socially and academically, and the House system fosters community and belonging. Campus Ministry and the Marist Way guide faith formation, hospitality and inclusion, supporting students' social and emotional development.

Mental Wellbeing
Counselors focus on students' well-being and provide personal support alongside academic guidance. Advisors meet weekly with groups during Community Time to give students space to express themselves. The middle school has a full-time counselor who provides academic and personal guidance and coordinates the Irish Connection program. Peer Leadership and buddy programs help students build social connections and resilience. The Marist Way fosters growth in prayer, community, learning, service and vocation, contributing to students' mental and spiritual well-being.

Safeguarding
Campus Safety is a top priority. A full-time Director of Security and Safety is on campus daily, and armed security staff are on site. Over 125 cameras monitor both campuses, and an electronic visitor screening program plus building access controls are in place. An emergency notification system and building alert system are used to communicate during incidents. Staff receive active shooter training to respond effectively.
Parent Experience

History
Notre Dame Preparatory School began in 1994 when the Society of Mary (Marist Fathers and Brothers) was invited to oversee Oakland Catholic High School in Pontiac and to establish Notre Dame Prep on the former campus. The first year opened in 1994 with 183 students, followed by the creation of a middle school in 1996. Notre Dame Marist Academy – Lower Division opened in 2003 as the lower school on the campus of St. Benedict School in Waterford. In 2013 the lower school moved to a new facility on the Pontiac campus. In 2014 ownership transferred from the Archdiocese of Detroit to Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy, a Michigan non-profit educational corporation governed by a Board of Trustees, with Catholic sponsorship and Marist educational management continuing. Today, more than 1,000 students attend Notre Dame Prep's Pontiac campus, and the school offers Pre-K–12 instruction with the International Baccalaureate program for all grade levels.

Community
Notre Dame Prep is a Catholic and Marist community, with Marist teachings guiding daily life, faith formation, and service. The school delivers Pre-K–12 education within an IB framework and provides opportunities beyond the classroom in arts, athletics, and leadership. The community hosts events that connect students, families, and donors, including the annual St. Peter Chanel Society Dinner, and highlights alumni stories and campus news as part of its active community life.
Facilities

Facilities Overview
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is a PreK–12 campus in Pontiac, Michigan, with the Lower School at 1425 Giddings Road and the Middle and Upper Schools at 1300 Giddings Road. Facilities include the St. Peter Chanel Library, the Eugenio D'Agostini Media Center, the Melissa Kozyra Greenhouse and Botany Learning Lab, and the Timothy J. Easterwood Science, Art and Technology Wing. The campus also houses Beverly Gifford Music Center, a Choir Room, and a Chapel, plus outdoor spaces Mary Courtyard and a Playground. Athletic facilities comprise the Main Gymnasium, Jim Grimaldi Athletic Center, Betty A. Wroubel Athletic Performance Center, Baseball Diamond, Softball Diamond, Sand training and volleyball courts, Tennis Courts, and William Kozyra Alumni Field.

Sports Facilities
Notre Dame Prep offers 31 athletic programs. The athletic facilities include the Main Gymnasium, Jim Grimaldi Athletic Center, Betty A. Wroubel Athletic Performance Center, Baseball Diamond, Softball Diamond, Sand training and volleyball courts, Tennis Courts, and William Kozyra Alumni Field. These spaces support a broad athletics program across the Upper, Middle, and Lower schools.

Academic Facilities
Timothy J. Easterwood Science, Art and Technology Wing includes science laboratories, collaborative-learning classrooms, a robotics lab, and two fine arts studios. Melissa Kozyra Greenhouse and Botany Learning Lab is a high-tech greenhouse with NFT hydroponics and Botany learning opportunities open to PreK–12. Eugenio D'Agostini Media Center and St. Peter Chanel Library support research and study across divisions. Beverly Gifford Music Center and Choir Room support performing arts, and the campus includes a Chapel for worship.

Extra Curricular Facilities
There are more than 50 clubs and co-curricular activities, plus 31 athletic teams and 14 bands and choruses. The program also includes many service and leadership opportunities for students.
Extra-Curricular Activities

Academic & Intellectual
Notre Dame Prep uses the International Baccalaureate approach to learning and serves students from pre-kindergarten through 12th grade. The IB framework emphasizes inquiry-based, interdisciplinary study and project-based learning across divisions. The program also includes a broad AP program with 17 AP courses and the IB Diploma. 100% of graduates gain college acceptance.

Arts & Creative
Arts are an integral part of Notre Dame Prep's identity, with Band, Choir, Theatre, and Visual Arts programs. The arts program offers nearly 40 arts classes. The theatre program produces six full productions a year across the three schools. The Visual Arts program offers classes in studio art technique and appreciation.

Cultural & Language
From PK through 12th grade, language learning is a continuous, developmentally aligned experience. All students in pre-kindergarten through fifth grade receive daily Spanish instruction. Middle school offers Spanish or Mandarin Chinese. Upper school provides Spanish and Mandarin sequences through advanced IB and AP coursework.

Social & Hobbies
Co-curricular life includes more than 30 clubs. The arts are integrated into student life with band, choir, theatre, and visual arts opportunities. The theatre program produces six full productions per year and the performing arts include a range of ensemble opportunities.

Community & Service
Service and leadership opportunities are a core part of the Catholic and Marist identity, with a broad array of programs and leadership roles available. Senior students lead service experiences such as Life Remodeled. Campus ministry and the Marist Way guide faith-based service and community-building activities.

Leadership & Professional
Leadership opportunities exist across school life—from student government to entrepreneurship and club leadership. The Admissions page highlights leadership opportunities alongside AP and IB programs (e.g., entrepreneurship, student council, and service roles). A senior example shows leadership in clubs such as Entrepreneurship and Business Club and in student government.

Lifestyle & Wellbeing
Safety and security are top priorities, with a full-time director of security, armed security staff, and extensive safety systems. Regular fire and emergency drills are conducted and documented annually. Mental health and wellbeing are supported through counseling resources and wellness initiatives, including programs like Simply Serene.
Languages

Language Provision
As an IB World School, Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy offers 11 subject areas, including Language & Literature and Language Acquisition. Upper School offers the IB Diploma Program. The IB program provides a holistic education across and within subjects.
Admissions

Admissions
Upper School Admissions (Grades 9–12): 1. Create a parent/guardian account or log into MyNotreDame. If you already have an account, use MyNotreDame to access the admissions checklist. 2. Submit an online application for admission through your checklist on MyNotreDame. 3. Request student evaluations from your current/most recent English and Math teachers through the MyNotreDame checklist. 4. Request copies of records from your current/most recent school (download the form in your MyNotreDame checklist). 5. Participate in a Parent/Student Interview. 6. Testing: the High School Placement Test is no longer required; if the child took HSPT elsewhere, a PDF score report may be emailed to admissions@ndpma.org. Middle School Admissions (Grades 6–8): 1. Create a parent/guardian account. 2. Submit an online application for admission through the checklist on MyNotreDame. 3. Request student evaluations from your current/most recent English and Math teachers through your MyNotreDame checklist. 4. Request copies of records from your current/most recent school (download the form in your MyNotreDame checklist). 5. Parent/Student Interview. Note: Applicants may be asked to take additional reading, writing, and/or math assessments. Lower School Admissions (PreK–5): 1. Create a parent/guardian account, if you do not already have one. 2. Submit an online application for admission through your MyNotreDame checklist. 3. Request a student evaluation from your current/most recent teacher. 4. Request copies of records from your current/most recent school (download the form in your MyNotreDame checklist). 5. Parent/Student Interview and reading and math assessments on a scheduled Visit Day (PreK: parent interview only; K–5: parent–student interview).

Scholarships
Gateway Scholarships are available for students entering grades kindergarten and up, with awards from $1,000 up to half-off tuition. Merit Scholarships are available for incoming 9th graders, ranging from $1,000 to $10,000 and are renewable for subsequent years. Endowed Scholarships include the Berch Family Scholarship, the Kristy Malter Endowed Scholarship, and the David A. Molnar Endowed Scholarship. Alumni Awards and Multiple-Child Discounts are also offered. Tuition rates for 2026–27 are listed, and Notre Dame Prep has moved to Simplified Tuition, which integrates fees into tuition. For Gateway Scholarships, the application opens 10/1 with exclusive review windows for returning (10/1–11/30) and new families (12/1–1/31). Merit Scholarships are awarded to 9th graders based on academic achievement, leadership/service, application essay, and interview, with renewals contingent on maintaining a B average and acceptable attendance/discipline. Endowed Scholarships details include the Berch, Kristy Malter, and David A. Molnar awards. Alumni Awards provide a $1,000 scholarship for the first student; Multiple-Child Discounts apply (5% off for the second child, 10% for the third, and full discount for the fourth and beyond). Tuition rates shown are for 2026–27, with further information on Gateway and other scholarship timing and criteria available on the page.

Waitlist
The school uses wait pools for 3rd, 7th, and 8th grades. Families are encouraged to complete the admissions process for these grades. If seats become available, applicants who have completed the process will be reviewed and may be invited to enroll.
School Events
The school has not added events
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