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

A D M I S S I O N S G U I D E

20112012

G O A L S A N D

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· She will develop a social conscience through the study of church and historical documents, current world issues, and ethics.· She will strengthen her social consciousness through participation in a variety of service activities.· She will learn to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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O b j e c t i v e s

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 and staff are committed to guiding you as a young woman growing in your faith, developing your character and pursuing your academic goals. They will direct 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 young women who are curious and want to work hard. We are looking for students who will share their gifts and talents with the NDA community and who want to be enriched by the gifts and talents of others. NDA’s students come from more than 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 and website, are 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. 2235.

Best wishes,

Sister Barbara A. Barry, SNDdeN ‘69President

Mission Statement

Notre Dame Academy is a

vibrant, Catholic, college-

preparatory learning

community, sponsored by

the Sisters of Notre Dame de

Namur. The Academy guides

young women in their personal

faith formation, challenges

students to pursue academic

excellence, and encourages

social responsibility on behalf

of global justice.

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P R O F I L E

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 AuditoriumCampus Ministry CenterChapelGymnasiumLibrary/Media CenterMaribeth Merrigan Multi-Media Language Learning Center (Sony L9000)Networked Computer LabsScience Center including greenhouseSt. Julie Billiart Dining HallTennis CourtsTrack and Three Athletic Fields

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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 AM to 4:30 PM for class related instruction, individual reading and research, and wireless networked computer use. The LMC supports a fully automated, curriculum-related collection of 8,000 volumes, 500 + videos/DVDs and multimedia devices including: digital camera, LCD projector, DVD players, Playaway Audio books and Kindle. The Center houses two mobile wireless carts with twenty-four laptop and ten Net book computers, all with internet access. The LMC subscribes to several databases for faculty and student use; some of those database titles include: Science Online, CQ Researcher Online, EBSCO Literary Reference Center, Proquest Historical Newspapers, Encyclopedia Britannica, SEMLS, ABC Clio Social Studies and NoodleBib Bibliography Composer. In addition, the Center subscribes to sixty periodicals and six newspapers. Full access is provided to black and white as well as color copiers/printers. The NDA Library Media Center teachers are members of the Southeast Massachusetts Regional Library System, the Massachusetts School Library Association, the Greater Boston 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 College Board Advanced Placement Program. Advanced Placement courses currently being offered include English Language and Composition, English Literature and Composition, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Statistics, Computer A, U.S. History, U.S. Government and Politics, Biology, Chemistry, Physics B, French Language, Spanish Language, Latin Literature, Music Theory, Art Drawing, Art 2-D, and Art 3-D.

F A I t h A N D

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a c t i o n

C O U R S E

thEOLOGy

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.

Introduction to the Church, Saint Julie Billiart and the ScripturesMoral Decision-MakingJust Choices*Catholic Bioethics**Adult Christianity

ENGLISh

English is required each year and includes the study of literature, language, and composition.

Literature and the Writing Process*British Literature*American Literature*World Literature*Advanced Placement Language and CompositionAdvanced Placement Literature and Composition

English ElectiveIntroduction to Creative Writing

MAthEMAtIcS

Math 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 MathematicsAdvanced Placement StatisticsCalculus**Advanced Placement Calculus ABAdvanced Placement Calculus BC

ScIENcE

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

SOcIAL StUDIES

Social Studies is required for three years, with World History I required in the freshman year and United States History required in the junior year.World History IWorld History II* United States History*Advanced Placement United States HistoryWorld Affairs**United States Government*PsychologyAdvanced Placement U.S. Government and Politics

WORLD LANGUAGES

Students 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*, V*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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O f f e r i n g s

vISUAL AND PERFORMING ARtS

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.

Visual and PErforming arTs rEquirEmEnTIntroduction to Visual and Performing Arts

arTStudio ArtCeramics and 3-D Design Advanced Placement Art: Drawing PortfolioAdvanced Placement Art: 2-D PortfolioAdvanced Placement Art: 3-D PortfolioIndependent Studio

art ElectivesArt Workshop I / Sketchbook ForumPhotography I, IIPainting

musicAdvanced Placement Music Theory

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

THEaTEr

Theatrical arts ElectivesFall NDA PlayersSpring NDA PlayersTheatrical Arts AdvancedFestival TroupeCommunication Arts

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 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 U Lt I vAt E

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r e s p e c t

G u i d a n c e

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, co-curricular 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 O O D N E S S

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o f G o dS e r v i c e s

One hundred percent of the Class of 2011 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 o l l e g e Amherst CollegeBarnard CollegeBates CollegeBoston CollegeBrigham Young UniversityBowdoin CollegeBrown UniversityCarnegie Mellon UniversityColby CollegeColgate UniversityCollege of the Holy CrossCollege of William and MaryColumbia UniversityConnecticut CollegeCornell UniversityDartmouth CollegeDuke UniversityEmmanuel CollegeFairfield UniversityGeorgetown UniversityHarvard UniversityJohns Hopkins UniversityLoyola College in MarylandMassachusetts Institute of TechnologyMcGill UniversityMiddlebury CollegeNew York University

Northwestern UniversityProvidence CollegeRice UniversitySkidmore CollegeSmith CollegeStanford UniversityStonehill CollegeSwarthmore CollegeTufts UniversityUnited States Military AcademyUnited States Naval AcademyUniversity of California at Los Angeles (UCLA)University of ChicagoUniversity of MichiganUniversity of North Carolina at Chapel HillUniversity of Notre DameUniversity of PennsylvaniaUniversity of Southern California University of VirginiaVassar CollegeVillanova UniversityWashington and Lee UniversityWellesley CollegeWesleyan UniversityWilliams CollegeYale University

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o f G o dA c c e p t a n c e s

A t h l e t i c s

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 GolfDance Basketball LacrosseField Hockey Dance SailingSoccer Gymnastics SoftballSwimming Ice Hockey TennisVolleyball Indoor Track and Field Track and Field

In 2010-2011, 77 percent of our student body participated in the athletic program. Our staff of coaches supervises 36 different level teams including freshman, junior varsity and varsity competitions. We also sponsor a varsity cheerleading squad that competes in both fall and winter.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 - c u r r i c u l a r

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

AmbassadorsAnimeArt ClubBook ClubCampus MinistryComputer TeamCreative Writing ClubFrench ClubFuture Helpers and Healers ClubGreen TeamJunior Classical LeagueKey ClubLanguage Honor SocietiesMath TeamModel CongressModel United NationsNational Honor SocietyNDA PlayersNewspaperNeuroscience NetworkPeer MentorsRobotics Team

Save our AnimalsScience ClubSpanish ClubStudent CouncilT.A.S.C. (Teens Acting for Social Change)Yearbook

Visual and PErforming arTs

Art ExhibitsConcertsDrama ProductionsMusical ProductionsOratorical Contests

World as classroom

Close-Up Washington, D.C.Italy TourMontreal and Quebec TourFrance Homestay ProgramSpain Tour

E D U c At E

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f o r l i f e

A c t i v i t i e s

A d m i s s i o n , f i n a n c i a l a s s i s ta n c e

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 16 or November 3 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 $30.00.3. Take the Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT) on November 12 or December 10. (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 online application for admission, which includes an application form, a hand-written essay and an application fee of $40.00. The application form must be submitted online. The application form, essay and application fee must be submitted and/or postmarked to the Admissions Office by December 1. Checks may be made payable to Notre Dame Academy.5. Submit the transcript record form, found at the end of the online application, 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 1.6. Admissions decisions for the Class of 2016 will be mailed on January 27.Applicants to grade nine are invited to participate in the NDA for a Day Shadow Program. Visit the NDA website for details.

Applicants to grade ten and eleven should contact the Admissions Office for more information.

C R E At E

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c o m m u n i t i e s

a n d Tu i t i o n

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. 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 2011-2012 academic year is $15,975.00. Additionally, books cost approximately $800.00. The Notre Dame uniform costs approximately $200.00.

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FREShMAN ADMISSIONS

october 16, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Open House I Registration for November or December Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT)november 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Open House IInovember 12, 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 10, 8:30 a.m. Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT)January 27 Admissions Decisions Mailedfebruary 6, 7:00 p.m. Class of 2016 Receptionfebruary 13 Class of 2016 Registration Postmark Deadlinemarch 3, 8:30 a.m. Class of 2016 Placement Exams may 10, 5:00 p.m. Class of 2016 Orientation and Parent Orientation

A d m i s s i o n s

tRANSFER ADMISSIONS FOR SOPhOMORES AND JUNIORS

october 16, 1:00-3:00 p.m. Open House Inovember 3, 5:00-7:00 p.m. Open House IIapril Application, Transcripts (from Seventh Grade to Present) and Recommendations Postmarked to Admissions Officeapril and may Transfer Interviews Scheduled*

* 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. Upon completion of the admissions process the applicant will be notified of the school’s decision within thirty days.

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C a l e n d a r

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.

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.

C O N N E c t E D N E S S

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t o a l l

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