Notre Dame Academy

As a Catholic, private, high school for young women, sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame, Notre Dame Academy determines its policy of admissions in accordance with the philosophy of the school. The Academy welcomes college-bound students who desire a challenging high school curriculum combined with a strong emphasis on faith, life-long learning, service and leadership.

Admission to Notre Dame Academy is determined by five basic indicators of the student’s potential for success:

• High School Placement Test (HSPT) scores

• Personal Interview with Notre Dame Academy personnel

• Scholastic achievement and conduct in grades 6, 7, and 8

• Recommendations from 8th grade teachers, principal and a character reference

• Results of standardized testing in grades 6, 7 and 8

A grade of D or F in grades 6, 7 or 8 will not ordinarily be considered for admission. Additionally, a student is expected to maintain her level of performance through the completion of grade eight following acceptance at Notre Dame Academy. A significant drop in academic or behavior grades may jeopardize a student’s status for admittance. Notre Dame Academy will finalize acceptance upon review of the student’s final June report card, financial clearance by the elementary school and the completion of all paperwork.

HSPT scores become part of the student’s permanent file and will be accessible to the student upon admission to Notre Dame Academy in September. This policy is consistent with the Family Educational Rights and Privacy Act of 1974 which guarantees the right of access to the permanent file only upon admission as a student.

Transfer Students

Transfer students are accepted after a personal interview and careful consideration of the scholastic record, standardized test results and recommendations from a character reference, principal, math teacher and English teacher at the student’s previous school. Notre Dame Academy maintains an open enrollment policy in concert with the California Interscholastic Federation State Federated State Bylaws: Article 2, Section 222.

Policy of Non-Discrimination

Notre Dame Academy admits students of any race, color, national and ethnic origin to all rights and activities made available at the school. The Academy is non-discriminatory in the administration of its educational policies, financial aid, athletic and other school-administered programs. Catholic students are generally given precedence over those who are not Catholic.

Honors at Entrance

Honors at Entrance is awarded to the top 10% of entering ninth grade students based on HSPT scores, grades and recommendations.