The Philosophy of Notre Dame High School

Notre Dame High School is a Catholic independent secondary school admitting students of any race, nationality or religion to all the rights, privileges, programs and activities generally made available at the School. Its primary purpose is to assist the parents and guardians of its students in the education of their sons by providing a college preparatory curriculum. Notre Dame is founded upon the Catholic philosophy in the Holy Cross tradition which offers the student a greater appreciation of his personal worth and dignity as a creature of a loving God and of the equality of all human life. A Notre Dame education offers a holistic approach, which develops integrity, independence, leadership, and values. Notre Dame High School further fosters an environment where students, administration, faculty, and parents or guardians work together toward faith development, moral self-discipline, and academic excellence.

Academic and Spiritual Objectives on Behalf of Students

• To offer opportunities for each student to have a greater appreciation of his own worth and dignity as a creature of God as well as the equality of all human life.
• To reach out toward a diverse population of students, welcoming young men of all races, nationalities, and religious traditions.
• To prepare each student to enter college as a responsible adult with a sense of personal accountability.
• To foster within our students a personal commitment to society in general.
• To offer a holistic approach to education that promotes within our students the qualities of integrity, independence, leadership, and values.

General Academic/Graduation Outcomes

• To be able to read, write, listen, and communicate effectively.
• To be able to incorporate technology into their learning and daily life.
• To be able to demonstrate a knowledge of a language other than English and understand the culture of that language.
• To be able to use problem-solving techniques.
• To be able to live a healthy lifestyle and respect both self and others.
• To be able to demonstrate the qualities of an active and informed citizen who understands historical information.
• To be able to demonstrate an appreciation of the arts.
• To be able to develop the skills needed to be a lifelong learner.

Objectives in Relationship to Parents and Guardians

• To give support and aid to parents and guardians in fostering the social, spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and physical development of their sons.
• To inform parents and guardians consistently of their sons' academic and personal progress and to encourage parents and guardians to remain in close contact with Notre Dame High School.

Objectives for the Entire Notre Dame Community

• To provide an environment wherein all members of the community labor together toward faith development, moral self-discipline, and academic excellence.
• To create an atmosphere conducive to personal fulfillment, responsibility, and professional development of the staff and faculty members.
• To support our alumni through various opportunities to reunite, reconnect, and remember their role in Notre Dame High School's history and to enlist their participation and support in our continued mission.

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