About

For nearly 80 years, a Notre Dame education has inspired in our students the Character to Lead, the Compassion to Serve, and the Confidence to Excel. While much about our school has changed over the years, our Holy Cross mission has been a constant. A Holy Cross education is built on four foundational pillars: Educating Minds and Hearts; Bringing Hope; Building Respect; and Being Family. We continue to be inspired by the words of Blessed Basil Moreau, the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross, who wrote "How we educate the mind will change with the times; how we cultivate the heart will remain timeless."

This fall, we have successfully expanded our Holy Cross mission by enrolling young women for the first time. We are thrilled that we are now able to offer the distinct and unique benefits of a Holy Cross education to both young men and young women in our Classes of 2028 and 2029. While this is a historic milestone, it is not a departure from who we are—it is a deepening of our mission, one that aligns fully with the vision Blessed Basil Moreau set forth nearly two centuries ago.

Notre Dame High School remains committed to providing an education that is both intentional and transformational. We are one of the few independent schools in Connecticut to offer the prestigious International Baccalaureate (IB) Program, alongside Advanced Placement (AP) courses and UConn's Early College Experience. The IB Program is recognized worldwide for fostering intellectual and spiritual growth, intercultural understanding, and respect. Our signature programs in Engineering and Design and Sports, Exercise, and Health Science allow students to explore their passions and develop new ones. Additionally, our Notre Dame Experiential Learning Program (NDXL) bridges classroom learning with real-world experience—equipping students to apply their education meaningfully beyond our walls.

Notre Dame students also thrive beyond the classroom. We are proud of our long-standing athletic tradition and look forward to building on that success with both men's and women's teams. Our athletic teams have earned more than 40 state championships. In addition, students can participate in award-winning music and theater programs. Through our vibrant Campus Ministry, students participate in prayer, worship, and retreat programs. Students also engage in direct service to those in need as part of their curriculum, and through special mission activities.

Thanks to the success of our recent Comprehensive Campaign, we have completed one of the most significant renovations in our school's history. Our new student commons, renovated cafeteria, and modernized classrooms have greatly enhanced the learning environment—ensuring that our facilities reflect the excellence of the programs we offer and are ready to welcome a co-educational student body.

I warmly invite you to visit Notre Dame High School and experience for yourself what we call the Notre Dame Advantage. We look forward to welcoming you to our community.

Robert F. Curis, P '25
President, Notre Dame High School

“With eyes of faith consider the greatness of your mission and the wonderful amount of good which you can accomplish.”

Blessed Basil Moreau,
the founder of the Congregation of Holy Cross

Head of School

Robert Curis, P'25
President

President Robert F. Curis is the 11th President of Notre Dame High School and its first lay leader. A native of West Hartford, President Curis received his undergraduate degree from the University of Notre Dame, and a Master’s Degree from Georgetown University. Before his appointment to Notre Dame in 2015, he served as Assistant Head of School at the Whitby School in Greenwich, CT. Prior to that, he was named the founding Dean of the American University in Kosovo. He also served as a Holy Cross Associate Volunteer in Portland, Oregon, and a Peace Corps volunteer in Albania.

As a student and an educator, President Curis has been inspired by our Holy Cross mission. During his tenure, Notre Dame has launched a number of transformational initiatives, including the introduction of the International Baccalaureate Program, the development of signature programs highlighting experiential learning, and a renovation of the school. 

Robert and his wife Edlira have three children: Emma, a junior at the University of Findlay in Ohio; Reamon, a freshman at the University of Notre Dame, and Fiona, a senior at Greens Farms Academy.