Signature Programs
View our Course Catalog for more information on our Signature Program Courses.
Course Catalog
21st Century Learning at ND
International Baccalaureate Diploma Program
The highly respected International Baccalaureate (IBDP) program is uniquely aligned with our Catholic, Holy Cross mission to nurture personal growth and foster integrity in young men and women of diverse talents, backgrounds and beliefs. IB “aims to develop inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who help to create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.”
Learn MoreWhat is the IB Diploma Programme?
The International Baccalaureate Organization (IBO) began in the 1960s within the international school community as a way to establish a rigorous academic credential that would be recognized globally. This highly respected program is uniquely aligned with our Catholic, Holy Cross mission to nurture personal growth and foster integrity in students of diverse talents, backgrounds, and beliefs.
The IB Diploma Programme is a rigorous and balanced two-year curriculum for juniors and seniors noted for developing students who have excellent breadth and depth of knowledge and flourish intellectually, emotionally, physically and ethically. The program uses instructional techniques that emphasize critical thinking and knowledge application, while also encouraging international mindedness. Today, the IB Diploma Programme is respected by the world's top universities as one of the most comprehensive college preparation programs available.
How Does the IB Diploma Programme Work?
Students choose courses from the six different IB groups: English, Second Language, Individuals and Societies, Experimental Sciences, Math and The Arts. Students have the opportunity to focus in on their strengths and interest by taking at least three and no more than four courses of their choice at the Higher Level, while the remaining classes are taken at the Standard Level. All courses are taught over two-years. In addition to the courses, students will complete all IB Core Requirements.
Core Requirements
The Extended Essay is a 4,000 word written essay. It gives students the opportunity to conduct an in-depth study on a topic of individual interest, and acquaints students with the independent research and writing skills expected at university.
The interdisciplinary TOK course is designed to provide coherence by exploring the nature of knowledge across disciplines, encouraging an appreciation of other cultural perspectives. It offers students the opportunity to reflect critically, ask questions and become aware of their thoughts and opinions.
Participation in the school’s CAS program encourages students to be involved in artistic pursuits, sports and other activities and community service work, thus fostering students’ awareness and appreciation of life outside the academic arena. These elements are aligned with college admission expectations.
The Value of an IB Education
In addition to the depth and breadth of the knowledge that an IB education provides, colleges and universities from across the world regard the IB Diploma Programme as one of the finest college preparatory programs available. Research shows that students who successfully complete the IB Diploma Programme are more likely to be enrolled in the nation's top prestigious universities.
IBDP Programme Outcomes
The IB program will challenge students to:
- Become independent thinkers by challenging assumptions
- Broaden their cultural understanding through the acquisition of a new language
- Engage, connect, and collaborate with individuals from different backgrounds and cultures
- Enter college as strategic researchers
Upon completion, IBDP students are:
- Prepared for global citizenship and global competition
- Twice as likely to be admitted to the most selective colleges and universities as non-Diploma students
- Graduated in 4 years from college at twice the rate of non-Diploma students
Why should I become a Diploma Programme candidate?
Aside from the benefits of receiving a balanced, well-rounded education, IB diploma earners will have received a degree that is recognized world-wide as preparing students for university studies and life in a global society. All IBDP students, whether they earn the diploma or do not, are highly sought after by colleges and universities for having challenged themselves through as rigorous a program as Notre Dame High School offers. Colleges and universities offer students credit for IB courses upon admission in the same manner as they do for Advanced Placement (AP) courses. For the UC system, students who earn the IB diploma with a score of 30 or above receive 30 quarter (20 semester) units toward their UC degree. Students who receive IB certificates with scores of 5, 6 or 7 on Higher Level exams will receive 8 quarter (5.3 semester) units. Most other colleges and universities in the U.S. and around the world also offer significant credit for both diploma and individual exam scores as well.
The aim of all IB programmes is to develop internationally minded people who, recognizing their common humanity and shared guardianship of the planet, help to create a better and more peaceful world.
As IB learners we strive to be:
INQUIRERS
We nurture our curiosity, developing skills for inquiry and research. We know how to learn independently and with others. We learn with enthusiasm and sustain our love of learning throughout life.
KNOWLEDGEABLE
We develop and use conceptual understanding, exploring knowledge across a range of disciplines. We engage with issues and ideas that have local and global significance.
THINKERS
We use critical and creative thinking skills to analyze and take responsible action on complex problems. We exercise initiative in making reasoned, ethical decisions.
COMMUNICATORS
We express ourselves confidently and creatively in more than one language and in many ways. We collaborate effectively, listening carefully to the perspectives of other individuals and groups.
PRINCIPLED
We act with integrity and honesty, with a strong sense of fairness and justice, and with respect for the dignity and rights of people everywhere. We take responsibility for our actions and their consequences.
OPEN-MINDED
We critically appreciate our own cultures and personal histories, as well as the values and traditions of others. We seek and evaluate a range of points of view, and we are willing to grow from the experience.
CARING
We show empathy, compassion, and respect. We have a commitment to service, and we act to make a positive difference in the lives of others and in the world around us.
RISK-TAKERS
We approach uncertainty with forethought and determination; we work independently and cooperatively to explore new ideas and innovative strategies. We are resourceful and resilient in the face of challenges and change.
BALANCED
We understand the importance of balancing different aspects of our lives˛intellectual, physical, and emotional˛to achieve
well-being for ourselves and others. We recognize our interdependence with other people and with the world in which we live.
REFLECTIVE
We thoughtfully consider the world and our own ideas and experiences. We work to understand our strengths and weaknesses in order to support our learning and personal development.
The IB learner profile represents 10 attributes valued by IB World Schools. We believe these attributes, and others like them, can help individuals and groups become responsible members of local, national and global communities.
Resources
Engineering
Designed by Fortune 500 Engineers alongside ND faculty, the Engineering Program is a three year program that cultivates the analytical, creative, and process skills required in the engineering profession. Students develops problem-solving abilities through practical learning applications.
Play VideoLearn MoreEngineering and Design Program Highlights
ND’s Engineering program is a hands-on project intensive curriculum, with a capstone project in the student’s third year. The coursework cultivates an understanding of the values of teamwork in a practical setting, and helps students develop the leadership necessary to utilize individual strengths so that the team is more than the sum of its parts. Students will have access to expert guidance in developing the essential skills for a future career in a technical field.
Engineering Program Outcomes
Upon completion of the three year program, students will have exposure to a broad range of engineering disciplines and the essential skills required for the profession.
- A Certificate of Completion will be added to their Notre Dame transcript.
Sports, Exercise, and Health Science Program
ND’s popular Signature Program in Sports, Exercise, and Health Science allows students to explore potential careers in Sports Medicine and Athletic Training. ND graduates will have an edge in applications to competitive college programs.
Play VideoLearn MoreSports, Exercise, and Health Science Highlights
Students will learn by doing. The three-year program includes 30 clinical hours. Students learn the essentials of Athletic Training and Anatomy and Physiology. With professionals from Yale University and Connecticut Orthopedic Specialists acting as advisors to the program, students will have regular interactions with coaches, athletes, parents, and doctors. Coursework will emphasize real-life problem-solving situations and practical application of theory.
Program Coursework
Fundamentals of Athletic Training, Anatomy & Physiology, Essentials of Strength and Conditioning, Exercise Physiology, Principles of Coaching
Program Outcomes
- Students completing the coursework and required practical hours will receive a Certificate of Completion on their Notre Dame transcript.
Moreau Honors Program
Named for Blessed Basil Moreau, founder of the Brothers of Holy Cross, the Moreau Honors Program emphasizes rigorous reading competencies while developing 21st-century skills including creative problem solving, collaboration, and digital literacy. Based on their prior academic achievements, incoming freshmen are placed into the program prior to their first fall semester at Notre Dame.
Learn MoreMoreau Honors PROGRAM Highlights
Highly motivated Moreau Honors students discover new interests while learning to be conscious consumers of information. Students develop reflection and assessment skills, which give them the confidence to continually accept challenges in the college classroom and beyond. Religion, English, and Social Studies are taught in an integrated format, challenging students to draw connections across disciplines and time.
Program Outcomes
- Coursework challenges students and enhances writing skills
- Students learn to become critical thinkers
- Projects and collaborative activities teach Moreau Honors students how to work together towards shared goals
eXperiential Learning Program (NDXL)
At Notre Dame, learning takes place beyond the walls of the typical classroom and extends out into the real world. Students broaden their horizons through NDXL, an experiential learning term that encourages students to partake in study tours, special interest courses, service learning, and immersion programs.
Play VideoLearn MoreNDXL PROGRAM Highlights
Notre Dame eXperiential Learning (NDXL) expands learning opportunities for students. This program gives students the freedom to learn in areas of passion, discover and develop their gifts, explore new ideas and skills, and participate in service learning. NDXL is a required graduation credit.
Potential Learning Opportunities
International and Domestic Travel Courses, Workout Science, History of Rock N Roll, Field & Stream Outdoors, Sports Psych, Culinary Arts, Guitar Basics, Service Trips, and more!
NDXL Program Outcomes
- Skill development for the 21st Century workplace
- Demonstrating creative and innovative problem solving
- Facilitation of self-directed goals
- Learning from failure through flexibility and adaptability
Freshman Advisory
The program emphasizes a positive transition to high school and the many opportunities to engage, learn and thrive at ND. Through partnerships with faculty, staff, Peer Counselors, and student leaders, students explore the ND experience with expert guidance and support.
Learn MoreFreshman Academy Advisory Highlights
This year-long program for first year students helps our newest community members become proficient learners with strong organization, note taking, presentation, study and, test-taking skills. Coursework includes educational technology resources including Chromebook/Google Classroom.
Grounded in The ND Code
- Be prompt
- Be prepared
- Be productive
- Be polite
- Be positive
Program Outcomes
First year students will finish Freshman Advisory with essential skills to experience success in all aspects of life as a Notre Dame Student. They’ll also build personal relationships with faculty and staff who will offer continuing academic, behavioral, social and emotional support throughout their high school career.
Peer Counseling Program
Through the Peer Counseling Program, selected seniors demonstrate leadership through service. These students take on a mentor role to the freshman class and act as role models to the whole student body. In both classroom discovery and interactions with other students, the Program seeks to form “servant-leaders”, deepening the bonds among us.
Learn MorePeer Counseling PROGRAM Highlights
In addition to specialized academic coursework, Peer Counselors also participate in a three-day retreat during the summer break. Geared toward leadership development and self-awareness, the retreat focuses on training, supervising, and supporting the seniors who participate. Peer Counselors will meet with freshmen during the 75-minute Community Period, as his extended block of time allows freshmen and Peer Counselors to dive into deeper and more frequent discussions.
Program Outcomes
- Help freshmen adjust to life at Notre Dame
- Lead by example in multiple areas, including leadership, faith, compassion, and is of high academic standing.
- Demonstrate a positive commitment to the Notre Dame Code
Leadership Program
Students explore the essential skills of effective, authentic leadership through the Habitudes Curriculum, a leadership development sequence of courses. Students take theory out of the classroom into practical application through leadership roles in various Notre Dame activities. Leadership students are also actively engaged in service learning.
Learn MoreLeadership PROGRAM Highlights
The essential skills of effective leadership are taught through the Habitudes program, a series of core courses, service, and leadership in extracurricular activities. A Reflection Capstone Project is the culminating assessment of leadership studies and real-world practice.
Program Coursework
Entrepreneurship, Global Issues, Life Skills, Marketing, Peer Counseling,
Public Speaking, Writing for the Real World
Program Outcomes
Students will develop leadership and life skills in:
- (EQ) Emotional Intelligence
- Character Development
- Strengths Discovery
- Leadership Perspective
