Come For The Academics, Stay Because You’re Family.

Fostering Success Through A Balanced Education.

Curriculum may be defined as “all the guided experiences of the child under the direction of the school.” It includes the content of courses of study and also embraces the development of the whole child that is within the scope of the school. In keeping with our school philosophy and objectives, we enable the students of Notre Dame Academy to grow in knowledge and love of God, and of themselves. Religious education is experienced throughout the school day. The school has its own unique characteristics – an environment permeated with the Gospel spirit of love and freedom. The faith formation of a student is an ongoing process. Ideas about God and His world are incorporated into daily classroom activities as the opportunities present themselves. The curriculum is designed with the rigor, meeting the needs of all learners. Instruction in academic areas follows both the directives from the Common Core Framework, California State Frameworks, as well as the Course Objectives from the Diocese of San Diego.

PreschoolElementaryMiddle School

Preschool At Notre Dame Academy…

Where Every Step Is Small, But Each One Is Significant.

Academics Preschool

At NDA we offer small class sizes. At the preschool level we structure our classroom with no more than 24 students per class. The expected average teacher to student ratio at the preschool level is 12:1. This allows for individualized care, creating a strong foundation for the students to build on in their future educational career.

Kids Don’t Just Grow Up, They Grow Within.

Faith, Family, Character, Accomplishments.

Private Middle Schools In San Diego

At NDA we offer small class sizes, no more than 25 students per class. We have one classroom per grade in Kindergarten through 4th grade. We find that our class sizes are the optimal size. They are small enough for individualized and differentiated instruction, yet large enough for positive social and peer-relationship development. Our students grow with their peers and develop friendships that last a lifetime.

Devoted To Shaping Learners Into Leaders

Whole-Child Education that Propels as Well as Prepares.

Private Middle Schools In San Diego

Preparation for high school and beyond is our main academic focus within our private middle schools in San Diego. 99% of our students are accepted into their top choice high school. Our teachers collaborate with the local Catholic High schools to ensure our students are ready for the challenges of competitive college-prep high schools, both academically and socially. Our graduates of today are the leaders of tomorrow.


innovation technology
iPad Program

During the Fall of 2013, Notre Dame Academy conducted a rollout of Apple iPads for the Kindergarten through Eighth grades. Allowing students to utilize technology during the educational process is a means for enhancing each student’s overall learning experience. Our goal is to provide a safe, appropriate, and effective learning environment for all at Notre Dame Academy.
To find out about our policies, codes of conduct, requirements for cases in Middle School, and incident reporting, please view the below-listed files.


Student Recognition

Grading Policy

Bell Schedule

Faith Formation

For Our Faith, For Our Family, For Our Future.


The private schools in San Diego require that a Catholic school be distinguished by a formal program in relation to religious beliefs and practices with the moral development and education of children. Regular religious instruction is an integral part of the educational program for all students at all grade levels.

The classroom preparation for sacramental programs involves parental understanding. To assist in parental understanding, meetings are held for parents of children preparing for the reception of the Sacraments of Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. Attendance at these meetings is mandatory. Religious worship is an integral part of a child’s growth and a central part of the identity of a Catholic school. Students will be involved in the preparation of all school Masses and Paraliturgies. In addition to the daily lessons and prayers, and integration of Catholic values throughout the day, Notre Dame Academy also offers the following religious experiences:

Religious Education
  • Attendance at weekly Mass at St. Therese of Carmel parish church
  • Daily assembly of the student body which includes community prayer, flag salute, and announcements.
  • All school Mass for Holy Days of Obligation; Liturgical Feast days; September 27th, Feast of St Vincent de Paul, Founder of the Institute de Union-Chretienne de Saint Chaumond; September 28th, Feast of St Chaumond, Protector of the Institute de Union-Chretienne de Saint Chaumond; and October 17th, Anniversary of the Foundation of the Institute de Union-Chretienne de Saint Chaumond
  • When Mass is not available at school on a Holy Day of Obligation, parents are responsible to assure attendance at Mass at St. Therese of Carmel parish church, or another Catholic church.
  • Retreat for Junior High students offered during the year through the Parish
  • Reconciliation service for grades 3 – 8 during school hours during Lent
  • Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament during Lent
  • Marian celebrations for the Feast days of the Blessed Virgin Mary, and during the month of the Rosary (October) and the month of Mary (May)

Sacramental Preparation

All incoming students must present a copy of their Baptismal Certificate at registration time. At Notre Dame Academy, First Reconciliation and First Eucharist are celebrated as a parish community. Sacramental preparation for children is the primary responsibility of the parents. During the year when students (usually in Grade 2) receive the Sacrament of Reconciliation and the Sacrament of Eucharist, parents must attend classes to help prepare their children.

At Notre Dame Academy, in addition to instruction received from parents, preparation for sacraments becomes a part of the ongoing religious education program in the classroom. Additional sacramental instruction will be offered for any student in grades 3-8 who has not made their First Communion and/or Reconciliation. The Sacrament of Confirmation, in accordance with Diocesan Policy, is reserved for reception by students who complete a preparation program while in high school.

On a weekly basis and Holy Days of Obligation, students will attend Mass. Parents, friends, relatives, and families are encouraged to join them. Full participation is expected in word and song. Students are required to be in formal uniform at these Masses. In addition, students are encouraged to participate in Reconciliation Services offered by the Parish.

Kind Words About Us
  • NDA Is Committed To Developing A Well-Rounded, Highly Conscientious And Compassionate Individual...
    "We knew NDA was the school for our daughter when seeing the Sisters interact with the children. Their love and commitment is evident and irrefutable. We love the combination of an academic and a faith focused environment. This loving combination is unmatched. I would tell my friends that NDA is committed to developing a well-rounded, highly conscientious and compassionate individual. The loving staff is focused on developing wonderful human beings."
    Monica & Justin P. – Parents,
  • A Strong Moral Foundation For Our Kids...
    "At NDA, we sincerely feel we are part of a larger family! In addition to the Catholic education with the lovely Sisters that help create a strong moral foundation for our kids, we love that the teachers and staff care about not only educating our kids scholastically, but are also sincerely intent on motivating our kids to be the best version of themselves in a variety of important ways, such as socially and benevolently."
    G.G. B. – Parent,
  • NDA Is Not Just A School, It’s A Place To Grow...
    "NDA is not just a school, it’s a place to grow and experience the world around you with not just your classmates, but with your “family” that has good Catholic values instilled in them."
    Sal S. – Alumni Class of 2015,
  • NDA Is My Second Family...
    "NDA is my second family, a community where I have developed lifelong friendships and learned invaluable lessons from mentors that will forever guide me into my future endeavors."
    Isabella R. – Alumni Class of 2018,
  • Dedicated Teachers And Staff...
    "We chose NDA because of its French program. Little did we know that we were picking a home away from home. Dedicated teachers and staff, a strong academic program, a safe environment, and a close group of friends make NDA a great school! "
    Robbie B. – Parent,