Where is Notre Dame located?
Notre Dame Preparatory School and Middle School are located together on our campus in Pontiac at 1300 Giddings Road (48340). Notre Dame's Lower School is located at 1425 Giddings Road, also in Pontiac, just down the street from the main campus.
What are your school day hours?
For students in grades 6 to 12, the school day runs from 7:45 a.m. to 2:45 p.m. Students in PK to 5th grade attend our Lower School from 7:45 a.m. to 3:05 p.m.
Are students able to arrive early and stay late at school?
Yes. Students are welcome to arrive at 6:30 a.m., and on most days may stay after school in the Media Center until 5 p.m.. It is not uncommon for students to be at school until the evening for sports, clubs, rehearsals and other activities.
What is your average class size?
Notre Dame Middle School consistently maintains an average class size of about 20 to 24 students.
How often do students transfer into 7th and 8th grade?
Because Notre Dame has an upper school, it is not unusual for students to come in the 7th and 8th grades. We find these students quickly have developed friendships with students who, like them, are new, as well as students who have been attending our school for many years.
In which communities do most of your students live?
Notre Dame Middle School draws students from a wide variety of communities, including: Attica, Auburn Hills, Beverly Hills, Birmingham, Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Commerce Township, Davisburg, Farmington Hills, Franklin, Grand Blanc, Highland, Lake Orion, Macomb, Madison Heights, Milford, Oakland Township, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Royal Oak, Shelby Township, Southfield, Sterling Heights, Troy, Washington, Waterford, West Bloomfield, and White Lake.
Is transportation available?
Our current bus routes run every school day to and from the Oakland Twp./Rochester, Shelby Twp./Rochester Hills, Clarkston/Lake Orion, and the Waterford/White Lake areas, as well the Woodward corridor into Beverly Hills, Bloomfield Hills, and Birmingham. Some stops include Holy Family Regional School south campus, Holy Name, St. Hugo, St. Joseph, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs, and Our Lady of Refuge. We offer semester pricing, as well as single day passes. We continually explore adding bus routes to accommodate students from other areas.
How often do students attend liturgy?
Notre Dame’s main campus offers an optional liturgy every morning at 7 a.m. The entire school community attends liturgy together at least once a month. In addition, we begin each school day with prayer. Reconciliation services are offered during the Advent and Easter seasons.
Do students wear uniforms?
Yes. All students wear uniforms that may be purchased from Dennis Uniform, located at 1532 N. Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (248-340-8890).
Do you offer need-based financial aid and scholarships?
Yes. As a way to support families in their pursuit of a Catholic education, Notre Dame offers financial aid awards. Incoming 6th grade students may earn a merit scholarship through their participation in Scholars Day. For more information about financial aid and scholarships, please click on the Affording Notre Dame link on the right side of this page.
Do you offer an International Baccalaureate program?
Yes. All three schools of Notre Dame—Lower, Middle and Preparatory—are authorized “World Schools” through the International Baccalaureate Organization. Notre Dame Prep was the first Catholic school in Michigan authorized to offer the IB curriculum, and NDPMA was the first Catholic school in the United States to offer the IB at all three levels.
Does Notre Dame Middle School offer advanced classes in any subject?
Yes. Though we aim to have all our students functioning above the norms for their grade, we do offer several levels of classes in math and modern language. Students who have proven a capacity and desire to handle higher-level coursework in those subjects may take advanced classes when appropriate, as determined by Middle School academic administration and faculty. We do offer math placement tests to students who have been admitted to our school beginning in the spring and throughout the summer, by appointment.
What leadership opportunities are available at Notre Dame Middle School?
Notre Dame Middle School affords students the opportunity to explore and develop leadership skills in a variety of outlets, including athletics, clubs, arts programs, student council, robotics and many more. Our middle school students develop the confidence and independence to lead, as well as the ability to contribute to the goals of an organization.
What is the athletics program like at Notre Dame Middle School?
In addition to academic development, students at Notre Dame Middle School are encouraged to strive for athletic excellence. We offer competitive Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) athletics for boys and girls in multiple sports throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons. For a full list of our sports offerings, please click on the Extracurriculars link on the right side of this page.
What are the fine and performing arts programs like at Notre Dame Middle School?
Notre Dame is committed to expanding its fine and performing arts programs and encouraging students to increase their appreciation of the arts. Each student enrolled in our school is required, at minimum, to take either Band or Chorus. We also offer courses in Visual Arts, Theater, and Makerspace. Our Middle School features a Drama Club that stages a musical production each year. Opportunities increase for thespians, singers and musicians at Notre Dame Prep, which offers multiple stage productions, choral groups and bands.
May I visit the school? May my child spend a shadow day at Notre Dame?
Yes and yes. Parents are invited and encouraged attend: Fall Open House (10/20); Admissions Coffees (12/3, 4/30, 5/14); Notre Dame Info Nights (9/26, 2/27); Tuesday Tours (2/11, 3/10, 4/7); and School Day Open House (3/26). We respectfully request that you register in advance for these events in order to help us anticipate your needs. Prospective parents also may schedule a tour during regular school hours. To schedule a tour, please call 248-373-1061.
Students are invited and encouraged to participate in our “Irish for a Day” shadow program almost any day throughout the year. To schedule a shadow day for your child, please complete the form by following this link: http://www.ndpma.org/shadow.
What if I have more questions?
Please do not hesitate to contact Associate Dean of Admissions Corey Porterfield at 248-373-1061 or cporterfield@ndpma.org.