Under the patronage of Mary, Notre Dame College Prep is a secondary school committed to educating young men to be gentlemen of faith, scholarship, and service in an inclusive, family-oriented community. Faithful to the Roman Catholic tradition and inspired by Gospel values, we prepare students to be lifelong learners and to lead lives of integrity.
In the tradition of Holy Cross, a Notre Dame College Prep education emphasizes the formation of the hearts and minds of young men. As the Congregation’s founder, Blessed Basil Moreau, C.S.C. stated, “the mind will not be cultivated at the expense of the heart.” This approach to education promotes the development of the whole person. We believe such an experience is critical, since society has a great need for people who lead their lives possessing intellectual curiosity, strong moral character, and social responsibility based upon Christian values. We further believe the quality of education is dependent on the quality of the people engaged in this purpose. Consequently, Notre Dame educators are people of faith who motivate, inspire, and lead the student towards academic excellence while fostering critical thinking, creativity, and leadership. Finally, we believe this education takes place best within a Christ-centered community of faith.
The Notre Dame College Prep charism is well captured in our Coat of Arms. It is divided into three parts. In the lower section is the seal of the Congregation of Holy Cross. The cross, representing difficulties and challenges, is supported by the crossed anchors of hope. The upper left section shows a book and candle symbolizing the light of learning. On the right is the globe encompassed by the capital letter "M" which signifies the world under the loving protection of Mary, Queen of the Universe.
In order to be an exemplary Catholic School, Notre Dame College Prep will be:
• A place where students are provided the means to achieve their best possible outcomes based on their abilities and aspirations.
• A place where students grow in the Catholic tradition, are taught to put their faith into action and are prepared for a life of service in society.
• A place where students develop a love of learning, experience a challenging curriculum, and are provided tools to attain their own personal academic success.
• A place where students are encouraged to be everyday leaders.
• A place where respect and compassion are fostered both within each student and in the general school community.
• A place where students cultivate the tools to promote stewardship and global citizenship.
• A place where individual differences in culture, learning abilities, and physical challenges are respected.
• A place where teachers nurture the ongoing academic and spiritual growth of their students.
• A place where teachers lead by example and consistently advance in their professional development and faith life.
• A place where the school campus and its resources meet the needs of its students, families, and faculty.
• A place where families collaborate with the school by contributing to the overall development and education of their son.
A place where alumni are encouraged to continue to "come home."