Notre Dame Academy to Open 7th and 8th Grade

Notre Dame Academy announced this week they would reopen their seventh and eighth grade programs beginning in the Fall of 2014.

Starting in September, the school’s  admissions office will accept applications for Grade 7 for the 2014-2015 school year.

In fall 2014, the admissions office will accept applications for Grades 7 and 8 for the 2015-2016 school year.

Seventh and eight grade classes will be taught by current NDA faculty members. The school currently has 55 full time faculty members and over 90 percent of these teachers have advanced degrees.

The seventh and eight grade students will share the same building as the high school and every student will be required to wear uniforms.

All grades will study six core subjects: Theology,
 English, 
Math,
 Science,
 Social Studies and
 World Languages.

In addition, classes are offered in the Visual and Performing Arts, technology, and health and wellness.

Through this process, the school will continue to accept applications for grade 9 and transfer students. Grade 8 students in good standing will be enrolled into Grade 9. Grade eight students will take the entrance exam (HSPT) for merit scholarship and placement purposes.

“When NDA moved to Hingham in 1965, the school population included both a seventh and eighth grade," said Sister Barbara A. Barry. “In many ways, this strategic initiative brings us back to the essence of who we are as a school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.”

In a written statement, Notre Dame Academy said they will re-popen the 7-12 curriculum to provide six years of college preparatory work. All students will have full access to campus resources, including: the newly renovated auditorium, state-of-the art science labs, campus ministry center, and iPads, according to the school.

Overall enrollment will remain the same at nearly 600 students

“Students will master basic skills before reaching ninth grade, giving them the opportunity to focus on upper level and AP classes in their final years,” school spokeswoman Katie Miller said in a written statement.

Principal Kathleen Rowley Colin said she is confident that incorporating seventh and eight grade at NDA will be a success.

“Our students participate in classroom discussions and eagerly take on every leadership role possible,” she said. “We know this is a place where girls can feel comfortable exploring and developing their gifts and talents.”

Recruitment for the Class of 2020 will begin this September. 

Tuition will be the same for all grades. The 2013-2014 tuition is $17,615. Additionally, books cost approximately $800 each year. The uniform costs approximately $125.

For more information on this strategic initiative, please visit www.ndahingham.com/2020.