Hear from NDAE Parents!
It’s hard to believe that Jordan, our eldest daughter, will soon be graduating from Notre Dame Academy Elementary. The past 2.5 years has been such a wonderful experience both for Jordan and our family. The challenges of the current pandemic have not made it easy on anyone, but NDAE faculty have risen to the challenge and affirmed to us why NDAE was our top choice and where we plan to send all three of our children. We’ve experienced firsthand the selfless, sacrificing nature of NDAE’s faculty and their unyielding dedication to providing our students with the very best learning environment despite the current environment. Seeing the faculty sacrificing their day off to organize an adapted Family Picnic last month just so that our kids could feel reconnected with their teachers and have some fun and semblance of normalcy was humbling, to say the least. The tireless, too often under-appreciated work that our NDAE teachers are undertaking to creatively and successfully adapt to teaching online is reflected in how engaged both of our daughters continue to be despite not have stepped one foot onto campus this year. The consistent transparency by NDAE’s leadership, headed by Ms. Hobbs, in sharing information in real-time also provides invaluable comfort to us as parents that we are truly part of the NDA family and that we are in this together. Thank you NDAE.
The Park Family
Jordan (NDAE ’21), Hayden (NDAE ’23), Connor (NDAE '25), Shaun & Kelly
Our oldest daughter started at NDA when she was in TK and we could not be happier with our choice. The school’s philosophies and emphasis on social/emotional learning, kindness, empathy, growth mindset, and programs designed around building 21st century skills are so important for today’s little learners. We now have two girls at NDA and look forward to continue to watch them grow.
Jenn Stoner
Parent of 1st and 3rd Grade Student
Notre Dame Academy is just what our family was in search of: A diverse staff and student body, top-notch academics and a school where our girls would grow spiritually.
In our two years, we realized NDA was so much more. It’s also become a school of comfort, connection and community.
It’s where the principal knows our children by name; where schoolmates and families can lean on each other; and in these times of CV-19, we’ve witnessed how administrators have really dug in and are committed to reimagining and redeveloping what learning looks and feels like for our children. All of this, while keeping their minds and hearts open to the input, ideas and concerns of their community of parents!
Yes, there are several school choices, but only ONE Notre Dame Academy.
Michael Brownlee
Parent of 3rd and 7th Grade Students
We have been a NDAE family for almost 9 years and counting. NDAE's commitment to our three children and all its students goes beyond expectation. Teachers and staff members supported our son’s passion in marine biology, from adopting fish as class pets, 3D printing a fly fishing reel to encouraging and helping secure internships at the local aquarium. When our family decided to take 4 months to live in South Africa, we were able to communicate directly with the principal and individual teachers to ensure that our children maintained their academic requirements while receiving sufficient leeway to have an adventure of a lifetime. When we sought advice on how to help another child maintain his interest in math, we were able to speak directly with the teachers and staff to discuss and quickly implement a structure that continues to spark his interest. NDAE provides for an environment where each child is is not only celebrated for their individuality but also supported and guided. Our teachers work tirelessly and there is never a doubt in our minds that our children’s safety and growth are always at the forefront.
Naeli Kiely
Parent of 4th and 7th Grade Students
Coming from a public school, I was looking for a small, intimate environment for my three children. NDA has exceeding my expectations and checks off so many boxes on what I want for my family. The level of care at NDA is unparalleled. From Principal Ms. Hobbs knowing my kids like a fun aunt would to Vice Principal Ms. Hickl sharing her lunch break to help my son with homework, to Ms. Bomberger checking in to see how my kids' birthday parties went to Ms. Tran emailing me about a zoo promotion in the city where we had planned to take a family trip. This school is a special place because of the people that fill its halls. Teachers genuinely want to teach and they are supported by leadership that develops them in specific skills my kids will need when they pursuit their own careers. My kids are learning study skills at 3rd, 5th and 6th grade that I didn't learn until college and can master those skills into their adult professions. I'm looking forward to the teenagers they become because of their foundation at NDA.
Elaine Patel
Parent of 5th, 7th, and 8th Grade Students