Academic Outline

The academic reputation of Notre Dame is a hallmark if its tradition of excellence. Oriented toward students of at least average ability and of high motivation, the school accepts students of all faith when admitting new students. Graduation from Notre Dame requires a minimum of 22 credits. Students must also pass all sections of the Ohio Proficiency Test. This standard of 22 credits includes four credits of both Religion and English, three credits of each: Social Studies, Math, Science and general electives; one credit each of physical education/health and fine arts. Within these requirements, and in addition to them, elective courses are available which allow some students to graduate with many more credits.

Notre Dame is committed to the preparation of its students for higher studies. Nearly 95% of the graduates go on to further their education. Many of them go on to graduate school, preparing for careers in medicine, business, marketing, law, engineering, and the like. To this end, students pursue an academic program that equips them with the fundamental skills and habits necessary for success in universities and colleges.

All high school students are able to take advantage of the convenience of post-secondary classes at Shawnee State University. These students earn credit for college and high school courses. At present, graduates are enrolled at many colleges and universities, including the University of Notre Dame, Xavier, Ohio University, the Ohio State University, the University of Kentucky, Eastern Kentucky University, Virginia Tech and Shawnee State University. Perhaps the surest sign, though, of the quality of preparation is the number of graduates who return from college each year and attest to the solid academic foundation they received from Notre Dame.

A school can only achieve academic excellence when the needs of individual students are recognized and met. At Notre Dame, the traditional program of study fosters individual responsibility but leaves room for differences of ability and interest. A tutorial program, voluntarily staffed by both faculty and talented upperclassmen, gives students with academic difficulties the individual attention and encouragement they need. Aided with a guidance counselor and campus minister, students at the junior and senior high level are assisted with their strengths and weaknesses, planning courses, applying for advanced study, and adjusting to the growth and changes they face with maturity; diocesan priests are also available for personal and spiritual counseling. With an enrollment of over 300 and a faculty of over 30 (the majority of whom hold advanced degrees), Notre Dame offers its students maximum access to their instructors, through small classes and informal meetings outside class. The size of the schools also makes for a closer rapport and greater cooperation between home and school, so that a student’s growth can be appraised and promoted in the context of the whole person.