Frequently Asked Questions

Notre Dame Academy was founded in Covington, KY in 1906 by The Sisters of Notre Dame.  The mission, vision, and values of Notre Dame Academy are derived from the Educational Vision and Principles of the Sisters of Notre Dame.  Our mission states:   Notre Dame Academy, a Catholic high school dedicated to Mary and committed to academic excellence, exists to educate young women to make a difference in the world.

At an all-girls’ high school, girls are more comfortable being themselves.  At NDA, girls are the first ones to raise their hand.  Girls are the leaders of the school.  Girls plan the masses and service projects.  Research shows that students at all-girls’ schools have greater motivation and higher academic self-confidence.

At Notre Dame Academy we celebrate our Catholic identity every day by living the Gospel message of Jesus through kindness, generosity to others, respect for life, community service, and striving to use our God given gifts.  
Prayer opportunities include:
*We begin and end each school day with prayer.
*Mass is celebrated before school two days a week at 7:20 a.m.
*We say a decade of the rosary most mornings before school in the chapel at approximately 7:45 a.m.
*We have an all-school mass or a prayer service every month.

While 91% of NDA students are Catholic, we welcome students of all faith traditions.  All students are required to take religion classes and attend the all-school masses, prayer services, service projects, and retreats.  It is our goal to provide positive examples of the Catholic faith to our non-Catholic students.

Notre Dame Academy has approximately 500 students from 53 different elementary/junior high schools.

Notre Dame Academy is a college preparatory high school. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for a positive and successful college experience.  Courses are offered on 3 levels of difficulty:  College Prep, Honors and Advanced Placement/College Level (Dual Credit).  NDA currently offers 18 AP classes and 8 Dual Credit classes.  For more information about the NDA curriculum, click HERE to access our Academics page.

At NDA we are committed to assisting students who struggle at times in various areas of their high school experience.  In order to provide support in all areas, NDA employs a full-time Intervention Specialist, 2 full-time academic counselors, and 2 part-time personal counselors.  For more information about academic support, click HERE to access our Counseling and Student Services page.  Students who have an IEP or PLAN or any type of accommodation in the classroom should contact the Director of Enrollment to arrange a meeting to discuss the support services available at NDA.

NDA uses the High School Placement Test (HSPT) as one component of the admission process.  All students planning to attend NDA must take the HSPT.  This test is given on a Saturday in early December, and the results are shared at our High School Placement Test Results meeting in early January.  We offer HSPT Prep classes in November and December.  For more information about the HSPT, click HERE to access our Entrance Exam page.

Prospective students should contact the NDA Admissions Office to arrange a shadow day and/or an individual appointment with the Director of Enrollment.  For more information about visiting NDA, click HERE to access our Experience NDA page.

Yes.  The gray uniform skirt is the “trademark” of the NDA uniform.  Gray uniform pants are also acceptable as part of the uniform.  Students must wear the official NDA uniform shirt.  All uniform pieces must be purchased through SchoolBelles Uniform Store.  Spirit wear can be purchased through the Spirit Shop on campus, the Bambootique.  Spirit wear tops can be worn with the uniform skirt or pants every Friday (except any Friday when mass will be celebrated).  Freshmen must purchase NDA gym shorts for PE class.

For the 2024-25 school year, the school day begins at 8:00 a.m. and our staggered dismissal process begins at 2:59 p.m.  There is a late start time every Wednesday at 9:00 a.m.  School still dismisses on Wednesdays beginning at 2:59 p.m.

Notre Dame Academy is committed to working with any family whose daughter could benefit from a Notre Dame education.  NDA awarded $817,093.00 in Financial Aid and Scholarships for the 2022-23 school year.  Academic scholarships are awarded to incoming freshmen based on their High School Placement Test scores. Additional scholarships and grants are available for the sophomore through senior years.  Need-based financial assistance and work-study jobs are also available.  Families must apply for need-based aid by completing the FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment Application and the NDA Work-Study Application (for families interested in a school job).  For more information, please click HERE to access the Financial Assistance page and click HERE to access the Scholarships page.

The average class size is 25. 

The 2024-25 school year marks the 13th year of NDA’s 1:1 iPad program.  Every student uses an iPad to enhance learning.  Each new student must lease an iPad package through NDA prior to starting school.  An annual technology fee will be assessed to each student, and families will pay this fee as a part of tuition-either in one full payment or billed over 10 months through the FACTS system.  Technology has become increasingly integrated into the NDA curriculum, and students have many opportunities to use their technology skills in other classes.

Fall Sports 

• Cross Country (no cut)

• Golf

• Soccer

• Volleyball

Winter Sports

• Archery (no cut)

• Basketball

• Bowling

• Swimming & Diving (no cut)

Spring Sports

• Bass Fishing

• Lacrosse

• Softball

• Tennis

• Track & Field (no cut)

**It is possible that other sports will not cut players.  These decisions are made at the time of tryouts.  You can access our Athletics page HERE.

NDA has a thriving Fine Arts program including theater, band, art, chorus, and dance team.   Click HERE to access our Arts page.

Yes!  NDA offers a wide variety of clubs and activities.  Click HERE to see our list of clubs and organizations.