Get to Know Us - A Catholic and Marist School | Notre Dame Prep | Pre K-12 Oakland County, MI
At Notre Dame Prep, we nurture exceptional critical thinking, creative problem-solving, and effective communication in every student. Beyond the classroom, our school provides a wealth of opportunities for students to lead, shine and explore. Grounded in a strong Catholic and Marist identity, we extend a warm welcome to students from diverse backgrounds and beliefs.
Accordion
Notre Dame Prep and the Essential Foundation in Faith
There are countless ways we practice and celebrate our Catholic faith at NDP. Here is a “Top 10” to give you a glimpse into faith life on campus:
NO. 10- THE MARIST FATHERS AND BROTHERS:
Invited by Cardinal Maida, the Marist Fathers and Brothers founded NDP in 1994. Fr. Leon, Br. Louis, Fr. Strasz, Fr. Juan, and Fr. Joe played keys roles in the founding. We are blessed to have four Marists working here on campus every day!
NO. 9- MARIST MONDAYS:
Each week during Community Time, students and teachers engage in faith-based activities, prayer services, and small group Masses.
NO. 8- RETREATS:
Lead by student peer ministers and guided by Campus Ministry, every NDP student participates in a class retreat each year. Retreats are designed for each class with their year/age in mind. For example, the sophomore retreat includes attending Mass together and heading off campus for a full day of service.
NO. 7- PRAY ALL DAY:
NDP prays as a school to start the day, in class, at lunch, and to end our day. Prayer services and Reconciliation are also offered at special times during the year.
NO. 6- UNDERSTANDING THE WHY:
NDP follows the Archdiocese curriculum for Religion classes. Every student takes a Religion class every semester to know both what we believe and why we believe it.
NO. 5- MASS TOGETHER:
In addition to an optional daily Mass in the chapel and weekly small group Masses, NDP celebrates Mass together on all Holy Days and at the beginning of each month.
NO. 4- KAIROS:
Perhaps the most impactful of experiences, every junior and senior can go on Kairos. The four-day retreat is a favorite among students and gives them uninterrupted time to work on their relationship with God.
NO. 3- LEARN TO LEAD:
The Campus Ministry department helps students learn about the importance of faith-based leadership. Someday soon, our students will be helping lead our Catholic parishes, schools and organizations. The time students spend planning Masses, retreats and service is all in preparation to be an active member of their home, college and future parishes.
NO. 2- PRAYING TO WIN:
Teams, clubs, band, theatre and choir pray together before and after practices and games, do service together, and host Masses before each season.
NO. 1- HEAVEN PREP:
Most importantly, NDP works hard to put students on a path to HEAVEN, not just college and career success!
Discovering Deeply
Active, Hands-On Learning
Cultivating Critical Thinkers
Challenging, Meaningful, and Fun
Preparing for College and Life
Our students are encouraged to explore deeply. They don't just skim the surface; they dive headfirst into their subjects, discovering profound knowledge and understanding. This is the cornerstone of our educational philosophy.
We foster active, hands-on, and project-based learning experiences. Our classrooms are dynamic spaces where students are not passive observers but active participants. Through collaborative projects and engaging activities, they become architects of their own knowledge.
Critical thinking is the bedrock of our approach. We guide our students to analyze, question and think critically about complex ideas. This skill empowers them to navigate the challenges of the world with confidence.
Our academic programs are challenging, yes, but they are also incredibly rewarding. Learning becomes more meaningful when it's filled with curiosity and exploration. Here, education is not just about absorbing information; it's about enjoying the journey.
Most importantly, our approach equips our students with intellectual skills that are a compass for life. Beyond college, these skills serve as a guiding light, helping them excel in their careers, and make informed decisions as responsible citizens.
Amazing Arts
Athletics
Something for Everyone
Beginning in lower school, students enjoy frequent art and music classes. By the time they reach the upper school, students explore diverse musical groups, engaging courses like Digital Photography and Advanced Ceramics, and stage six impressive theatrical productions annually.
Our athletics program offers a wide array of opportunities with 31 teams spanning lower, middle, and upper school. Our students not only build valuable skills but also experience the pride of representing their school in the green and gold. Rooted in shared values and character development, our program boasts a rich winning tradition, including an impressive 175 district, regional and state championships.
Our students actively engage in almost 50 diverse clubs, organizations, and service programs. From lower school's Environmental Club and Ski and Snowboard Club to middle school's Forensics and Yearbook, and upper school's Podcast Club, Model U.N., and Chinese National Honor Society, we offer a wide spectrum of choices. These co-curricular activities empower students to uncover new interests and develop their leadership skills.