The 2024-2025 school year application window is now closed, and preparations for the upcoming school year are underway.
From February 19 to February 22, incoming freshmen and their families will come to Notre Dame for registration.
Each family will have a 30-minute appointment with an NDA teacher who has been trained to help advise them.
Here, the students or their families will pick their classes. They can also ask any questions they have about the school and other classes.
“Having done freshman registration for many years, I know the eighth-graders and their families are not only interested in what subjects to take but also what activities are available. They ask many questions,” said English teacher Carolyn Brown.
Admissions Director Sarah VanGrunsven and Assistant Director Molly VandenHouten coordinate the several afternoons and evenings of registration.
NDA students themselves are a big reason many choose NDA for high school.
Like Lily Arkens, junior, said, “The education here is spoken very highly of. All of us are pushed to do our best and excel.”
Chemistry teacher Molly Schroeder echoed that sentiment in a different way, saying, “I can see why so many people that attended here came back to teach here. Going to school here was a great experience, and they wanted to continue to be a part of this place.”
It is not only academics that are strong here at Notre Dame. Students make so many memories through the sports and clubs they are involved with.
“One of the most memorable moments of my high school career was going to Florida for Dance Team Nationals and winning the title of National Champions my sophomore year,” said senior Brooke Tuszka.
Sophomore Stella Starry also shared, “I joined softball during my freshman year. In that time, I have made new friends, memories, and had the best bus rides. Joining any sports team is beneficial. It helps with time management and settling into school and environment.”
Freshman year is something that everyone has to go through. Most students are worried leading up to and going into high school. They aren’t alone with that feeling but it can be tough.
To try and make that easier, some NDA students and teachers have offered some advice for the incoming students.
“High school is not all about the grades, it’s about the experience too. If you are given a chance, take it, even if you don’t think it’ll work out,” said Tuszka.
“Go out and participate in different school events. Go to the musical and the spring play. Go to the football games. Go to other sporting events and go to the dances. If you don’t, you will regret it in the future when it comes time to look back on your time in high school,” added Arkens.
“Make the most of your time here. We have so many sports, clubs and productions here that you can be a part of. Try everything that interests you and enjoy your time here!” said Schroeder.
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