Rooted in a rich legacy dating back to 1856, the Academy of Notre Dame de Namur in Villanova provides this environment. As an all-girls Catholic Middle and Upper School, it offers a vibrant 39-acre campus where rigorous academics and genuine support go hand in hand. With over 50 student clubs and activities and 100% of students graduating to four-year institutions, Notre Dame nurtures students in mind, heart, and spirit. 

The core purpose of Notre Dame remains unchanged– to prepare young women to become compassionate leaders of tomorrow.

An Inspiring Academic and Spiritual Journey Shaping Tomorrow’s Leaders

The curriculum at Notre Dame emphasizes both depth and breadth, opening a world of possibilities for students. Girls explore new cultures and languages, investigate the world of STEM, delve into history, express their creativity through fine and performing arts, and expand their horizons through international exploration via the Center for Global Leadership – all while deepening their understanding of Catholic faith tradition and how to apply it to daily life. 

With a 9:1 student to teacher ratio in the classroom, students have the opportunity to truly find their voice and step up. Led by faculty and staff—82% of whom hold advanced degrees—educators serve as devoted mentors, consistently challenging students to realize their potential. Paired with robust Campus Ministry programming and engaging student life, Notre Dame empowers young women to put their values into action. 

As Mrs. Turner ’77—a Notre Dame alumna, educator, and Social Studies Department Chair—explains: 

“There is no choice but to be a leader here, and students thrive with it—they take it and run. Nobody is going to tell a Notre Dame girl not to speak up for what she believes in, and I think we give them the strength.”

A Community Rooted in Sisterhood and Belonging 

From Middle School through Upper School, Notre Dame builds an unparalleled foundation of support where every student is truly known and encouraged to embrace the mission of the Academy. That deep sense of sisterhood and belonging shapes each journey. 

As Julia Kampf ‘26, Salutatorian, reflects: 

“Together, we have made our own sisterhood, we have improved ourselves, this place, and left an example for those underclasswomen who come after us… we have grown remarkably, into women of Notre Dame who understand the meaning of sisterhood in our bones.” 

This sense of community transforms Notre Dame from just a school into a lifelong home with an active network of over 4,000 alumnae, offering every student the opportunity to find herself, flourish, and lead with confidence—a testament to a mission faithfully passed down through generations. 

Start Your Daughter’s Journey at Notre Dame

Families can schedule a tour, attend an admissions event, and discover our community by visiting our website. Follow our journey and stay connected on Instagram and Facebook.