Opened school with 69 pupils. We were obliged to extend the vacation to this time, instead of the first Monday in September, as usual, because the building could not be sufficiently prepared before this date…As this new institution was considered quite the attractive novelty, there were constantly a great many visitors.
So read the chronicles, or daily diary, which the School Sisters of Notre Dame penned for Notre Dame of Maryland, a new school for girls that opened on Charles Street in the wilds of North Baltimore.
Today, 150 years later, that school, now Notre Dame Preparatory School (NDP) is considered the leading Catholic school in the Baltimore metro area—an honor confirmed in the 2022-2023 school year when the educational website Niche.com named NDP the #1 Catholic School in Baltimore.
The last century and a half have brought two World Wars, two pandemics, several sweeping fires, technology improvements from gas lighting to wireless networks, 37 presidential elections, changing social mores, and Vatican II. And throughout this time, NDP has remained true to a three-part mission of excellent academics, spiritual growth, and the practice of justice. To mark this significant time, Notre Dame will launch a year-long anniversary to celebrate the storied history of our school, show appreciation for everyone who is and has been a part of NDP, and look forward to what the next 150 years holds.
Old Charles Street Gateway
Numerous events, from special one-time celebrations for students to all-community gatherings, are planned. Other key highlights of the year include a community mural project, a special fundraising initiative, and an SSND tribute wall. As is tradition, we have chosen “Where a Gateway Opens” as the theme for the 2023-2024 school year. This theme embodies the bountiful opportunities that have existed for NDP graduates, as well as a future full of hope. While much may have changed in the world since NDP’s founding, the essence of the school has only strengthened over time: to educate girls to become women who transform the world.
If you’re interested in a transformational education for your daughter, join us at Notre Dame Prep’s Open House Saturday, October 14th 8:30 a.m.-noon.
