Notre Dame School

At Notre Dame School, we believe that technology should support learning—not lead it. Guided by our classical Catholic liberal arts program and backed by research, our classrooms are primarily screen-free, with limited and purposeful use in the higher grades. National research has shown that many students report feeling distracted by devices in the classroom, while additional research raises important questions about their effect on attention, memory, and original thinking.

Rather than relying on technology, we emphasize discussion, handwritten work, and printed texts to drive student formation. This approach helps cultivate greater focus, personal responsibility, and meaningful connection inside and outside the classroom.

By placing formation first, we prepare students to engage faithfully with the digital world with wisdom, discipline, and faith, while nurturing the intellectual curiosity and human virtues that define a Notre Dame School education. Our students leave our classrooms academically strong, spiritually grounded, and prepared to make thoughtful choices in a complex, technology-driven society.

Preschool Through Fourth Grade

During these formative years, our classrooms are screen free, aside from a projected screen for whole group instruction. Students in PS3-1st do not use devices at any time; standardized benchmarking assessments are teacher proctored. In 2nd-4th grades there is limited use on individual devices as students begin benchmarking assessments on devices as requested from the Diocese of Joliet. In Early Childhood and the primary grades, students focus on connection, self-regulation, and hands-on learning with their teachers and classmates. This environment allows our youngest students to develop essential habits for attention, including patience, empathy, and concentration.

As Pope Leo XIV reminded us, “No algorithm can ever substitute an embrace, a glance, a true encounter.”

Our approach reflects that conviction: relationships, presence, and character formation come first.

Fifth Through Eighth Grade

For grades five through eight, we introduce technology thoughtfully and intentionally. Because technology is a part of daily life, our goal is to help students use digital tools responsibly, creatively, and with discernment.

Devices and software are used only when they serve a clear educational purpose — and always under the guidance of teachers. At Notre Dame, technology remains teacher-guided and never replaces human-led instruction.

We teach students to become responsible digital citizens. We teach digital ethics, internet safety, and healthy technology habits. Our educators model responsible behavior, and we partner with parents to reinforce these practices at home. The result is students who are prepared to navigate the digital world with discernment, self-discipline, and a love for truth, beauty, and goodness.

As Pope Leo XIV writes, the question is not simply what machines can do, but how we grow in humanity and wisdom through the wise use of the tools at our service.

Our Difference

As the only parochial classical Catholic liberal arts grade school in the Diocese of Joliet, Notre Dame School is called to awaken wonder and guide students into deep inquiry, joyful discovery, and lifelong learning. By introducing technology with care and discernment, we remain focused on inspiring imagination, cultivating creativity, and nurturing a genuine love of learning.

Families who would like to see this approach firsthand are invited to explore Our Pledge or schedule a visit.