FAQs

We are the only parochial, classical, Catholic, liberal arts grade school in the Joliet Diocese. We teach through the art of conversation, Great Books, and time-tested practices to guide students. Teachers engage students in the wonders of the sciences, the orderliness of mathematics, and a chronological sequence of history, using primary source documents. Using language and communication studies, we form clear thinkers and articulate communicators. Faith integration is seen across the curriculum.

All families who support our mission are welcome to apply. The Catholic faith identifies parents as the primary educators, and Notre Dame School exists to support parents in guiding their children to live virtuously as joyful disciples of Jesus Christ.

We integrate Catholic teachings, prayer, and liturgy into daily lessons and activities. We celebrate Mass as a school on Friday mornings. Our Liturgical Living Committee provides materials to support families in integrating, deepening, and celebrating the faith at home.

Our student-to-teacher ratio averages 14:1. Our teachers know students by name, and our students form strong bonds with their peers. We offer personalized instruction, resource support, and enrichment pathways tailored to individual readiness and interests.

Full-day: Monday–Friday from 8:05 a.m. until 3 p.m.

Half-day: Monday–Friday from 8:05–11 a.m.

Yes, our students wear uniforms from kindergarten through eighth grade. Families accepted to Notre Dame School receive information about purchasing options and uniform exchange programs during the enrollment process.

Notre Dame encourages parent involvement at every grade level. Volunteers are an integral part of the success of our school and a great way to socialize and get to know our community. All volunteers are required to complete Protecting God’s Children certification prior to their attendance in the classroom.

School doors are locked at all times. No one is permitted to enter the school without an appointment, providing identification, and receiving a visitor’s pass.

Yes, hot lunch is available to all full-day students on Mondays and Fridays. Lunch ordering is handled in advance through Kiddos Catering.

Applications for the current school year are considered on a rolling basis.

Applications for the following school year open annually on Nov. 1, with decisions released by January 15. Applications may be considered after this date, as space allows.

Admission criteria are considered on a case-by-case basis. There is no admission exam.
Class sizes cannot exceed 30 students. Students must be age-appropriate by Sept. 1 of the school year.

A child must be toilet-trained and 3 or 4 years old by Sept. 1 for 3- and 4-year-old preschool enrollment.

Yes. We accept applications on a rolling basis as space allows. Our Admissions process supports placement, records, and onboarding. Contact Admissions.

For a complete breakdown of tuition and fees, and available aid and assistance, please visit Tuition & Aid.

We collaborate with families to make a Notre Dame School education accessible. Assistance includes scholarships, need-based aid, and considerations for parishioners and families with multiple children. A family’s financial circumstances determine awards, and applications for aid are submitted through FACTS. Additionally, the Catholic Education Foundation of the Diocese of Joliet (CEF) distributes financial need-based scholarships each year. Visit Tuition & Aid or contact our Admissions team to learn more.

We pursue high test scores and holiness. Students learn how to think, not just what to think.

We use technology intentionally to support learning, not distract from it. We thoughtfully deploy digital tools when they enrich the classroom experiences, foster creativity, or strengthen connections. Rooted in classical Catholic tradition, we prioritize authentic human interaction, deep reflection, and the development of virtue. We prepare students to engage in today’s digital world with responsibility, discernment, and a commitment to use technology in the pursuit of truth, beauty, and goodness.

There are many different extracurricular activities for students that foster physical and mental development. Intramural sports are offered for Kindergarten through fourth grade. Grades 5 through 8 play league sports against other schools. Sports offered include cross country, volleyball, basketball, track, football, and cheerleading. Other extracurriculars include Student Council, Student Ambassadors, Talent Show, Media Club, Mock Newbery Trials, Altar Serving, Choir, Scholastic Bowl, and various Math and Science competitions. Older students also serve as lunch monitors, flag honor guards, patrol duty, and crossing guards.

Yes! We offer before- and after-school care daily for students from the 4-year-old full-day preschool program through eighth grade.

Many after-school enrichment programs are offered to kindergarten through eighth-grade students on Mondays through Fridays from 3–4:15 p.m. from September through April. Programs are parent-paid and feature a rotating selection of engagements based on student interests and parent feedback. In the past, we’ve offered: Babysitter Boot Camp, Bricks 4 Kidz, bucket drumming, chess club, coding club, craft club, health & wellness, Little Medical School, Spanish club, STEAM Pro Academy, theater, Young Rembrandts, and more.

Notre Dame instills a sense of stewardship and good citizenship through service-learning activities, including youth leadership, the Ministers of Care program, and family service opportunities.

Our Resource department provides a variety of services, including:

• Developing formal accommodation plans for students with documented needs.
• Administering standardized tests, such as iReady, along with Speech and Academic Screenings.
• Maintaining Response to Intervention (RtI) with a 3-tiered instructional support system.
• Submitting special education referrals to D181 for student performance and skill evaluations.
• Collaborating with classroom teachers to execute action plans for students performing above grade level.
• Collaborating with parents, classroom teachers, and the social worker to implement academic, instructional, and behavioral plans for successful student outcomes.
• Providing behavioral support in the classroom.
• Providing extra materials and systems for emotional and behavioral support.
• Organizing social activities for children at various primary grade levels.
• Collaborating with teachers to develop and support the study skills curriculum.
• Training support staff.

We support 504 plans and ISPs. We also review IEPs from public school districts and collaborate with families to determine support we can offer via our Resource Department. Contact Admissions to explore more.