Course Offerings
Notre Dame Academy offers students rigorous course offerings that prepare students for both four and two-year college enrollment, whether that is immediately after high school or students choose to enter the workforce before entering college.
Students are able to enroll in a variety of courses that suit their interests and abilities. The variety of courses includes electives in each academic area and honors courses that challenge students to develop their strengths and excel. It is essential that parents / guardians, teachers and counselors help to guide students as they make these choices.
NDA encourages all students to enroll in courses they know will be the most challenging they are capable of being successful in. Many students blend honors, regular, and dual-credit courses to make the most of available opportunities.
We recognize that every course is not designed for every student. It is essential to help students make choices that both challenge themselves and teach them how to maintain a healthy balance. While some students may need encouragement to take on academic challenges and put forth more than the minimum effort, others may thrive with heavy academic and co-curricular requirements. We also want students to balance pursuing the interests they have already developed with opportunities to try new things.
Information for Parents & Students
- Course Changes and Scheduling
- Graduation Requirements
- Enrollment Requirements
- Academic Programs
- Balance
- Alternate Choices
- International Baccalaureate
Course Changes and Scheduling
Once the master course schedule is completed, students and their parents will review the courses in which the student is enrolled for the fall.
In the event of an error in scheduling or the inability to meet a student request, we ask you to contact the school via a form available online. Please do not call the school to request a change. The online form for course requests will be open for one week in the spring: Monday, May 9th through Friday, May 13th. Requests for changes will be reviewed and responded to no later than Friday, May 20th. Due to staffing and class size constraints, not all requests for changes can be accommodated.
Student schedules for 2022-23 will be available over the summer starting in early July. Again, the online form for course changes will be open for one week before the beginning of the school year from Monday, August 1st - Friday, August 5th. Requests for course changes must be submitted using the online form before the end of the day on Friday, August 5. Requests for changes will be reviewed and responded to no later than Friday, August 12.
We ask all students and parents to make plans accordingly over the summer so that necessary changes in student courses take place effectively. Due to staffing and class size constraints, not all requests can be accommodated.
No further course changes will be made after the August 5th change request deadline until after the school year begins. Please refer to the Student Handbook for details regarding dropping / adding classes after the beginning of the school year..
As always, teachers and school counselors are available at any time school is in session to answer your questions regarding specific courses and academic plans.
Graduation Requirements
Enrollment Requirements
Students must make the appropriate academic progress toward graduation. The normal academic load for a student is seven classes and one study hall. (For seniors: six classes and a study hall). Students may request to take additional classes with permission. If a student repeats a class, the new grade will replace the original grade only if the original grade was a “C-” or lower. In this case, the GPA will be recalculated to include the new grade. Repeated courses will not receive double credit.
Academic Programs
Notre Dame Academy is committed to offering a Catholic high school education for all families. Academic programming that suits each student is key to our mission. NDA offers programs for emerging learners, students seeking an honors, IB Career and Diploma Programme, dual credit, and those seeking a general college preparatory high school experience.
Balance
Learning is one of NDA’s core values, and courses focus heavily on inquiry, study and mastery of course content. Students learn as they encounter new ideas and experiences. High school students are varied in their approaches to learning: sometimes students need to step up and put forth additional effort. Working to meet the challenges of a tough class rather than looking for ways to remove it is important. In helping students to rise to meet the challenges of rigorous courses, we are teaching students resilience, how to honor their commitments, and how to work through hardship.
- We do not allow students to change their minds when they reflect on their course choices over the summer or when classes start.
- When students make initial commitments to courses, parents and students must consider the workload for the student during the upcoming school year. Social commitments and time to be a teenager are important experiences for which to provide time.
- Balance includes the various levels of academic difficulty of classes.
- It is a good idea for students to plan out all four years of high school in order to balance academic challenges.
- While challenging themselves is encouraged, challenging themselves in too many areas can be problematic for students.
Alternate Choices
- Alternate choices are required for all elective courses, except world languages (fine arts, business, applied sciences, senior theology, physical education, social studies electives)
- Students must choose their first and alternate courses wisely. While every effort is made to maximize student choices in building the master schedule, it is likely juniors and seniors will receive at least one alternate course.
- We do not allow schedule changes when students “change their minds” about electives and alternates.
- Students need to select different courses for alternates. Choosing the same course as a primary and an alternate does not increase the odds of successfully scheduling that course.
International Baccalaureate
Intro. to IB Diploma Program
The International Baccalaureate Diploma Program is a comprehensive and challenging pre-university course that demands the best from both motivated students and teachers. This sophisticated two-year curriculum covers a wide range of academic subjects and has stood the test of time since 1968. ― IB Diploma Programme graduates are welcomed by the world’s leading universities (IBO Brochure, 2005.) Notre Dame Academy was authorized as an International Baccalaureate World School for the International Baccalaureate Diploma Programme on April 10, 2007.
Students in their junior and senior years are welcome to complete a full two-year course of study with intent to take examinations and attain an International Baccalaureate Diploma in addition to their high school diploma or complete individual courses for certificates only. All IB courses are recognized as such on student transcripts for which they complete IB examinations. All students who are enrolled in an IB class are required to sit for the exam at the conclusion of the course. Additional testing fees will be charged accordingly for IB classes. All students who take IB courses will have instructors who have been trained to teach IB courses.
Any student who is committed to completing all requirements for the IB Diploma should fill out an INTENT TO BECOME AN IB DIPLOMA CANDIDATE FORM available in Mr. Schultz’s office. Diploma candidates complete coursework in 6 academic groups, a two-semester Theory of Knowledge course, an extended essay of a maximum 4000 words, Creativity Activity Service (CAS) and external examinations. Sophomores who have turned in the form to Mr. Schultz, the IB Coordinator, before Mid-January will be offered guidance in understanding the program and choosing courses for their junior and senior years.
All students who wish to enter the IB Diploma Program will have on-going guidance and instruction on the process, procedures, fees and deadlines from the IB Coordinator and a counselor trained in IB. We encourage you to become fully aware of the nature of and rigor of the program prior to committing yourself as a candidate.
For more information on the NDA IB Program, please see the IB page or contact the IB coordinator, Matt Schultz, at (920) 429-6158 or email mschultz@notredameacademy.com.
For more information on International Baccalaureate go to www.ibo.org.
Future IB Diploma Candidate Tip Sheet
Do you think you may be a Diploma Candidate in high school? Do you want to be sure you choose courses that will allow you to become a Diploma Candidate?
Following are various recommendations for effectively choosing courses in the freshman and sophomore years.
- Be sure to complete the general education requirements in grades 9 and 10 or through summer programs: Physical Education I and Physical Education II, Health, Computer Literacy, 1 semester of Fine Arts.
- Be sure to enroll in world language as a freshman. German 1, French 1, Spanish 1 or 2 are all good freshman choices. If you decide to take Russian, there may be difficulties in completing the diploma.
- Be sure to enroll in science freshman year, preferably Introduction to Chemistry and Physics.
- Students interested in IB Art should be sure to complete a minimum of Art I and Art II in the freshman and sophomore years.
- Students who are best suited to take honors courses as freshmen and sophomores are encouraged to do so to prepare for the workload that will be most similar to that of IB classes.
- Parents should attend an IB Information Night. Watch the NDA News and Notes for specific dates, usually November and January.
See the information below for recommended prerequisites and course credit.
IB Course | Prerequisite | Credits |
English HL | None | 2 |
French SL | Honors French III | 1 |
German SL | Honors German III | 1 |
Spanish SL | Honors Spanish III | 1 |
History SL | None | 2 |
Philosophy SL | None | 1 |
Philosophy HL | None | 2 |
Psychology SL | None | 1 |
Environmental Systems SL | B or higher in Biology | 1 |
Biology HL | None | 2 |
Chemistry HL | B- or better in ICP & B or better in Algebra II | 2 |
Physics SL | B- or better in ICP & B or better in Geometry w/Trig. Algebra II or higher | 2 |
Math A&I SL | Algebra II or higher | 2 |
Math A&A HL | Honors Geometry w/Trig. or higher | 2 |
Music SL | Must also be in Band or Choir | 2 |
Virtual Art SL/HL | Art I and Art II | 2 |
Theory of Knowledge | Full Diploma Candidate | 1 |
IB Course Sequence
Key: HL- Higher Level (240 hours of instruction & 2-year course) SL-Standard Level (150 hours of instruction & 1 or 2-year course)
Freshman | Sophomore | Junior | Senior | |
Group 1: Language A | Regular or Honors English | Regular or Honors English or American Experience |
IB English I (HL) | IB English II (HL) |
Group 2: Language Acquisition | Spanish I Spanish II German I French I |
Spanish II Honors Spanish III German II French II |
Honors Spanish III IB Spanish (SL) Honors German III Honors French III |
IB Spanish (SL) Advanced Spanish IB German (SL) IB French (SL) |
Group 3: Individuals & Societies | ISS | U.S. History or American Experience |
IB History I (HL) IB Philosophy (HL) I, (SL) IB Psychology (SL) IB Environmental Systems & Societies (SL) |
IB History (HL) II IB Philosophy (HL) II |
Group 4: Experimental Sciences | Intro. to Chem./Physics Physical Science |
Honors/Regular Biology Honors/Regular Chemistry |
IB Chemistry (HL) IB Physics (SL) I IB Biology (HL) I IB Environmental Systems & Societies SL |
IB Chemistry (HL) II IB Physics (SL) II IB Biology (HL) II |
Group 5: Mathematics | Algebra I Algebra II Honors Algebra II |
Algebra II Geometry w/Trig. Honors Geometry w/Trig. (or higher) |
IB Math A&I (SL) IB Math A&A (HL) |
IB Math A&I (SL) II IB Math A&A (HL) II |
Group 6: The Arts or Electives | Art and Art II Band or Chorus Band/Chorus/Advanced Private lessons/Youth Orchestra |
Advanced Art (optional) Band or Chorus Band/Chorus/Advanced Private lessons/Youth Orchestra |
IB Visual Arts I (SL/HL) IB Music SL IB Music HL I a second choice from Group 2, 3 or 4 |
IB Visual Arts II (SL/HL) IB Music HL II A second choice from Group 2, 3 or 4 |
Theory of Knowledge | Theory of Knowledge (Spring Semester) |
Theory of Knowledge (Fall Semester) |
||
Other NDA Graduation Requirements | Freshman Theology Physical Education I (semester) Health (semester) .5 credits Fine Arts |
Sophomore Theology Physical Education II (semester) Computer Applications (semester) |
Junior Theology World History if no IB History or IB Philosophy |
Sr. Theology elective (Philosophy HL II counts as a Theology credit) |
Department Course Descriptions Sequences
- Applied Sciences and Technology
- English
- Fine Arts
- Interdisciplinary
- Math
- Physical Education/Health
- Science
- Social Studies
- Theology
- World Languages
Applied Sciences and Technology
The Applied Sciences and Technology Department offers a curriculum to provide introductory instruction in technology and business. One-half credit in computer literacy is required for all Notre Dame Academy students. All courses include the development of critical thinking and reading skills as well as subject specific skills. In consultation with teachers, school counselors and parents / guardians, freshmen through seniors choose electives in Applied Sciences and Technology courses that are geared specifically toward their own interests and academic or career goals.
Number of credits required for graduation: .5 credits in Computer Applications
Business Course Offerings Link | |
Course #1 | Course #2 |
Personal Finance (.5 credits) | |
Introduction to Business (.5 credits) | Business Management (.5 credits) |
Accounting I (.5 credits) | Accounting II (.5 credits) |
Engineering & Technology Course Offerings Link |
Computer Applications (Fulfills computer literacy requirement) (.5 credits) |
English
The English Department offers a four-year comprehensive curriculum in reading, writing, speaking and listening that prepares students for college and career readiness. All courses include the development of critical thinking and reading skills as well as subject specific skills in vocabulary, grammar, usage and composition. In consultation with teachers, school counselors and parents / guardians, freshmen through seniors choose courses that are geared specifically to their abilities and academic goals. Students in grades 11 and 12 may choose from several English courses to meet their graduation requirement.
Number of credits required for graduation: 4
Students with
Emerging Skills
|
Students at
Grade-Level Skills
|
Students Above
Grade-Level Skills
|
English Department Electives | |
FreshmanCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Freshman English A |
Freshman English (1 credit) |
Honors Freshman English (1 credit) |
Journalism
(.5 credits) Advanced Journalism (.5 credits)
|
SophomoreCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Sophomore English A (1 credit) |
Sophomore English (1 credit) or American Experience: English (1 credit) |
Honors Sophomore English (1 credit) or American Experience: English (1 credit) |
Journalism
(.5 credits) Advanced Journalism (.5 credits) |
JuniorCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Junior English A (1 credit) |
Junior English (1 credit) |
Honors Junior English (1 credit) or IB English HLI (1 credit) |
Journalism |
SeniorCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Senior English (1 credit) |
College Credit English (SNC) (1 credit) or IB English HLII (1 credit) |
Journalism (.5 credits) Advanced Journalism (.5 credits) Creative Writing (.5 credits) Public Performance (.5 credits) |
Fine Arts
The Fine Arts Department offers a comprehensive curriculum of required and elective courses that provide students with essential learning, help to build self-esteem, improve emotional expression, develop creativity and aesthetic awareness. Students choose courses in consultation with their teachers and parents / guardians based on student interests, abilities, and goals.
All courses are year-long, one-credit classes unless otherwise noted.
Number of Fine Arts credits required for graduation: .5 credits
Musical Arts Course Offerings Link | |
Freshman / Sophomore Years | Junior / Senior Years |
Instrumental Courses | |
Symphonic Band (Meets Fine Arts Requirement) | Wind Ensemble |
Vocal Courses | |
Academy Choir (Meets Fine Arts Requirement)
Academy Choir (Semester) (.5 credits)
|
Advanced Choral Ensemble |
Musical Arts Elective Courses | |
Music Appreciation (Meets Fine Arts Requirement; may be taken in grade 9, 10, 11, 12) (.5 credits)
Advanced Music (Grades 11, 12) (.5 credits)
IB Music SL (Grades 11, 12)
IB Music HLI (Grade 11 only)
IB Music HLII (Grade 12 only) (.5 credits)
|
Visual Art Course Offerings Link | ||
Course #1 | Course #2 | Course #3, 4, 5, etc. |
Art I (Meets Fine Arts Requirement) (.5 credits) |
Art II (.5 credits)
Digital Photography (.5 credits)
Note: Digital photography does not lead to course 3, 4, 5, etc.
|
3-D Art (.5 credits)
Art Metals (.5 credits)
Drawing and Design (.5 credits)
Painting (.5 credits)
Senior Art Seminar
IB Visual Art SLI
IB Visual Art SLII
IB Visual Art HLI
IB Visual Art HLII
|
Art Appreciation (Meets Fine Arts Requirement) (.5 credits)
Note: Art Appreciation does not lead to Art II or Digital Photography.
|
Interdisciplinary
Notre Dame Academy offers a number of courses in which student learning takes place across a number of content areas. These courses meet elective requirements for graduation. Some courses may also be required in order to successfully complete Career-Related or International Baccalaureate Diploma requirements.
Click here for course offerings.
Math
The Math Department offers a four-year comprehensive curriculum in algebra, geometry, trigonometry, calculus, International Baccalaureate and Advanced Placement courses that prepare students for college and career readiness. All courses are challenging and thought-provoking regardless of student ability. In consultation with teachers, school counselors and parents / guardians, freshmen through seniors choose courses that are geared specifically to student ability and academic goals.
A TI-84 Plus graphing calculator for use at home is required in Algebra I and all subsequent courses. These calculators are allowed for the ACT, SAT and Advanced Placement exams and are allowed at many universities. Variations on this model may include the words “Silver Edition,” “C” or “CE.” These versions are all acceptable. Students should put their name on their calculator in some type of permanent identification and keep the calculator in a secure place when not in use. If you have questions about the calculator to buy, please reach out to the student’s current teacher.
All courses are year-long, one-credit classes.
Number of credits required for graduation: 4
Student with Emerging Skills | Students with Grade-Level Skills | Students At or Above Grade-Level Skills | |
FreshmanCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Algebra A or Algebra I |
Algebra I or Algebra II |
Honors Algebra II or Honors Geometry with Trigonometry |
SophomoreCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Algebra B or Algebra I or Algebra II |
Algebra II or Honors Algebra II or Geometry with Trigonometry |
Honors Geometry with Trigonometry or Honors Precalculus or College Precalculus or College Calculus |
JuniorCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Geometry | Geometry with Trigonometry or Honors Geometry with Trigonometry or Precalculus |
Honors Precalculus or College Precalculus or College Calculus or IB Math A & I SLI or IB Math A & A HLI |
SeniorCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Advanced Algebra | Precalculus or Honors Precalculus or College Precalculus or Probability and Statistics or Calculus I |
College Credit Calculus I or College Credit Calculus II or IB Math A & I SLII or IB Math A & A HLII or Advanced Placement Statistics |
Physical Education/Health
Physical Education and Health courses at Notre Dame Academy are an important factor in the school’s mission to develop the whole person. Each semester-long, .5 credit class is designed to help students achieve life-long wellness habits in exercise, nutrition and physical fitness. Students will be exposed to the necessity of regular exercise and a nutritional diet, as well as the importance of stress management, and other topics related to a healthy lifestyle. Electives in physical education serve students who wish to continue their education and seek balance in their school days between academic study and physical activity. Interested students are encouraged to continue to enroll in physical education courses beyond the one-credit requirement.
All courses are semester-long, one-half credit classes.
NOTE: All students must complete at least .5 credit in physical education BEFORE the beginning of grade 11.
Number of credits required for graduation: .5 Health and 1 Phy. Ed.
Phy. Ed. Course Offerings Link | ||
Course #1 | Course #2 | P.E. Health Electives |
Team & Strategic Games | Lifetime Fitness | Kinesiology Team & Strategic Games Strength & Conditioning I Advanced Strength & Conditioning Lifetime Fitness |
Team & Strategic Games | Strength & Conditioning I | |
Strength & Conditioning I | Lifetime Fitness | |
Strength & Conditioning I | Advanced Strength & Conditioning |
Health Course Offering Link |
All students must complete Health Education at NDA or a qualifying Health for High School Credit from middle school. |
Science
The Science Department offers a four-year comprehensive curriculum in physics, chemistry, and biology that prepares students for college and careers. Additionally, the department provides students with robust honors, International Baccalaureate, and dual-credit course offerings. Student motivation and ability in both math and reading are considered in identifying the courses which best challenge and interest students. While three credits of science courses are required for graduation, many students choose to complete more by choosing science electives. In consultation with teachers, school counselors and parents / guardians, freshmen through seniors choose courses that are geared specifically to student abilities, interests, and academic goals. All courses are year-long, one-credit classes.
Note: One credit in biology is required for graduation.
Number of credits required for graduation: 3
Students with Emerging Skills | Students with Grade-Level Skills | Students At or Above Grade-Level Skills | |
FreshmanCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Physical Science (Science is encouraged freshman year) |
Physical Science | Intro. to Chemistry and Physics |
SophomoreCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Biology A | Biology (Chemistry may be chosen if the student takes IB Biology HLI during junior year.) |
Honors Biology (Honors Chemistry may be chosen if the student takes IB Biology HLI during junior year.) |
JuniorCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Chemistry A or Earth and Environmental Science A |
Chemistry |
Honors Chemistry |
SeniorCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Earth and Environmental Science A | Earth and Environmental Science or Physics |
Honors Physics |
Social Studies
The offerings made by the Notre Dame Academy Social Studies Department recognize one primary value of studying history and social studies is developing the ability of students to make connections between human beings in the world of the past and the world in which they live today. From Introduction to Social Studies to International Baccalaureate Philosophy, all courses focus on developing students’ ability to analyze information, communicate their thoughts and insights and recognize their own role in the shaping of their local and global communities. In consultation with teachers, school counselors and parents / guardians, freshmen through seniors choose courses that are geared specifically to student interests, abilities and goals.
All courses are year-long, one-credit classes unless otherwise noted.
Number of credits required for graduation: 3
Course Offerings | |
FreshmanCourse Offering
Description,
|
Intro. to Social Studies (Required for all freshmen.) |
SophomoreCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
U.S. History & Government or American Experience: Social Studies (All sophomores are required to take one of the courses above.) |
Junior and SeniorCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
World History (Required in grade 11 or 12) (.5 credits) American Culture Studies (.5 credits) Child and Family Studies I (.5 credits) Child and Family Studies II (.5 credits) Economics (.5 credits) 20th and 21st Century Global Politics (.5 credits) Sociology (.5 credits) Introduction to Psychology (.5 credits) Modern Psychology IB Psychology Philosophy (Meets World History requirement) IB History HL I (Meets World History requirement) IB History HLII IB Philosophy SL (Meets World History requirement) IB Philosophy HLI (Meets World History requirement) (All juniors and seniors are required to take World History and another .5 credit elective. Please see the course descriptions below for courses that may replace World History.) |
Theology
The Theology Department course offerings are rooted in the mission and values of Notre Dame Academy. Beginning freshman year, theology courses challenge students to transform, to grow spiritually, intellectually, socially, morally and emotionally through shared learning and prayer. Courses are varied and include components of theological study, service, prayer, vocational exploration, Sacrament, and Scripture. Each course is directed toward the continued growth of students’ relationship with Jesus Christ and their commitment to the common good.
All courses are semester-long, one-half credit classes unless otherwise noted.
Number of credits required for graduation: 4
NOTE: All students must be enrolled in at least one theology course every semester.
Course Offerings | |
FreshmanCourse Offering
Description,
|
Intro. to Catholicism (Required) (1 credit) |
SophomoreCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
History of the Catholic Church and Morality & Justice (Both courses are required) |
JuniorCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Hebrew Scriptures and Christian Scriptures (Both courses are required) |
SeniorCourse Offering
Descriptions,
|
Christian Discipleship Christian Lifestyles The Church in the Modern World Prayer and Spirituality World Religions Philosophy of Religion IB Philosophy HLII (1 credit) (All seniors are required to take a full year of theology.) |
All sophomores are required to complete community service hours with a marginalized population and write a reflection paper on their service experience. Details regarding hours and possible locations will be provided to sophomores and their families as part of their sophomore theology class. Service hours may begin during the summer after freshman year and are to be completed by April 15th of sophomore year.
World Languages
The World Languages Department offers courses in French, German, Mandarin, Russian, and Spanish. While Notre Dame Academy does not require world language credit for graduation, the majority of students complete three or four years of study in one or more languages. Each World Language course attempts to provide students with college and career-ready knowledge of language and with the ability to lead productive lives in a multicultural world. As elective courses, world languages require students to maintain consistent commitment to language learning.
All courses are year-long, one-credit classes.
NOTE: World language courses meet the elective requirements for graduation. Freshmen who enter with middle school world language coursework are subject to placement testing in order to enroll in year-two courses.
Course Offerings | |||||
French | German | Mandarin | Russian | Spanish | |
Year 1Course Offering
Descriptions,
|
French I | German I | Russian I (Offered in 2022-23) |
Spanish I | |
Year 2Course Offering
Descriptions,
|
French II | German II |
Mandarin II
|
Russian II (Offered in 2023-24) |
Spanish II |
Year 3*Course Offering
Descriptions,
|
French III or Honors French III |
German III or Honors German III |
Manderin III
or
Honors Mandarin III
|
Spanish III or Honors Spanish III |
|
Year 4Course Offering
Descriptions,
|
French IV or Honors French IV or IB French SL |
German IV or Honors German IV or IB German SL |
Mandarin IV
or
Honors Mandarin IV
or
IB Mandarin SL
|
Spanish IV or Honors Spanish IV or IB Spanish IV SL |
|
Year 5Course Offering
Descriptions,
|
Advanced Mandarin
|
Advanced Spanish: Conversation & Composition |
* Students must take honors-level language in year 3 in order to enroll in honor-level or IB language year 4.
English Language Learners |
Freshmen and sophomores whose score is below six on the ACCESS test will enroll in the World Languages ELL course. Students will focus on developing skills in academic language and cultural knowledge and building confidence in English fluency both orally and in writing. |