For Parents

Frequently Asked Questions

At SJND, small school advantages lead to meaningful, lasting impact. Explore our FAQs to learn how our close-knit community, personalized attention, and unique opportunities help students thrive academically, socially, and personally.

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Honors and Advanced Classes

How many students who want honors/AP classes actually get in?

How many students who want honors/AP classes actually get in?

A long list of classes doesn’t mean much if your child can’t access them. At large schools, limited seats often mean that only a fraction of students get their top-choice advanced courses. At a smaller school, qualified students are far more likely to be placed in the classes they want, and they’re not forced to specialize too early, they can excel in multiple areas instead of being tracked into one.

Sports

What are my child’s chances of making the team, and getting play time?

What are my child’s chances of making the team, and getting play time?

At large schools, hundreds of kids may compete for a handful of roster spots, and even those who “make the team” often spend most games on the bench. At SJND, athletes can play multiple sports, enjoy real playing time, and still experience championship-level coaching and success. The question isn’t just “How good are the teams?”, it’s “How good will the experience be for my child?

Clubs & Activities

What kind of leadership and participation opportunities will my child have in your clubs?

What kind of leadership and participation opportunities will my child have in your clubs?

Teachers

How well will my child’s teachers actually know them?

How well will my child’s teachers actually know them?

College Preparation

How do you help students shine in college admissions?

How do you help students shine in college admissions?

College admissions officers review thousands of applications from large schools that often look alike. Students from smaller schools stand out because they’ve had more opportunities to lead, contribute meaningfully, and be known as individuals.

At SJND, teachers know their students well, so their recommendation letters feel personal, detailed, and authentic. That genuine insight can make a powerful difference when colleges are choosing between equally qualified applicants.

Student Well-Being

How does your school balance academic challenge with student well-being?

How does your school balance academic challenge with student well-being?

Diversity

How does your school create opportunities for students to learn from different perspectives and experiences?

How does your school create opportunities for students to learn from different perspectives and experiences?

The Big Picture

Some wonder if a smaller school might limit opportunities, but the reality is quite the opposite:

Students have more opportunities to try, lead, and succeed
They build stronger relationships with teachers and peers
They graduate not just with a transcript, but with real experiences that set them apart

At a big school, students may watch from the sidelines. At a smaller school, they take the stage.

Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School

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