“We are committed to setting high standards and going above and beyond, ensuring learning is about striving for excellence rather than settling for mediocrity,” says Timothy D. Uhl, principal.
Since joining Notre Dame High School, Uhl has focused on introducing new academic structures designed to re-engage students and differentiate the school’s offerings.
Through immersive learning, the school moves students beyond passive instruction, adding retreats, hands-on activities and real-world application to the curriculum. Academic subjects are taught with rigor and relevance that deepen understanding and spark creativity. Its classes are crafted to serve diverse learning needs, ensuring accessibility without compromising instructional quality. Courses available through dual enrollment include biology, geology, statistics and culinary arts, while AP offerings span English, Spanish language and culture, history, mathematics and art.
Notre Dame also emphasizes visual and performing arts, including dance, drama and choir, providing opportunities for collaboration and engagement. By graduation, students acquire more than 30 credit hours—the equivalent of a full year of college coursework—giving them a strong foundation for higher education.
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We are committed to setting high standards and going above and beyond, ensuring learning is about striving for excellence rather than settling for mediocrity.
The school balances rigorous academics with cost-conscious programs, giving families access to college-level coursework without excessive tuition.
Holistic Growth through Immersive Learning
At Notre Dame High School, the first week of January is called immersion week. Students are engaged in developmental activities and experiential programs. Ninth and tenth-grade students participate in outdoor education camps, honing their leadership skills and sense of community. For eleventh-graders, the week is structured around a college exploration program, including tours to California State University (CSU), University of California (UC) and private university campuses.
The visits are followed by guided reflection with a college counselor, ensuring they actively process what they have observed. Through college tours, students better understand their academic strengths and interests, helping them make informed decisions about future study and career paths.
Senior students embark on full-week internships aligned to their individual interests, gaining insight into potential career paths. Opportunities provided span from veterinary offices and accounting firms to community theaters and museums.
Academic outcomes affirm the effectiveness of its approach. Notre Dame High School holds the second-highest UC acceptance rate among private schools in Monterey County, with approximately 85 percent of seniors receiving admission last year.
Success is not measured through college admissions alone. Equal emphasis is placed on nurturing growth and resilience. Faculty members work closely with students in smaller class settings, allowing teachers to identify gaps early and provide targeted academic support.
For instance, a transfer student arrived at Notre Dame High School after struggling academically at her previous institution. In its close-knit, all-girls environment, she received personalized guidance and developed strong relationships with faculty. Teachers supported her growth in writing and interview skills, while administrators actively advocated for her during the college admissions process. As a result, she was accepted to a CSU, bolstered by improved grades, a compelling essay and a successful interview.
While firmly grounded in Catholic education, Notre Dame High School serves students from diverse religious and cultural backgrounds, creating an inclusive environment centered on academic excellence and personal growth.
Valuing parents as essential partners in the learning process, it collaborates with them to foster a collaborative community dedicated to shaping well-rounded young women. This approach has contributed to Notre Dame High School being recognized as a Top Catholic High School, reflecting its commitment to academic rigor, experiential learning and inclusive community building.
