Tradition
Introduction
Since its founding in 1851, Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose has stood as the premier school for young women of the Silicon Valley. Guided by the wisdom of Saint Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we have provided a relevant and exciting curriculum, teaching young women “what they need to know for life.” Whether for the 1850s or the fast-paced 21st century, our mission does not change: we ensure our students are armed with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and excel in their rapidly evolving environment.
Founding
Established in 1851 by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur in San Jose, then the state capitol, to provide education to the booming Santa Clara Valley.
School Crest
Symbolizing protection and faith, the trinity, the love of God and loyalty, the crest is a representation of the coat of arms of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.
Sunflower
A symbol of St. Julie who believed we should "be like the sunflower that follows every movement of the sun and keep our eyes always turned towards our good God."
Mascot
The regent replaced the original Notre Dame High School gremlin mascot in the late 1990s. A regent is a person who steps up when a leader is needed.
St. Julie Billiart
Born in Cuvilly, France in 1751 Julie was the child of a poor shopkeeper whose deep faith led her to establish the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur along with her lifelong friend Françoise Blin de Bourdon.
Worship
St. Julie's perspective inspires us to recognize goodness in the relationships and experiences that shape learning for life. The Cathedral Basilica of St. Joseph serves as our downtown place of worship.
Legacy
Notre Dame is among 130 schools in a global network sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame. Their commitment to educating young women and standing in solidarity with the poor is part of our daily approach to education.
Traditions
Students develop strong bonds of sisterhood through activities and events that have become well-loved traditions including freshman sleepover, the choosing of class colors and a mascot and the well-loved Spirit Week!
Founding
Notre Dame High School is the oldest private secondary school for young women in California. The school is owned by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, a congregation founded by Saint Julie Billiart in Amiens, France, in 1804. The Sisters came to California in 1851 at the invitation of the Most Reverend Joseph Alemany, O.P., Archbishop of San Francisco, to establish in San Jose, then the state capitol, a college, upper and lower residence schools and a high school for day students on extensive property on Santa Clara Street. The location was chosen at the advice of the Jesuit Fathers who had recently opened a school for boys at nearby Mission Santa Clara. Notre Dame opened on August 4, 1851.
Thirty years of continuous growth in student population necessitated the expansion of the school facilities in 1958. Construction was begun on two buildings: Julie Billiart Hall, a multi-purpose structure serving as auditorium, cafeteria and gymnasium; and Madonna Hall, a two-story classroom building. Over the years, the growing student population led to the renovation of Julie Billiart Hall, the addition of computer and photography labs, the use of O'Connor Mansion for offices and classrooms, as well as the creation of Pardini Park. Madonna Hall was renamed Donnelly Hall in honor of Sister Mary Emmanuel Donnelly's years of dedicated service to Notre Dame.