Investing in Excellence: Understanding Tuition and Financial Aid at Notre Dame Academy
Choosing an independent school is a significant decision, representing a meaningful investment in a child's future. For families considering Notre Dame Academy (NDA), understanding the financial aspects of this exceptional education is crucial. NDA is committed to providing an all-girls Catholic education that challenges students academically, fosters confidence, and prepares them for success in high school, college, and beyond. Recognizing that cost should not be a barrier to deserving young women, NDA offers a comprehensive approach to tuition and financial assistance, striving to make its distinct educational experience accessible and attainable for a wide variety of families.
The Value of an NDA Education: Beyond the Classroom
At Notre Dame Academy, the impact of an all-girls Catholic education extends far beyond the traditional academic setting. The school is dedicated to preparing students with a strong foundation, inspiring them to open their hearts and minds and to share their voices. This holistic approach is grounded in the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, which shape the school's mission and prepare girls for a life of purpose. Students are encouraged to become critical thinkers and lifelong learners, leaders who respect and care for others, and individuals who use their voices to advocate for those in need, working towards a world of peace and justice.
The academic rigor at NDA is a cornerstone of its educational philosophy. The school offers more than twenty AP courses, maintains small class sizes, and employs interactive learning methods. The distinguished faculty possesses a tremendous depth of knowledge and an endless enthusiasm, nurturing student curiosity and encouraging girls to push beyond their perceived capabilities. This commitment to deep learning is further exemplified by the school's accreditation by NEASC (New England Association of Schools and Colleges), a rigorous two-year process that reinforces the confidence in its mission-based learning community.
Beyond academics, NDA fosters a vibrant community where girls thrive in all roles. Whether as class president, lacrosse or robotics captain, or an advocate for the elderly, students are encouraged to explore their potential. The all-girls learning environment cultivates an ever-growing sense of confidence, empowering students to take on leadership roles and explore new experiences. The arts play a significant role in this development, allowing girls to express themselves and explore their relationship with the world through various mediums like theater, music, and studio arts. Experiential learning is also central, with over 30 different club opportunities encouraging students to make new connections and grow.
Furthermore, NDA emphasizes the importance of faith and service. The strong foundation in faith and service, coupled with unparalleled opportunities and mentorship, prepares students to thrive. Participation in service initiatives, such as outreach trips, has been described as life-changing, shifting perspectives and fostering a deep sense of empathy and commitment to community. The school also supports the "whole student" through a comprehensive school and college counseling department, including a counseling team, adjustment counselor, and dedicated college advisors who provide support that extends beyond typical school offerings. The Business Leadership Initiative (BLI) further develops leadership curriculum and programming, integrating the Hallmarks of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur into the learning community through outside speakers, interdisciplinary education, and connections with alumnae, offering real-life experience and preparing girls for lives of purpose.
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Understanding the Financial Commitment: Tuition and Payment Options
Notre Dame Academy understands and appreciates the financial commitment families undertake when choosing to send their children to NDA. The actual cost to educate one student at NDA is $12,850. However, the school is committed to making its exceptional education attainable and affordable.
Tuition Payment Plans:Families have several options to manage tuition payments, designed to accommodate varying financial needs:
- Pay in Full: Families may choose to pay the entire tuition amount in full by May 20, 2026, for the upcoming academic year. This option is often preferred for its simplicity and potential for early payment discounts, though the provided text doesn't explicitly mention such discounts.
- 10-Payment Plan: An alternative is a 10-payment plan, with payments spread from May 20, 2026, through February 20, 2027. This plan breaks down the tuition into manageable monthly installments.
- Semester or Quarterly Payments: While not explicitly detailed for the 2026-2027 school year, historical payment structures suggest options for semester or quarterly payments, often starting in July before the school year commences, through automatic bank withdrawals.
- 11-Month Payment Plan: Families can also pay monthly through FACTS for 10 or 11 months, beginning in July or August.
- Tuition Financing: NDA partners with "Your Tuition Solution" to offer tuition financing with a repayment period of up to 84 months, providing a flexible long-term financing option.
All tuition payments and fees are managed through the family's online tuition payment account with FACTS Tuition Management. An initial enrollment deposit of $1,850 and an enrollment fee of $115 are due at the time of enrollment. This deposit secures the child's place and is applied towards the school year's tuition.
Making NDA Accessible: Tuition Adjustment and Financial Assistance
Notre Dame Academy is deeply committed to making its exceptional, all-girls, Catholic education affordable to a wide variety of families. Assisted by alumnae, current parents, foundations, and friends of NDA, the school is able to provide tuition adjustments and financial assistance to over 60% of its student body.
The FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment:NDA partners with FACTS Grant & Aid to manage its tuition adjustment and financial assistance application process. FACTS provides a secure and comprehensive platform that reviews each family’s full financial picture, including income, assets, expenses, and outstanding obligations. The financial aid committee requires both custodial and non-custodial parents to complete the online FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment application. Families may also submit a written explanation of any special circumstances they wish the committee to consider. Based on this information, FACTS generates an estimate of what each family should be able to contribute toward educational expenses. FACTS is committed to maintaining the highest standards of privacy and data security, utilizing enterprise-level security protocols, including end-to-end encryption, to protect all personally identifiable information.
Applying for Tuition Adjustment:When the admissions application for the 2026-2027 school year opens, families interested in tuition adjustment should indicate their intent to apply and begin the process. Tuition adjustment applications are submitted concurrently with admissions applications. For questions about tuition adjustment, families are encouraged to contact Mrs. [Contact Person Name], the tuition coordinator, at [Phone Number], ext. [Extension]. All tuition assistance information is strictly confidential.
NDA Grants vs. Scholarships:It is important to note that NDA uses the term "grants" to describe support offered by the school. The term "scholarship" often implies a merit component, which NDA does not primarily offer. Their tuition grant program aims to provide assistance to families demonstrating financial need, helping to cover a portion of the tuition cost for qualifying families.
Specific Awards and Scholarships
NDA offers various scholarships and awards to support its students:
- Marian Woman of Service Award: This award is for an incoming freshman who applies herself to her studies, is respectful of teachers and classmates, and demonstrates leadership and Christian service. An application is required.
- NDA Empowerment Award: This award is for an incoming 6th, 7th, or 8th grader who applies herself to her studies, is respectful of teachers and classmates, and demonstrates Christian service. An application is required.
- Sullivan Award: For 9th-grade students, this is a need-based award of up to $3,000, renewable. A parent must complete the application.
- HSPT Scholarship: For 9th-grade families, this non-need-based scholarship of $250 is awarded to incoming freshmen who choose NDA as their first choice on the HSPT and is non-renewable.
- Multi-Child Discount: Multi-child discounts are available to families who enroll three or more children.
- Sisters Scholarship: For all grades, this scholarship is awarded to families with more than one daughter at NDA.
- Robert M. Duerr, Jr. Scholarship Fund: NDA offers two additional need-based scholarship opportunities through the generosity of Robert M. Duerr, Jr. The deadline to apply for these scholarships is April 17, 2026.
- Leo & Fran Frigo NDBA Memorial Scholarship: Information on this scholarship is also available.
State and Diocesan Assistance Programs
NDA actively participates in and supports families in accessing various state and diocesan assistance programs:
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- Private School Choice Program (PSCP): Notre Dame Academy has participated in the Private School Choice Program since 2013. NDA encourages all qualifying families to apply. Eligibility is typically for freshmen and students transferring from public schools. A random lottery takes place after each open application window, with preference given to returning PSCP students in these lotteries. Returning applicants complete a simplified application requiring proof of residency. Contact information for this program is (888) 245-2732 Ext. [Extension].
- State-Funded Scholarships for Qualifying Disabilities: For all grades, a state-funded scholarship is awarded to students with a qualifying disability.
- Scholarship for Students in Low-Performing Public Schools: This scholarship is awarded to any level of students whose assigned public school is low-performing. The scholarship amount varies by grade level: $6,166 for 7th and 8th-grade students and $8,408 for high school students.
- Ohio Need-Based Scholarship: This need-based scholarship is available to all students who reside in Ohio. The scholarship amount ranges from $616 - $6,166 for 7th and 8th-grade students and $840 - $8,408 for high school students.
- Wisconsin Department of Revenue - Schedule PS (Private School): Parents in Wisconsin can deduct up to $10,000 per student in grades 9-12 at a Catholic high school, and up to $4,000 for students in grades K-8 at a Catholic grade school, regardless of income.
- Scrip Program: Many Green Bay Diocesan Catholic grade schools utilize Scrip, a tuition reimbursement incentive program. Some schools allow funds earned through Scrip to be transferred to NDA to help offset high school tuition costs. Families should contact their Catholic grade school for more information.
Additional Fees and Expenses
Beyond tuition, families should be aware of other potential costs:
- Enrollment Deposit and Fee: A $1,850 enrollment deposit and a $115 enrollment fee are due at the time of enrollment.
- Learning Support Services:
- Direct Learning Support (K-2): This is based on a teacher’s recommendation and may cover core subject areas or work-study skills. If both areas are needed, the fee increases.
- Point-of-Need Learning Support (Grades 3-5): Initially based on teacher recommendation, outside documentation may be required based on student progress.
- Direct Learning Support (Grades 6-12): Requires supporting documentation from an outside source, such as a current psychological evaluation and/or medical diagnosis.
- Books and Supplies: Costs vary by grade level, and parents can expect to purchase summer reading books, textbooks, and other supplies throughout the school year.
- Uniforms: Uniforms are purchased from FlynnO’Hara. The Wolfhound Resale Closet offers preowned uniforms at a discounted rate.
- Athletics: Students participating in athletics are charged dues covering league fees, uniforms, gear, coach stipends, and game day operations. These dues are billed through the FACTS account after the season concludes.
- Academics, Fine Arts, and Club Activities: These areas may also incur additional fees.
- Before Care & After Care: Options are available for enriching environments beyond traditional school hours.
Community Engagement and Support Programs
NDA actively engages its community to support its mission and affordability:
- SCRIP Program: This program allows families to purchase gift cards from retailers, earning a percentage of their purchases back as a rebate that is applied to tuition for the following year.
- Kroger Community Rewards: Families can earn tuition credits by signing up for Kroger Community Rewards. A digital account is needed, and families must provide the business office with a copy of their quarterly Kroger report with their student's name for credit.
- Pay School Central Account: Families are encouraged to set up their daughter's Pay School Central Account to manage their lunch account. Instructions for setup are available.
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