Notre Dame High School (West Haven)

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Notre Dame High School is a private, Roman Catholic, all-male college preparatory school located in West Haven, Connecticut, a coastal suburb of New Haven, Connecticut. Located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Hartford, Notre Dame is operated independently by the Congregation of Holy Cross. Encompassing grades 9 through 12, Notre Dame draws a diverse student body from across the New Haven County area and beyond. It is sometimes abbreviated "NDWH". Its sister school is Sacred Heart Academy, located in Hamden, Connecticut.

1 History
2 Academics
3 Athletics
4 Notable alumni
5 Official school website
6 References

[edit] History

Notre Dame High School was founded in 1946 by the Congregation of Holy Cross, the same order that established the University of Notre Dame. The school's name derives from the French notre dame, meaning "our lady" and referring to the Blessed Virgin Mary. Situated on a hill, the school originally had several buildings, one of which is Harugari Hall (now in the possession of the neighboring University of New Haven). Increasingly liberal dress codes and enforcement of discipline have been gradual, yet noticeable, trends since the school's founding. In 2007, the school announced its plans to expand and upgrade its facilities while keeping to the current footprint, citing an increased need for technology in the 21st-century classroom. Construction began in the summer of 2007.

[edit] Academics

The school is run day-to-day on a Headmaster-Principal model, and has recently made the change to a trimester academic schedule. The teaching faculty is composed predominantly of laypeople, though there are still a handful of Brothers. "Extended study" and "semester at college" programs are available to qualified students during their senior year.

[edit] Athletics

Known as the "Green Knights", Notre Dame High School's athletes boast a rich tradition of success with notable football, swimming, hockey, and track programs. The school is a member of the Quinnipiac Division in the Southern Connecticut Conference. Its gymnasium is decorated with several league and state championship banners and the names of All-State athletes. Most recognized is the sport of track and field, for which there are over 11 All-State banners and nine state championship banners.

Notre Dame High School maintains a long-standing football rivalry with Hamden High School. Notre Dame's Green Knights and Hamden's Green Dragons have met in the "Green Bowl" on Thanksgiving Day for 57 consecutive years.