News Summary
Notre Dame Preparatory School in Baltimore has been fostering a commitment to service for over 150 years. With the longest-running service program among private schools, NDP emphasizes individual growth through service. Students engage in community service from sixth grade, developing empathy and leadership skills through structured programs and community partnerships. NDP’s innovative curriculum integrates service-learning, preparing young women to make a difference in the world.
Notre Dame Preparatory School: A Legacy of Service in Baltimore
Located in the bustling city of Baltimore, Notre Dame Preparatory School (NDP) has been nurturing a deep-rooted commitment to service for over 150 years. This remarkable institution is not just any school; it’s renowned for having the longest-running service program among private educational establishments in the area. This long-standing heritage is steeped in the teachings of Catholic Social Doctrine, emphasizing the importance of genuine, person-to-person interaction as the cornerstone of their service initiatives.
The Heart of Service: Individualized Learning
The beauty of the service experience at NDP lies in its aim to be not only impactful but also deeply personal and transformative for students. The school encourages individualized approaches, allowing students to connect their unique talents and passions with the various opportunities available to give back to the community. It’s more than just volunteering; it’s about fostering a lifelong love for service that resonates with each student on a personal level.
Starting Young: Service Begins Early
Students are introduced to the value of service as early as sixth grade. The middle school curriculum allows young hearts to flourish through partnerships with wonderful organizations like the Youth Refugee Project, Stella Maris, and Marian House. Middle schoolers engage in age-appropriate activities including delivering cheerful valentines, collecting donations for relief efforts, and even adopting families during the Christmas season, ensuring that they develop a service mindset from a young age.
A Structured Approach in High School
As students transition into high school, the commitment to service only grows stronger. From ninth grade onward, students are invited to dive into various social service programs that offer a wealth of experiences. Activities range from tutoring refugee youth to serving meals for the elderly and, quite impressively, helping build homes with Habitat for Humanity. This hands-on approach not only enriches their understanding of service but also enhances their skills and empathy.
A Flexibility that Inspires
By the time students reach sophomore year, they face a structured service requirement of 20 hours annually. The flexibility to fulfill these hours allows them to select initiatives that resonate most with them, ensuring that this is not merely a task but a fulfilling journey towards making a difference. Importantly, NDP believes in empowering students by encouraging them to lead their own service projects, promoting a sense of ownership and instilling a desire for lifelong volunteerism.
Building Lasting Relationships in the Community
Under the guidance of the Director of Social Service, the school has built invaluable partnerships that stand the test of time. Noteworthy among these is an impressive 40-year relationship with Camp Umoja and a 41-year tradition of the Dinner with Elders program. These long-standing initiatives highlight NDP’s commitment to fostering deep connections within the community. Furthermore, NDP has proudly served with Habitat for Humanity for over 30 years in Starkville, Mississippi, demonstrating a dedication that is recognized and celebrated.
Innovative Curriculum and Lifelong Commitment to Service
In 2017, NDP made history by integrating service-learning into its academic curriculum—becoming the first Catholic high school in the region to do so. The school offers four Advanced Placement (AP) courses that are interconnected with WE Service, supported by the College Board. This unique educational framework underlines the message that service is not just an optional activity; it’s a lifelong commitment and a tangible expression of one’s faith and values.
Empowering Young Women for Tomorrow
Founded in 1873, Notre Dame Preparatory School proudly serves girls in grades six through twelve, with a mission that resonates profoundly: to educate young women who will transform the world through engaged citizenship and compassion. This legacy of service and empowerment is what makes NDP truly special in the heart of Baltimore.
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Additional Resources
- Baltimore Fishbowl: Service Learning at NDP
- MW Funeral Home: Maria Aponte Obituary
- Frederick News Post: Mount St. Mary’s vs Notre Dame of Maryland Basketball
- Baltimore Sun: Notre Dame Preparatory School Anniversary
- Legacy: Mary Schwind Obituary
- Wikipedia: Notre Dame Preparatory School
- Google Search: Service Learning Baltimore
- Google Scholar: Service Learning Education
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Service Learning
- Google News: Notre Dame Preparatory School
