The Fighting Irish! Ya Gotta Love Em!…read more Growing up I watched Notre Dame games on tv every Saturday. I was obsessed. I don't know why. No connection then or now. Seems like I was 10,11,12 years old. All of a sudden it stopped. Looking back it was an unusual and unexplained childhood enjoyment. Go figure

Visited Notre Dame during Labor Day weekend and truly enjoyed my time there. The campus is gorgeous…read moreand everyone from students, university volunteers, staff to the President made us feel welcome. During the weekend, we caught the Tennessee State University vs Notre Dame football game (Go BIG BLUE!) - both teams played their hearts out and the marching bands put on an incredible halftime performance (AOB in the House!). The whole gameday atmosphere was electric from vendors on the streets to the alumni enjoying the many festivities! The Basilica of the Sacred Heart and the Grotto were highlights, though I'll admit I didn't fully understand their significance until taking a self-guided tour (which I recorded - so glad I did!). During my tour of the Basilica, I was fortunate enough to witness people gathering in the pews, awaiting the organist's performance. I stayed for the small concert and was completely moved - the music echoing through that sacred space was truly special. You can see the magnificent instrument from the main floor. The entire church interior and exterior with the spectacular dome is a beautiful sight before your eyes. Later I learned the Basilica dates back to 1871 with one of the largest collections of 19th-century French stained glass anywhere. The Grotto is actually a one-seventh replica of the famous one in Lourdes, France, built in 1896. It's a sacred place where visitors light candles for prayer and reflection - an important spiritual landmark that represents the university's Catholic heritage. I lit several candles while I was there, it was a very peaceful and spiritual experience. Some quick tips: *Be careful where you park or you'll get ticketed. There are parking fees too. *Don't miss their bookstore - it's amazing and has something for everyone. The associates in the bookstore were very helpful. *Book hotels early, especially during football season. *There are good grocery stores nearby for room snacks and plenty of restaurants downtown. *Ubers and Lyfts are plentiful if you don't rent a car. *Do a little homework before you arrive so you can plan your day, in other words check the website before you arrive on campus. Knowledge is power! *Wear comfortable shoes - you'll do tons of walking, especially with kids at football games! Absolutely worth visiting for the beautiful architecture, grounds, and rich history that unfolds as you explore and don't forget to check out Touch Down Jesus too! As their fight song goes: 'Wake up the echoes cheering her name!'

This place is a great place to go to school (not you kids)! It's weird how the grades goes. For the…read morekindergarteners-2nd grade there at elementary school. At 3rd-6th grade. They have the intermediate. 7th-8th. They have jr high. And above. But near at the end of the year. Fights, and bullying increases by %25. Be careful of that! ITS A BULLY FREE ZONE! "What a wonderful school! But, I'm being bullied."

Following a thorough review of South Bend Junior Academy (SBJA), encompassing several in-person…read morevisits, classroom observations, and discussions with staff, I've compiled an objective analysis across key areas. **1. Religious Identity and Integration:** SBJA clearly prioritizes the integration of religious values throughout its curriculum and environment. Faculty and staff actively incorporate these principles in their interactions. We recommend considering how this aligns with your family's values and expectations for your child's spiritual growth. **2. Academic Quality and Academic Reputation:** My observations indicate some uncertainties regarding the school's current academic standing and reputation. While the curriculum's rigor and its alignment with our child's specific strengths and needs appear to be areas for consideration, the qualifications and professional development of the teaching staff should be carefully evaluated. The fact that the current principal also holds teaching responsibilities for kindergarten through third grade is noteworthy. Further examination of overall student academic outcomes and the breadth of enrichment programs (arts, athletics, afterschool programs, busing, hot lunch services, extracurricular activities), which seemed very limited beyond social and church-related events, is warranted. **3. School Culture and Environment:** The school aims to provide a caring, orderly, and safe environment. However, the comfort and support levels experienced by all students, particularly in relation to the student-teacher ratio per classroom, may require further inquiry. While there is a clear emphasis on child development, including spiritual and social well-being, the complete absence of on-site counselor, nurse, or psychoeducational services and paraeducators for student illnesses, injuries, bullying incidents, or specific learning or emotional needs is a point to consider. I did observe a positive level of diversity within the student body and staff, along with efforts to foster community. Teacher interaction with students and the general classroom atmosphere appeared somewhat constrained, potentially related to the teacher-to-student ratio across multiple grade levels in single classrooms. **4. Practical Considerations:** The perceived cost of tuition and associated fees seems relatively high compared to the perceived quality of the educational experience. The physical facilities, including classrooms, and athletic areas, appeared limited in capacity and adequacy. The school's location and accessibility are excellent for our family. The observed student-teacher ratio and class size suggest a potential negative impact on individualized attention and tailored learning. Based on comprehensive assessment, I have concluded that South Bend Junior Academy may not be the most suitable fit for our family at this time. While acknowledging that other parents may have different perspectives, my observations have led us to this decision. My review of the school's mission statement, brochures, and website suggests an institution that is still in a developmental phase and may require additional staffing to support its growth. Furthermore, my discussions with the principal regarding religious practices, academic programs, and overall philosophy indicate a potential strength in spiritually based devotional learning, but possibly less emphasis on certain Indiana state academic standards. The school's accreditation through the National Council for Private School Accreditation (NCPSA), is based on "voluntary peer recognition" and "peer action," which involves evaluation and certification by peer institutions, with the aim of promoting quality and accountability. I have some reservations about relying solely on peer review for ensuring our child's academic success, as this system can be inconsistent and potentially subject to bias. I hope this review is useful and contributes fairly. My aim was to provide valuable insights that can be used for future improvements.

This place is a great place to go to school (not you kids)! It's weird how the grades goes. For the…read morekindergarteners-2nd grade there at elementary school. At 3rd-6th grade. They have the intermediate. 7th-8th. They have jr high. And above. But near at the end of the year. Fights, and bullying increases by %25. Be careful of that! ITS A BULLY FREE ZONE! "What a wonderful school! But, I'm being bullied."

A conservative school. I say with with respect. I really enjoyed my children being apart of the…read moreWater school system. NMS is a caring school with good teachers. I loved that kids dressed in a way that showed respect for their school and them selves.

The 2016 graduation celebration ignored the majority of the students only celebrating a few high…read moreachievers. No diploma and hand shake, no roll call, not even a slide with all the graduating students names on it. Terrible message; A few hundred kids were told the don't count. So incredibly disappointed in the administrations callus disregard to the kids efforts. Watching all the kids sitting in their new clothes with sad faces was heartbreaking. Northwood 8th Grade Promotion Assembly Class of 2020 Northwood 8th Grade Promotion Assembly June 17, 2016 10:45 a.m. - 12:01 p.m. Northwood Main Gym All 8th grade parents/families welcome to attend

Staff is very rude. Not a Christ like example in their attitudes. Hung up on me during our…read moreconversation.u

Not sure about the review posted above. Both of my children have attended this school and the staff…read morehave NEVER been rude in any way. They are very kind and caring ladies. As a parent who helps in the class also, I can assure you I have never witnessed anything rude or unprofessional. My youngest attends currently and the standard of learning and care are above average!