I applied on behalf of my son, who has special needs, and the response took weeks. They didn't even call me; the only communication I received was an email stating that he wasn't accepted. They also charged me for the application process without any explanation. I've worked in Catholic schools for over a decade, and this treatment feels unethical and unacceptable. I can't help but wonder if other factors influenced the decision. Notre Dame Academy came across as impersonal, and I'm relieved my son wasn't admitted. read more

Our family could not be happier with the decision made in selecting NDA. We had to decide on a school where our daughter would not only grow academically but also grow spiritually, mentally and socially. We see her go to school happy every day. She has found her people. She is as happy as can be, and that gives my wife and I peace of mind because as our daughter tells us; "don't worry, I've got this". She has become more independent, and we know is all thanks to the support and guidance she is receiving at NDA. read more

As a recent graduate from NDA, I can confidently say I don't regret choosing it to spend my 4 years. It became my second home, the friendships I made there are some that I'll cherish for the rest of my life. When they say NDA is a sisterhood, they aren't lying. As someone who didn't come from a Catholic background, I was able to explore Christianity in a way that made me want to learn more. It's helped me start to build my own relationship with God and find a moral compass to live by. The faculty at NDA is absolutely amazing. You're able to build a relationship with teachers in and out of the classroom. I have quite a few favorite teachers at NDA and they taught me, not only how to succeed in my classes, but also in life. My science teacher taught me so many valuable lessons that I know will stick with me in college and beyond. One of the most supportive members of faculty is Ms. Lagrimas. Walking into freshman year I was so nervous but she welcomed me and made me feel at home. Whenever there was a situation or something was wrong I always knew and felt more than comfortable talking to her about it. She always handles situations with so much grace, I hope to have that skill one day. Anyone who has something negative so say about NDA isn't telling the full story. NDA was the best environment for me, acadeically and socially. If you're considering going or sending your daughter here, take the chance and do it! read more

Great school. Excellent education as well as leadership opportunities for young women.

NDA High School is a hidden gem in West LA. The school boasts excellent academics and engaged, committed teachers, as well as an administrative team that truly cares about its students and families. The students enjoy a fantastic camaraderie through school events, extra curricular programs and sports. We have also been so impressed with the girls who choose to attend NDA - independent, smart, interesting girls. The school is constantly innovating to make sure students are beyond prepared for college and life. We are so glad our daughter is at NDA. read more

I was truly disappointed with this school. I transferred to NDA Junior year because I wanted to improve my education and surround myself with like-minded young women who were focused on school and our futures. I was met with the opposite, socially. However, the teachers at Notre Dame Academy are wonderful. They have passion for teaching and motivated me everyday of class to do better and keep learning. Although the teachers were spectacular, one of the main "leaders" of the school managed to incite fear and silence in me every single day. Christine Lagrimas dealt with situations where I was involved, very terribly. She used intimidation to scare me often. When I got in trouble at school for something that was severely misunderstood, I was one girl out of more than a dozen who had done the exact same thing. The girls and Lagrimas just chose to pick on me specifically. She would also pick and choose specific girls at the school to befriend and give them unfair advantages, the girls she chose to dismiss/intimidate were left with watching that from the outside. Lagrimas would also decide who to dress code, who to call out, and who to embarrass. She created an unfair system of everyday life at NDA and caused me a significant amount of stress and anxiety. At one point, it even led me to sobbing in the bathroom and leaving the school in the middle of the day with my mom out of fear that she would publicly embarrass me once again while I was already going through a rough situation at the school because I was being picked on by the girls for distancing myself from a girl whose name is in the MB police department records where she did something illegal and disgusting... Socially, my expectations were also not met. Girls were extremely cliquey and fake to one another. I feel very bad for the other girls at this school who experienced the vicious rumors the students would spread about each other that were not true whatsoever. Almost all the girls would pretend to be great friends to each others faces, but behind their backs would rip each other to pieces. The girls were also so insanely cliquey and closed off that it seemed almost impossible for transfer students to become friends with the students who had been there for longer. My expectations for the girls at NDA were very very far off. A majority of them would be surface level nice and wholesome but when I got to know them more, I was exposed to them vaping in class or in the bathrooms, showing up to school hungover at the bright age of 15/16 and even messaging older men sexually, ADULTS, on school campus- while also bragging about it. I personally did not do any of these activities, but I was completely surrounded by them at NDA. When I chose to distance myself from one of these groups who were doing heinous things, they spread rumors and lies about me to each other and the entire junior class. I even remember someone telling me that after I joined a new group, I officially became one of the most hated girls at NDA. Another thing that was very unsettling to me was that I was heavily judged for my conservative, traditional political views. I had high hopes that this school would promote Christian values but again, I was disappointed. Everyday life at NDA did not promote any Christian values, for example- two of the 10 Commandments being "thou shall not lie" or "thou shall not cheat". Lies and rumors were constantly spread by the girls about each other, significantly more than I had ever experienced at my previous school. Girls would cheat on classwork daily as well!! The school has this secret society where "special" students essentially tell on other girls, and the students in this society would pick and choose who to snitch on. If one of their friends did something wrong, they would not dare to tell on them- but if someone they did not like did something wrong, that person would be in instant trouble. This school was just full of unjust advantages for these "special" students and that is one of the many reasons I decided to discontinue my education at NDA next year. While the academics of the school were amazing, my life had become a living nightmare and I would not recommend this school to girls looking for lifelong friendships and a welcoming environment. In my experience as a transfer student, they welcomed me in front of the parents, but behind closed doors things were significantly different. Transferring into NDA was one of the worst choices I ever made and I hope this review helps some parents to make a different choice about sending their girl here. read more

NDA is such a special place that cares about educating the whole student. From the dedicated teachers, to the engaging educational programs, to the mind, body and spirit approach to education, we have been impressed with the NDA and the NDA community every step of the way. You can really feel how the administration, the staff, and the teachers truly value each girl and help to guide them in their journey in finding one's purpose and passion and foster that throughout their time there. We are part of the All Girls Middle School and my daughter comes home excited to tell me about what she learned each day (which is saying a lot for a 12 yr old!) They invested in renovating the space for the middle school and they now have their own innovation lab, common area lounge for self directed learning, and beautiful and modern classrooms. They also have a big sister/ little sister program with the high school girls within the Academy. It's been an all around amazing experience at NDA and we are looking forward to many more years to come in this community! read more

The NDA All Girls Middle School has been a great experience for my daughter. Coming from a public elementary school, we were hoping for an experience more focused on a wholistic experience (academics, citizenship, and generally how to be a good and caring person) and not just teaching to a test. My daughter has received that in spades. The small class size has meant that all her teachers know each and every student; no one is lost, ignored, and can hide/skate by. The facilities are great. A wonderful balance of separate space for the middle school from the high school, but able to take advantage of the great things that the high school has to offer. Every day at pick up, my daughter is excited to tell me about what happened that day - sometimes about what she learned, sometimes about what her and her friends/classmates did, or the new activities/traditions the school had them participate in (a noticeable change from elementary school pick up when the most I would get from her about her day was "it was fine"). The school also offers the opportunity for my daughter to participate in a variety of sports and clubs. The school has been a great place for my daughter to start 6th grade, and she is looking forward to spending her middle and high school career here. I would highly recommend anyone interested to visit the school and see if it is the right fit for your daughter and family. read more

NDA is a diverse, compassionate rigorous college prep high school that welcomes all religions, identities and passions. Encourages females to find and use their voice and their gifts to go forward as women for others. The educators, staff and principal are fun respectful and inspiring. Students continue on to Ivys, UCs and top rated universities at rates higher than other private LA high schools. read more

Notre Dame Academy is a breath of fresh air! I was drawn to NDA, and have been extremely impressed with, the intimacy of the school, the intentionality that the administration and faculty have put into every aspect of the educational experience, and the quality of the student body that matriculates to NDA! As a parent, I sought an educational environment that matched my daughter's desire to be challenged academically, to participate in multiple sports teams, and be a part of a community that enriches and supports her. My experience of NDA thus far has been truly remarkable and has exceeded my initial expectations of what I hoped high school to be for my daughter. She gets in the car at the end of the day with a smile on her face and talks about cool engineering projects, fascinating debate topics, new friends from her soccer team, and fun outside-the-classroom activities that she is excited about! She is thriving! NDA is a truly special place and deserving of all the stars! read more

Our daughter will going into her Sophomore year. She had a fantastic Freshman experience - - - not only did she make great friends and have some super teachers but she also learned a significant amount of personal accountability and responsibility...which is a work in progress :-) As a parent I really, really valued that she was learning these life long skills in a very safe environment around topics like study skills and work accountability and not around drinking, etc. It's amazing the topics that come up during the teen years and how much exposure kids have today ... not that we didn't in the past but it's just there right at their finger tips. It's incredible to be in an environment that is focused on building character and academics first and foremost. read more

As a veteran teacher who has worked at Catholic high schools across the country for nearly 20 years, I attest with sincerity that the quality of education, the caliber of student, and the atmosphere of both welcoming support and all around excellence of NDA makes it one of the best experiences of my teaching career. An example of the kind of deep thinking that is fostered here, is the assignment referred to in Lea. J's comments posted above. Perhaps Lea J. has not seen the "Truman Show", or has not had time to reflect upon it. This assignment was given within the context of a Religion class, which begins with the human search for happiness and the need for meaning at the heart of every great Religion and religious endeavor. To study Religion without first reflecting on the human search for happiness is like giving responses to questions that have never been asked. This assignment was given during the first unit of the course within the context of studying definitions of happiness as developed throughout history by such thinkers as Plato, Aristotle, St. Augustine, St. Thomas Aquinas, and Soren Kierkegaard. Analyzing the film from the perspective of the desire for happiness, and the philosophical concepts of happiness we had studied, and then writing an essay to synthesize their analysis was the task assigned to sophomores. It proved to be quite a challenge, and yet also a favorite of many students. This provides a great example of the level of critical thinking required and fostered in students at NDA. I recommend the "Truman Show" to anyone interested in a smart, challenging, well made film that reflects on human fulfillment, and I recommend NDA to any young woman wanting an education of highest quality. read more

As a non Catholic with a husband who grew up Catholic but left the Catholic Church, the last thing I imagine was sending my daughter to an all girls Catholic High School, but throughout my daughter's elementary years when I met a teenage girl who impressed me, I often asked, "So where do you go to high school?" I kid you not, most of the time, the answer was Notre Dame Academy. As my daughter got older and ready to look at schools, she knew some older girls who went to NDA and wanted to check it out. We went on a tour and were completely impressed. I was so thankful that an affordable all girls high school existed in Los Angeles! I asked often about whether it was an issue that we were not Catholic and worried my daughter would be at a school where everyone was in a club that she was not. They promised me once you are at NDA, you are embraced with LOVE. I would say that has been the case. Our daughter has thrived and we are grateful for her loving teachers. The religion class turned out to be one of my daughter's favorites and I've actually loved her learning about the Bible from a literary perspective. We feel the love and are deeply grateful. read more