Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Notre Dame Academy
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Notre Dame Academy

  • LocationWorcester, MA
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 7–12 · 258 students
  • SponsorSisters of Notre Dame de Namur

All-female

Official website

Notre Dame Academy is an all-girls Catholic school in Worcester, Massachusetts, sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur. Its campus ministry holds yearly school liturgies that all students are required to attend during the school day, including a Mass of the Holy Spirit. Students take a religious studies course every year from grade 9 through grade 12 and complete about 120 hours of community service in junior and senior year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Notre Dame Academy, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches1 mi2 mi3 miChapel of the Holy Spirit: 0.8 mi1St. Bernard's Church: 1.7 mi2Our Lady of Fatima: 1.8 mi3Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church: 1.8 mi4Cathedral of Saint Paul: 1.9 mi5Saint Johns Catholic Church: 2.2 mi6Campus Ministry, Heritage Chapel: 0.2 miNotre Dame Academy (campus)N1 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Chapel of the Holy Spirit — 0.8 mi
  2. St. Bernard's Church — 1.7 mi
  3. Our Lady of Fatima — 1.8 mi
  4. Our Lady of Mercy Catholic Church — 1.8 mi · 341 June Street, Worcester
  5. Cathedral of Saint Paul — 1.9 mi · 38 High Street, Worcester
  6. Saint Johns Catholic Church — 2.2 mi · 44 Temple Street

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

N/ASacramental life: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Sacramental life

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearMonthly (The yearly list names about nine Masses or liturgies that all students attend during the school day; the frequency is approximated as monthly. Prayer services are not counted.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Worship | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/prayer-worship · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Liturgies take place within the school day and all students are required to attend.”
      School liturgies take place during the school day, and all students are required to attend.
      “Yearly Liturgies and Prayer Services”
      The school publishes a yearly list of liturgies and prayer services, including All Saints' Day, Thanksgiving, Ash Wednesday, Ascension Thursday and Class Day liturgies.
      “Mass of the Holy Spirit”
      A Mass of the Holy Spirit is among the school's yearly liturgies.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolVisiting or shared priest (A Mass of the Holy Spirit is held.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Worship | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/prayer-worship · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Mass of the Holy Spirit”
      A Mass of the Holy Spirit is among the school's yearly liturgies.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Years of theology or religion requiredFour years (Four full-year credits of theology are required for graduation (catalog graduation requirements), and Religious Studies 1 through 4 are listed for grades 9 through 12, one full-year course each.)
    Sources (2)
    1. NDA 2026-2027 Course Catalognda-worc.org/fs/resource-manager/view/0b9a3bd3-f10c-4c6a-9c86-43af099ec3d1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “4 high school credits in Theology (with exceptions granted”
      Four high school credits in theology are required to graduate, with exceptions for transfer students without prior religious education.
    2. Departments & Courses | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/academics/departments-courses · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Religious Studies 1”
      Religious Studies 1 is the grade 9 course.
      “Religious Studies 3 (including Love in Action)”
      Religious Studies 3 is a grade 11 course that includes Love in Action.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredYes (Christian Morality, a required grade 10 course, covers foundational ethical concepts such as conscience and virtue.)
    Sources (1)
    1. NDA 2026-2027 Course Catalognda-worc.org/fs/resource-manager/view/0b9a3bd3-f10c-4c6a-9c86-43af099ec3d1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “students explore foundational ethical concepts such as conscience, discernment, sin, grace, and virtue”
      The required grade 10 course Christian Morality covers foundational ethical concepts.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
N/ACampus culture: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Campus culture

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    RetreatsA retreat for every grade (A schoolwide retreat is held each year, and the catalog describes an annual retreat in the religious studies program.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Prayer & Worship | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/prayer-worship · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Schoolwide Retreat Liturgy”
      A schoolwide retreat liturgy is held each year.
    2. NDA 2026-2027 Course Catalognda-worc.org/fs/resource-manager/view/0b9a3bd3-f10c-4c6a-9c86-43af099ec3d1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Our program also includes seasonal Liturgical celebrations and an annual retreat.”
      The religious studies program includes an annual retreat.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One campus ministry staff member is listed: the Director of Campus Ministry.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Campus Ministry | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/campusministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Director of Campus Ministry Mrs. Paula Isakson pisakson@nda-worc.org”
      Mrs. Paula Isakson is the Director of Campus Ministry, reachable at pisakson@nda-worc.org.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayNot enough information: not found in official sources.
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Juniors and seniors must complete 60 hours of service each year, about 120 hours over two years, as part of the religion curriculum.)
    Sources (2)
    1. NDA 2026-2027 Course Catalognda-worc.org/fs/resource-manager/view/0b9a3bd3-f10c-4c6a-9c86-43af099ec3d1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “the program requires students to complete 60 hours of service annually at an approved site”
      Love in Action requires juniors and seniors to complete 60 hours of service each year.
    2. Love-in-Action | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/love-in-action · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students give service at a site of their choice for approximately 120 hours over two years.”
      Students give about 120 hours of service over two years in the Love-in-Action program.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesYes (The required grade 12 theology course Social Justice uses the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching as its framework.)
    Sources (1)
    1. NDA 2026-2027 Course Catalognda-worc.org/fs/resource-manager/view/0b9a3bd3-f10c-4c6a-9c86-43af099ec3d1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Using the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching as a guiding framework”
      The required grade 12 theology course Social Justice uses the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching as its framework.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Not enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes (Love-in-Action states an objective of bringing about justice in the world, and students serve through many community outreach programs.)
    Sources (2)
    1. Love-in-Action | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/love-in-action · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “To help bring about justice in the world in which we live”
      A stated objective of Love-in-Action is to help bring about justice in the world.
    2. Service Traditions | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/service-traditions · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Notre Dame Academy students are involved with many community service outreach programs throughout the year.”
      Students take part in many community service outreach programs during the year.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Students take a religious studies course every year from grade 9 through grade 12, and four credits of theology are required to graduate.
    Sources (2)
    1. NDA 2026-2027 Course Catalognda-worc.org/fs/resource-manager/view/0b9a3bd3-f10c-4c6a-9c86-43af099ec3d1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “4 high school credits in Theology (with exceptions granted”
      Four high school credits in theology are required to graduate, with exceptions for transfer students without prior religious education.
    2. Departments & Courses | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/academics/departments-courses · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Religious Studies 1”
      Religious Studies 1 is the grade 9 course.
      “Religious Studies 3 (including Love in Action)”
      Religious Studies 3 is a grade 11 course that includes Love in Action.
  • Juniors and seniors complete about 120 hours of service through Love-in-Action, which is part of the religion curriculum.
    Sources (2)
    1. NDA 2026-2027 Course Catalognda-worc.org/fs/resource-manager/view/0b9a3bd3-f10c-4c6a-9c86-43af099ec3d1 · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “the program requires students to complete 60 hours of service annually at an approved site”
      Love in Action requires juniors and seniors to complete 60 hours of service each year.
    2. Love-in-Action | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/love-in-action · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Students give service at a site of their choice for approximately 120 hours over two years.”
      Students give about 120 hours of service over two years in the Love-in-Action program.
  • All students attend school liturgies during the school day, and the yearly list includes a Mass of the Holy Spirit.
    Sources (1)
    1. Prayer & Worship | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/prayer-worship · verified Oct. 13, 2026
      “Liturgies take place within the school day and all students are required to attend.”
      School liturgies take place during the school day, and all students are required to attend.
      “Yearly Liturgies and Prayer Services”
      The school publishes a yearly list of liturgies and prayer services, including All Saints' Day, Thanksgiving, Ash Wednesday, Ascension Thursday and Class Day liturgies.
      “Mass of the Holy Spirit”
      A Mass of the Holy Spirit is among the school's yearly liturgies.

Concerns

None recorded.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Heritage Chapel

  • Address: 425 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: chapel (Heritage Chapel, opened 2011, third floor of the main academic building)

View on map ↗

Source: nda-worc.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026, nda-worc.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026, nda-worc.org, verified Oct. 13, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

4 groups and regular activities · 1 on campus, 1 off campus, 2 location not published

Service 2

  • Love-in-Action Community Service ProgramOff campus
    Juniors and seniors, about 120 hours over two years
    Juniors and seniors serve at approved community sites across Central Massachusetts and reflect on the service in a journal, as part of the religion curriculum.
    nda-worc.org, nda-worc.org, nda-worc.org
  • Community service outreach programs (Backpacks of Hope, Catie's Closet, Mustard Seed, Thanksgiving Food Drive and others)
    Outreach programs the school lists as ongoing through the year.
    nda-worc.org

Liturgy and prayer 1

  • Liturgical ministriesOn campus
    Students may join liturgical ministries at school liturgies, with training provided. All liturgies are held in Cuvilly Auditorium.
    nda-worc.org, nda-worc.org

Retreats 1

  • Schoolwide retreat
    The school holds a schoolwide retreat each year, marked by a retreat liturgy.
    nda-worc.org, nda-worc.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (3)
  1. Campus Ministry | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/campusministry · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “School liturgies, retreats, and prayer services create a community of faith”
    Campus ministry lists school liturgies, retreats and prayer services among its activities.
    “Director of Campus Ministry Mrs. Paula Isakson pisakson@nda-worc.org”
    Mrs. Paula Isakson is the Director of Campus Ministry, reachable at pisakson@nda-worc.org.
  2. Campus Map & Directions | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/about/campus-map · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “425 SALISBURY STREET WORCESTER, MA 01609”
    The school's address is 425 Salisbury Street, Worcester, MA 01609.
    “Also located in the main academic building is the Heritage Chapel completed in 2011.”
    The Heritage Chapel is in the main academic building and was completed in 2011.
  3. Prayer & Worship | Notre Dame Academynda-worc.org/schoollife/faith-service/prayer-worship · verified Oct. 13, 2026
    “offers a quiet, reflective space”
    The Heritage Chapel offers a quiet, reflective space on the third floor.

Reach out

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Academic Excellence

AAcademic Excellence: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
100 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.100%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.7.6 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseDiocese of Worcester, MA
Grades7–12
Students (all grades)258
Students in grades 9–12199
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio7.6 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges100%
SettingCity

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Diocese of Worcester

The Most Reverend Robert J. McManus, Bishop of Worcester

Formal address: “Your Excellency”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Notre Dame Academy a Catholic high school?
Yes. Notre Dame Academy is a Catholic high school in the Diocese of Worcester. Its sponsor is Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur.

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