Notre Dame High School (Top Ranked Private School for 2025)

596 S 2nd St
San Jose, CA 95112

Notre Dame High School Photo #1 - Notre Dame graduates matriculate to impressive universities. Our rigorous curriculum, co-curricular programs and personalized counseling prepare students for success in college and beyond.

Notre Dame High School Photo #2 - We are a smart and joyful community of learners and leaders. In the words of St. Julie Billiart, we teach young women "what they need to know for life." Notre Dame develops women of impact.

Notre Dame High School Photo #3 - Experience innovative learning in the heart of downtown San Jose. Our students benefit from hands-on learning opportunities and local partnerships that develop life skills.

Providing a distinctive Catholic, college-preparatory education for young women in the heart of downtown since 1851.

Quick Stats (2025)

Top Ranked CA School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 681 students
Average class size: 24 students
Application Deadline: Dec. 13
Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Notre Dame High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for:

School Overview

School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
Other school association(s)

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Learning Difference Programs

Yes

Year Founded

1851

Summer School Offered

Yes

Summer Program Details

Link to Summer Program Details

School Calendar

Link to School Calendar

Student Body

Total Students

681 students

Student Body Type

All-girls

% Students of Color

74%

State avg.: 51%

Students by Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers

52 teachers

Student : Teacher Ratio

13:1

National avg.: 13:1

Average Class Size

24 students

Number of AP Courses

30 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Matriculation DataMatric. Data

Link to Matriculation Data

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline

Dec. 13

Admissions Director

Laila Omid

Admissions Associate

Yuliana Sanchez

Sports

Total Sports Offered

11 sports

Sports

Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.

47 extracurriculars

ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.

Club or Organization:
Acts of Random Kindness, Alliance, Animal Rights Interest Group, Anime Interest Group, Associated Student Body (ASB), Business Interest Group, California Scholarship Federation (CSF), Chess Interest Group, Chinese Cultural Club, Facing History Student Leaders, Fashion Club, Filipino Student Association (FSA), Free The Children, Girls Who Code, Greek Cultural Club, Harry Potter Club, Interact Club, Japan Club, Jewish Cultural Club, Journalism/Newspaper, Latinas Unidas, Lean-In, Lighthouse/Students Against Destructive Decisions (SADD), Math Team, Medical Club, Model United Nations, Movie Interest Group, Music Ministry, Muslim Student Association, National Honor Society (NHS), ND Hackers, Notre Dame Ambassadors, Peer Ministry Leadership Team (PMLT), Quiz Bowl, Red Cross Club, Robotics, Science Olympiad, Science/Environmental Club, Service & Justice, South Asian Student Association (SASA), Speech & Debate, Student Congress, Teaching Advising and Serving the Community (TASC), UNICEF Club, Vegterainiam Interest Group, Vietnamese Student Association (VSA), Yearbook

School Notes

For over 170 years Notre Dame High School in downtown San Jose has stood as the premier school for young women of the Silicon Valley. Guided by the wisdom of Saint Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, we have provided a relevant and exciting curriculum, teaching young women "what they need to know for life." Whether for the 1850s or the fast-paced 21st century, our mission does not change: we ensure our students are armed with the skills and knowledge needed to navigate and excel in their rapidly evolving environment. Prestigious universities and colleges across the nation recruit our graduates smart, sophisticated and savvy young women poised to positively impact their local and global communities.

Our impressive results stem from an exceptional college preparatory program that:

focuses on personalized support. Each student is assigned both a personal counselor and faculty mentor to provide academic, social and spiritual advising throughout her four years of high school.
emphasizes critical thinking and collaboration skills. All courses include group work, project-based learning, and the use of technology as a tool.
offers real-world relevance through experiential learning. From interdisciplinary field trips to internship and travel opportunities, students are guided in learning beyond the walls of the classroom.

Source: Verified school update

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Frequently Asked Questions

What schools are Notre Dame High School often compared to?

Notre Dame High School is often viewed alongside schools like Presentation High School by visitors of our site.

Does Notre Dame High School offer a summer program?

Yes, Notre Dame High School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.

What sports does Notre Dame High School offer?

Notre Dame High School offers 11 interscholastic sports: Basketball, Cross Country, Flag Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Notre Dame High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in California for most sports offered.

What is Notre Dame High School's ranking?

Notre Dame High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in California for: Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.

When is the application deadline for Notre Dame High School?

The application deadline for Notre Dame High School is Dec. 13.

In what neighborhood is Notre Dame High School located?

Notre Dame High School is located in the Downtown San Jose neighborhood of San Jose, CA.

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