FAQ

What are your school day hours?

All students at the lower school, including pre-kindergarten and kindergarten, attend school five days a week from 7:45 a.m. to 3:05 p.m. The lower school operates on an eight-day rotating schedule.

Do you offer extended care in the morning and afternoon?

Yes. Parents are able to register their children for our Extended Care service, which operates Monday through Friday from 7 to 7:30 a.m., and again from 3:05 to 6 p.m. Families must pre-register to use Extended Care during the school year. After registering, they are entitled to use the service whenever necessary, and are then billed only for the time their children attend.

What is your average class size?

Year-to-year, the lower school consistently maintains an average class size of 19 students.

Do you accept mid-year transfer students?

We are willing to consider admitting capable and mission-appropriate students once the school year has begun.

In which communities do most of your students live?

Notre Dame Lower School draws students from a wide variety of communities including: Auburn Hills, Bloomfield Hills, Clarkston, Commerce Township, Davisburg, Farmington Hills, Grand Blanc, Lake Orion, Macomb, Milford, Oakland Township, Oxford, Pontiac, Rochester, Rochester Hills, Romeo, Royal Oak, Shelby Township, South Lyon, Southfield, Troy, Sterling Heights, Troy, Washington, Waterford and West Bloomfield.

Do you offer any special classes for students?

Yes. In addition to the comprehensive grade-level course work, all students attend the following classes during the school week: art, music, technology, physical education, library and Spanish. With the exception of Spanish, these “specials” are conducted once, twice or three times during the eight-day rotation, depending on grade level. All specials classes are taught by teachers dedicated to instruct that specific subject.

Is transportation available?

Our current bus routes run every school day to and from the Oakland Twp./Rochester, Shelby Twp./Rochester Hills, Clarkston/Lake Orion, and the Waterford/White Lake areas, as well the Woodward corridor into Beverly Hills, Bloomfield Hills and Birmingham. Some stops include Holy Family Regional School south campus, Holy Name, St. Hugo, St. Joseph, Our Lady Queen of Martyrs and Our Lady of Refuge. We offer semester pricing, as well as single day passes. We continually explore adding bus routes to accommodate students from other areas.

How often do students attend liturgy?

Students at Notre Dame Lower School attend liturgy together once a week. Masses are student-led and each of the grades take turns planning the Masses. Parents and guests always are welcomed to attend. On special school or seasonal occasions we attend all-school liturgies at the main campus just down the street, at which students from Pre-K through grade 12 celebrate Mass together as one school community. In addition to these celebrations, we begin each school day with a morning reflection and prayer.

Do students wear uniforms?

Yes. All students wear uniforms that may be purchased from Dennis Uniform, located at 1532 N. Opdyke Road, Auburn Hills, MI 48326 (248-340-8890).

Do you have a hot lunch program?

Yes. Flik, which also provides food service at our main campus, offers several lunch options for lower school students daily. The cost for lunch is $4 per day. Students also have the option of bringing a lunch from home. Students also may pre-order milk—white or chocolate—to enjoy with their lunches.

Do you offer need-based financial aid?

Yes. As a way to support families in their pursuit of a Catholic education, Notre Dame offers financial aid to families that demonstrate need. For more information about financial aid, please visit the Tuition and Financial Aid page.

What extracurricular opportunities are available at the school?

Notre Dame Lower School offers a variety of school clubs and extracurricular activities. Membership in these various clubs affords students the opportunity to explore their talents and gain confidence outside the classroom while beginning to develop leadership skills.

What are the athletics program like at Notre Dame?

In addition to academic development, students at Notre Dame are encouraged to strive for athletic excellence. We offer competitive Catholic Youth Organization (CYO) athletics for boys and girls in multiple sports throughout the fall, winter and spring seasons. The majority of these sports are available to all students beginning in grade 5, and occasionally are available to students in grade 4 as well.

What are the fine and performing arts programs like at Notre Dame Lower School?

Notre Dame Lower School students are exposed to the fine and performing arts through regular classes and after-school productions, including our all-school Christmas and spring concerts. Students in grades 4 and 5 are able to join beginning band. Drama Club students in grades 3 through 5 stage a play every spring.

May I visit the school? May my child spend a shadow day at Notre Dame?

To schedule a visit, email admissions@ndpma.org or call 248-373-1061.