The Berch Family Scholarship was established in 2017 by Notre Dame alumni James, Lawrence and Robert Berch. The Berch brothers’ goal is to increase access to Catholic education at Notre Dame Preparatory School for students with great promise as Christian people, upright citizens and academic scholars. The scholarship is awarded to two current upper school students based on demonstrated financial need, good citizenship and academic success.

The Kristy Malter Endowed Scholarship was established in 2023 by Dr. and Mrs. Timothy Malter in memory of their daughter. An active member of the NDP Class of 2013, Kristy attended Central Michigan University, with school counseling or psychology as her ultimate career goals. In July 2016, Kristy passed away following a very brief illness. The award bearing her name supports a rising senior who demonstrates a desire to work with children, and, like Kristy, models a generous spirit, dedication to others, and love of Notre Dame.

The David A. Molnar Endowed Scholarship was established in 2020 by Dr. and Mrs. Robert Molnar, in memory of their son. Before his untimely passing in November 2019, David exemplified the mission of our school, of which he was a proud alumnus of the Class of 2017. The award bearing David’s name recognizes a rising Notre Dame Middle School 8^th grader and a rising Notre Dame Prep senior for demonstrating resilience and courage in overcoming challenges in their lives, and for serving as positive role models for other students at our school.

The children of Notre Dame Preparatory School, Notre Dame High School (Harper Woods), Oakland Catholic and Pontiac Catholic alumni are eligible for yearly discounts in tuition at Notre Dame Prep. The Alumni Award is $1,000 for the first student and is prorated for additional students. Alumni awards cannot be combined with Gateway or merit scholarships.

Families with multiple children enrolled at Notre Dame Prep are eligible for discounts on tuition. The multiple child discounts are as follows: 5 percent off tuition for the second student, 10 percent off for the third, 100 percent off for the fourth, fifth, etc.

Simplified Tuition incorporates school fees for mission-essential programs and experiences into tuition, creating clarity and convenience for families. To learn more about simplified tuition, click here.

Parents Asked for Simplicity

Families expressed a desire for a simpler, more transparent tuition model that allowed them to plan ahead. Simplified Tuition answers this call by spreading costs evenly over 12 months, eliminating the July fees payment, and making tuition easier to understand.

Alignment with NDP’s Strategic Direction

This change reflects a consistent pattern of progress at Notre Dame Prep, including Continuous Enrollment, Unified Branding, Gateway Scholarships, and the MyNotreDame Parent Hub. Simplified Tuition is a natural next step, building on efforts to modernize and streamline the parent experience.

Financial Stewardship

This model ensures the school remains financially sustainable while promoting predictability for our families, allowing families to better budget their monthly expenses.

• Computer devices
• Books and digital learning materials
• Software, technology and licensing materials
• Irish Week (LS, MS, US) and House Shirts (MS)
• Yearbooks (US and MS)
• Class Sweatshirts (US & LS-5^th Grade)
• Parking (excluding decorated senior spots)
• Grade level retreats (except Kairos)
• Super Raffle obligation

• Athletic fees
• Transportation/busing
• Theatre/Robotics/Band participation fees
• Overnight or travel-based trips
• IB/AP test fees
• Homecoming, prom and school dance

• Simple and Transparent – Families will know up front what their tuition covers.
• Consistent Monthly Billing – Easier to budget and fewer extra fees.
• Elimination of the July Fee Bill – Major fees now built into tuition.
• Removal of the Super Raffle Obligation – No longer required to sell tickets.
• Comprehensive Scholarships – Scholarship awards will apply to tuition and fees.

Private and Catholic schools raise tuition most years for many reasons. Some of the reasons are:

Rising costs do not pause for mission

Teacher and staff salaries, health insurance, utilities, technology, security, and maintenance all climb steadily. Even schools that operate leanly face the same inflation as everyone else, plus the expectation of safe, modern campuses.

Lay faculty realities

Decades ago, religious orders staffed many schools. Today, most educators are lay professionals who deserve competitive pay and benefits. That shift alone explains much of the long-term tuition curve.

Academic and program expectations

Families have come to expect small class sizes, social and emotional counseling, athletics, arts, faith formation, and our unique blend of IB curriculum from PreK-12. Adding or sustaining quality almost always adds cost.

Limited alternative revenue

As an independent Catholic school, we receive no direct government operating funds, parish subsidies or diocesan support. Fundraising, while important, rarely covers the full gap between tuition and actual cost per student.

Responsible schools raise tuition gradually rather than wait for financial stress that would require sudden, dramatic increases. Small annual steps protect families from shocks and protect the school from instability. Our current strategic plan calls for increases of 5.8 percent per year, though we generally try to mitigate these increases to the lowest possible percentage, so that we can continue to keep Catholic education accessible.