Could these walls recount the echoes of laughter? Could they whisper the dreams nurtured within Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour? Founded in 1850 by the Society of Jesus, this private Catholic school stands in Jamhour. It is in the Baabda District of Mount Lebanon. Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour began in Ghazir. It later moved to Beirut before finding its home here.
The school welcomes students from kindergarten to 12th grade. Its motto “Ad maiorem Dei gloriam” translates to “For the greater glory of God.” This reflects the school’s Jesuit values.
Walk with me through the campus. Picture the Petit Collège and the Grand Collège. Imagine the sports complex filled with energy. Think of the church as a place of quiet reflection. Before the late 1950s, Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour was located on Rue Huvelin in Beirut.
Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour offers both French and Lebanese baccalaureate programs. Students can specialize in Mathematics, Physics, Chemistry, and Biology. They can also study History, Geography, Political Science, English Literature, and Economics. Language classes include French Arabic English Spanish and Italian. All students study History Geography Philosophy Science PE Computer Science and Religion.
Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour is affiliated with Collège Saint-Grégoire in Achrafieh Beirut. It shares a close history with Université Saint-Joseph.
Many notable figures have walked these halls. Alain Bejjani CEO of Majid Al Futtaim Group is an alumnus. Bechara Boutros al-Rahi Maronite Patriarch also studied here. Former presidents Bachir Gemayel and Amine Gemayel are alumni. Carlos Ghosn former CEO of Nissan-Renault attended Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour. Amin Maalouf French author and perpetual secretary of the Académie Française is an alumnus. Ziad Rahbani musician and playwright also studied here. Riad Salameh former Governor of Lebanon’s central bank is an alumnus. Gabriel Yared music composer walked these halls.
In 2012 the Centre du Patrimoine Musical Libanais opened here. Gabriel Yared sponsored it.
Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour covers 233000 square meters. The campus has sports facilities including a pool tennis court and football field. The school is part of a network of Jesuit schools in Lebanon. This network fosters collaboration in teaching and organization. The rector of Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour directs the network.
As you leave Collège Notre-Dame de Jamhour consider the many lives shaped here. Think about the school’s dedication to education and faith. Remember its role in Lebanon’s history and future.