Notre Dame High School for Boys

Did the echoes of legendary baseball player Greg Luzinski’s bat ever reverberate through the halls of Notre Dame High School for Boys? Right here, at 7655 West Dempster Street in Niles, Illinois, stands Notre Dame High School for Boys. It’s more than just bricks and mortar. It’s a place where young men have been shaped into future leaders, athletes, and artists since its founding in 1955. Originally established as Notre Dame High School for Boys, this institution, now known as Notre Dame College Prep, has a rich history intertwined with the Congregation of Holy Cross. Requested by Cardinal Archbishop Samuel Stritch, the school’s opening coincided with the closure of Columbia Prep School in Portland, Oregon. Interestingly, about half the faculty, the athletic uniforms, and even the fight song migrated from the Oregon school, giving Notre Dame its green and white colors. The name, a nod to the prestigious University of Notre Dame, reflected the strong Chicago support for the university and the congregation. The Congregation of Holy Cross guided the school until 2006. A lay board then took the reins, maintaining the connection with the Archdiocese. The Brothers of Holy Cross resumed sponsorship in 2015. Notre Dame High School for Boys isn’t just focused on academics. It also boasts a vibrant athletic program. The Dons have competed in various IHSA-sponsored sports, including baseball, basketball, and football. Notably, the baseball team clinched the state championship in the 2003-2004 season. The football team tasted victory in the 2021 Chicago Prep Bowl. Beyond the playing fields, Notre Dame has nurtured remarkable talent. From the bass player of Material Issue, Ted Ansani, to actor Danny Pudi, known for his role in “Community,” and even a former mayor of Des Plaines, Matthew Bogusz, the school’s alumni have made their mark in diverse fields. The legacy of Notre Dame High School for Boys continues to inspire. It’s a testament to the power of education and community. A place where young men, like NBA player Matt Mooney, discover their potential and embark on their own journeys of success.