Notre Dame High School

On a sunny Southern California afternoon in 1947, Notre Dame High School opened its doors to 125 young men. The world was a different place then. Marilyn Monroe was a struggling actress. The Dodgers were still in Brooklyn. But in Sherman Oaks, a new chapter was beginning, penned by the Brothers of the Congregation of Holy Cross. Notre Dame High School, established as an all-boys school, embarked on its mission to educate hearts and minds. The initial faculty consisted of only five educators, a stark contrast to the nearly 80 who guide students today. The campus, envisioned in the classic Mission style, drew inspiration from California’s historic missions. Buildings echoed the architectural beauty of these coastal landmarks. The original design intended to create an atmosphere that reflected both California’s history and the school’s Catholic heritage. Notre Dame High School wasn’t immune to challenges. The 1970s brought a period of declining enrollment. The school even considered selling its valuable Riverside Drive property. A proposed merger with Corvallis High School, an all-girls Catholic school, was rejected. Instead, Notre Dame made a pivotal decision: In 1983, it opened its doors to female students. This move proved crucial, allowing the school to thrive while other San Fernando Valley Catholic high schools struggled. When Corvallis High School closed its doors in 1987, many of its students found a new home at Notre Dame. Today, Notre Dame High School is a vibrant co-educational institution with over 1,200 students. It boasts a 99% graduation rate and is recognized as one of the top private high schools in the nation. From its humble beginnings with five teachers and 125 boys, Notre Dame High School has blossomed into a dynamic learning environment for young men and women. The school continues to uphold its founding mission, educating hearts and minds while embracing the ever-evolving landscape of education.