School Spotlight: Notre Dame Academy

The School Spotlight series is an invitation for supporters and friends to learn about individual schools’ life-transforming work – and why we provide access to all 80 schools serving grades K-8 in the Archdiocese of Saint Paul and Minneapolis.

Notre Dame Academy: Having Faith in All Children

Notre Dame Academy was established by the parishes of St. Gabriel the Archangel in Hopkins and Immaculate Heart of Mary in Minnetonka in 2013. These parishes have provided an outstanding legacy of education and faith formation in the Hopkins/Minnetonka area since 1951.

Today, Notre Dame Academy (NDA) is a regional PreK-Grade 8 Catholic school, attracting students from more than a dozen districts, resulting in a richly varied and supportive school community.

Dr. Bonita Jungels who serves as the school’s principal notes that NDA’s commitment to provide a challenging curriculum within a caring and diverse community is a formula that is working. “At Notre Dame Academy, students are known by name, have buddies as friends and role models, and can celebrate successes and make mistakes in a comfortable and safe environment. They practice their academic skills in a rigorous atmosphere as well as explore other skills and talents whether they be physical and/or fine arts opportunities – sometimes outside of their comfort zones. Our vibrant, strong, supportive faith community allows students to learn, grow, and reach their full potential all in the context of the purpose for which God created them as beloved children of God.”

Third Grade teacher, Mary Ellen Gross, agrees on NDA’s commitment, “Years ago I was looking for a church and school that left me with a good feeling. I visited many places. I walked into Immaculate Heart of Mary Church and Notre Dame Academy School. and I felt the light. That light I felt 40 years ago guides me every day to help children and their families on their spiritual journeys. I am grateful for my time spent serving the children of God.”

With its commitment to welcoming all, Notre Dame Academy has seen a steady increase each year in the number of students needing tuition assistance. Liz Flom, Business Administrator, notes that the Aim Higher Foundation has been key to helping open doors. “For over a decade, I have seen firsthand the impact Aim Higher has on families who want a Catholic education for their children. The scholarships they award make a difference in people’s lives and are an instrumental part of our scholarship program at Notre Dame Academy. This commitment to schools and families is what makes the Aim Higher Foundation an exceptional partner. It’s a privilege to work with them to make Catholic education financially attainable for families who would not have the opportunity otherwise.”

Grateful for Aim Higher Foundation’s renewable K-8 scholarship, Heather Discher, a parent of two Aim Higher Scholars, shares, “The Aim Higher Foundation has made such an impact in my life for multiple years. I have two daughters who have both attended NDA since preschool. It has been a sacrifice to be able to give my daughters a Catholic Education thus far, but the Aim Higher Foundation has made it less of a strain. I am so thankful that this Foundation is here to allow families the opportunity to give their children the best education possible. I truly believe Catholic Education is such an amazing gift that more families should look into. The community in our school is by far the best and I couldn’t have asked for anything more for both my girls.”

About Notre Dame Academy
Having faith in all children, Notre Dame Academy is a welcoming, regional Catholic school in Minnetonka, MN offering preschool through eighth grade. The school’s philosophy is centered in developing well rounded students within a strong community that offers a comprehensive curriculum with differentiation available to meet each student’s needs. The Aim Higher Foundation is honored to help Notre Dame Academy open doors to all families who desire the excellence it offers. Learn more.