PHILOSOPHY & MISSION

Mission
The intent of Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy is to become the school of choice in Oakland County providing a Catholic, college-prep, high school, middle school, and elementary education to students and families of diverse socio-economic means in a serene, Christian, moral environment. The school educates students to become Christian people and upright citizens who contribute to the community as academic scholars, thinking and acting according to the teachings and examples of Jesus Christ. The school partners with the Pontiac Area Vicariate and the community to support Catholic educational programs and structures which may serve academically and socio-economically diverse student needs of the future. In short …
 
With God . . . we form Christian People, Upright Citizens, and Academic Scholars.
 
Christian People: The school forms Christian persons by providing a nurturing environment that cultivates moral and character development based on Christian teachings, faith beliefs, practices, and doctrine of the Catholic Church. Students at all levels participate in liturgies, prayer, retreats, and faith activities. Prayer, scripture, and Church doctrine are examined in religion classes. Faculty and students explore topics through a Christian “moral lens” in addition to the traditional secular perspectives of education. The staff models good Christian practices in their treatment of and work with the students. The students are encouraged to apply Christian principles and ideals to their daily lives. Christian service is encouraged and practiced through all three divisions through food/clothing drives, “adopt-a-family” programs, school stewardship, and sponsorship of local outreach centers. Community service hours are required at the upper and middle divisions while service is encouraged at the lower division through school and classroom programs.
 
Upright Citizens: The school promotes the ideal of good citizenship through a variety of programs and activities. Students are encouraged to participate in active leadership roles through clubs and programs such as: Student Council, National Honor Society and National Junior Honor Society, the Optimist Club, mock trials, diversity talks, and leadership seminars. Career presentations and field trips to government bodies help students to become familiar with the operation of government and their role as citizens at the local, state, and national levels. 
 
Academic Scholars: The school promotes academic scholarship through a challenging and varied curriculum, instilling and modeling good study habits, and empowering students to become lifelong learners. Advanced Placement (AP) courses are offered exclusively at the upper division while honors courses are available at both the upper and middle divisions. A variety of instructional methods is used in the classroom and technology is integrated into instruction to prepare students for institutions of higher education and professional careers. The school provides students with a variety of academic support services including academic counseling and college advising, tutoring, test preparation, and study skill/habit seminars. Faculty and staff members volunteer countless hours before and after school as well as during prep and lunch times to assist students individually or to moderate academic clubs.
 
Strategic Planning Goals
In 2004, the school assembled a diverse group of volunteers to participate in the school’s strategic planning process. The school partnered with Catholic School Management of Madison, Connecticut, who facilitated the strategic planning process. During the planning process it became evident that the growth and expansion of the school in both enrollment and divisions respectively, had presented the school with the challenge of developing and instituting a seamless curriculum. From the strategic planning process the following goals were established: 

1. Catholic/Marist Identity:
   Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy will be guided by the Marist Fathers’ charism (spirituality) and philosophy of education to maintain and enhance its Catholic character and to model that charism and philosophy of education in the school, the home, the parishes and the local community.
2. Ownership/Governance/Administration:
   Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy will clarify, appropriately staff and continually communicate the elements of the school’s ownership, governance and administrative model and provide educational opportunities for all constituencies with regard to roles, responsibilities and communications strategies. 
3. Enrollment:
   Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy will develop and implement a comprehensive enrollment management plan which defines and achieves ideal student capacity and socio-economic diversity while maintaining mission driven academic standards at an affordable cost.
4. Curriculum/Programs/Technology:
   Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy will establish a seamless academic program for students that is mission driven; enhances the core curriculum through all divisions; introduces, develops and allows students to master concepts, skills and technology to be successful in a college preparatory program.
5. Guidance/Counseling:
   Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy will provide and enhance comprehensive, coordinated guidance and counseling services in a professional manner which includes age-appropriate academic, personal and college counseling and career information while focusing on the individual student in collaboration with parents, faculty, and community.
6. Staffing/Training:
   Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy will recruit and retain high quality teachers, administrators, staff and coaches and provide professional development, mentoring, evaluation, and competitive salary and benefit programs.
7. Facilities:
   Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy will review, update and implement the school’s plan for expansion and renovation of the spiritual, academic, fine arts, administrative and athletic facilities necessary to meet the needs and objectives of the school.
8. Finances:
   Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy will research and cultivate additional sources of income and created an endowment necessary to finance the objectives of the school and to keep compensation competitive and tuition affordable.
9. Advancement/Public Relations:
   Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy will increase annual fund, endowment and capital support through expansion and enhancement of its communications and marketing programs.
10. School in the Community:
    Notre Dame Preparatory School and Marist Academy will clarify and communicate its identity while expanding its connection and involvement in the communities served through formalized “community service learning” programs.