Scholarships

Our goal is that no qualified student be denied admission to Notre Dame because of lack of funds. We offer many options for our families to consider:

Merit Scholarships
Merit scholarships range from $2,000 to $5,000 based on results of the placement test in January. Every student will be considered for financial aid based on family need, regardless of performance on the placement test.

President's Scholarship
Given each year to any incoming 9th graders who score at the 90th percentile or higher (total battery) on the placement test given on the second Saturday of January. These students will receive a minimum of $1,400.00 for their first year. If these students maintain a grade point average of 3.80, consideration will be given for ongoing scholarships.

Principal's Scholarship
Given each year to one student from each Catholic elementary school who scores at the 75th through 89th percentile (total battery) on the placement test given on the second Saturday of January. If more than one student qualifies, the highest scorer will be chosen. These students will receive a minimum of $1000.00 for their first year. If these students maintain a grade point average of 3.80, consideration will be given for ongoing scholarships.

Student Government Leadership Scholarships
$300.00 scholarships given to the three incoming 9th graders who receive the highest scores on the placement test given on the second Saturday of January and who participated in the 8th Grade Leadership Conference in the Fall. Also, one or more class officers will receive a scholarship based on leadership and financial need.

Math and English Department Scholarships
$300.00 scholarships given to three incoming 9th graders who receive the highest scores on the Placement Test given on the second Saturday of January and who participated in the 8th Grade Math Contest or the Writing Contest at NDHS.

Big Shoulders Scholarships
Students of Notre Dame High School for Girls receive support from the Big Shoulders Fund as Cardinal Bernardin Scholars, Gallagher Scholars, and Stephen Scholars. Notre Dame Alumnae and the Sisters of Notre Dame provide scholarships for students designated as Notre Dame Leadership Scholars and St. Julie Billiart Scholars. These scholarships range from $1000 to $3000 per year and are renewable.

Other Ways to Reduce Your Costs:
Student Work Program - Summer and after school cleaning of the building by students can result in hundreds and hundreds of dollars in tuition credits. Students must have a completed financial aid application on file in order to qualify.

Fund Drive - Each year we conduct one all school fund raiser, generally a raffle. Families receive 50% of their gross sales in tuition credits. This is a great way to reduce your costs.

Lunch - While lunch is not included in our tuition and fees, we encourage all families to apply for free or reduced priced lunch, a federal government program. Applications are given to every student at the beginning of the year.

Transportation is not included in tuition and fees, but students can obtain a bus pass that will give them a lower rate for use of CTA services. If the State of Illinois continues its "Transportation Reimbursement" program, parents can sign forms in the main office, usually in the spring and receive a small reimbursement from the state. Certain restrictions apply to this program.