Graduation Requirements

NOTRE DAME SCHOOL DIPLOMA REQUIRES THE FOLLOWING:

• Seniors take a minimum of 7 subjects at Notre Dame. Permission of the principal is needed for any exceptions.
• Seniors are expected to pass all their courses in senior year. A failure in English (which is automatically warranted by failure to submit the senior term paper), Religious Studies, Economics, Government, Physical Education, or electives may render a student ineligible for graduation. Any failure must be made up in a program approved by the principal. Seniors with multiple failures and/or excessive absences, latenesses or detentions may be excluded from graduation exercises. In addition, students who do not live up to ND values may be excluded from graduation exercises.
• The farewell speech at graduation is given by a senior who embodies ND values and has demonstrated leadership, school spirit, and academic excellence. The senior is invited by the principal after consultation with other administrators and faculty.
• College courses may be taken only with the approval of the Notre Dame counseling department. College courses are not a substitute for Notre Dame Requirements and are not awarded Notre Dame Credit. College credits are offered at Pace University through the Bridge Program.
• All financial obligations must be met by April of the year of graduation in order for a student to receive a cap, gown, and tickets and in order for her to participate in the graduation ceremony.
• Notre Dame students must complete 40 hours of volunteer service as a requirement for graduation. Below are some guidelines for this requirement. (Click here for more information about the Notre Dame School Service Program or contact Mr. Scott Vasey, program coordinator.)
  • The service is to be done outside of school.
  • The service is to be done for a not-for-profit organization whose mission upholds Notre Dame values.
  • Proposed service placements must be approved by the service coordinator.
  • The 40 hours of service should be completed by the end of junior year.
  • The student must submit to the service coordinator, on letterhead of the organization, documentation indicating the type of service provided and the number of hours completed.