The School serves students with developmental disabilities ages 8 through 21. Students are grouped according to age and worked with at their particular functioning level within their age group. The academic curriculum emphasizes math, reading, social studies and language arts. Music, PE, computer and religion classes are offered to all students. Independent living skills, job skills and career exploration are important elements in the upper school. Christian values and attitudes are taught in all classes. Catholic students are involved in sacramental preparation as appropriate.The student teacher ratio is low at Notre Dame and all teachers have a college degree as well as experience working with students with special needs. Notre Dame School is very fortunate to have volunteers from the community, including the youth from area Catholic schools, who come on a regular basis to work and interact with the students in their classrooms.“Positive discipline is used as a means of teaching and encouraging students to develop self control and responsibility. The main program used, "Project Career" is an effective reward system that encourages appropriate behavior as well as teaching basic budgeting skills. The students are "paid" daily for appropriate behavior; they are fined for unacceptable behavior. After paying their "bills", students may use any remaining money to purchase "admission" to special events or items in the school store - items can even be put on layaway!Notre Dame is a loving and caring campus. One of the unique elements of a Notre Dame education is the opportunities available to form meaningful and lasting friendships. A wide range of extracurricular activities are offered to encourage these friendships and foster independence.