About the Elementary School

Imaginative play. Critical thinking. Curiosity. Relationship building. Welcome to Notre Dame Elementary—home to the beginning of your children’s life-long love of learning.

From preschool through fifth grade, including to our universal pre-K and Montessori programs, our elementary small class sizes nurture our younger students by building a solid base of skills and confidence. Our iReady program provides a personalized pathway to learning, leading to solid writing skills and a strong mathematical foundation.

Our faith-based education begins now, inspiring students to learn and live from a moral perspective and providing them with an ethical foundation for life.

Universal Pre-K

In partnership with the Utica City School District since 2000, Notre Dame Elementary is proud to host a robust Universal Pre-K program. This initiative is designed to bridge the gap between home and formal schooling, ensuring every child has a strong foundation for future success.

Our UPK classrooms emphasize play-based learning and social-emotional growth, providing a nurturing space where children feel safe to explore. While play is the primary vehicle for learning, UPK provides children with academic instruction in all academic areas, including early literacy and math.

Eligibility & Cost

Our Universal Pre-K program is 100% free, but only available to students age 4 who reside in Utica City School District. Transportation is not provided.

Schedule

The program is offered five-days a week—either as a half- or full-day. Schedule options include:

• Half-Day Mornings: Monday–Friday, 8–11am
• Half-Day Afternoon: Monday–Friday, 11:30am–2:15pm
• Full-Day: Monday–Friday, 8am–2:15pm
• Aftercare Program: Monday–Friday, 2:30pm–5:30pm, billed at an hourly rate.

Breakfast is served in our morning program, and lunch is provided for the afternoon program.

Curriculum

The curriculum follows all New York State pre-K requirements. Designated themes are followed and children attend physical education classes, music classes, and library classes. Assessments are conducted throughout the year to monitor the children’s progress. Our teachers are certified and each classroom has a full time assistant. The school calendar is followed and consists of 180 days.

Registration

To register, please provide a copy of your child’s:

• Birth certificate
• Immunization records
• Physical form within the past year

Montessori

A Tradition of Excellence Since 1970

For over five decades, the Montessori program at Notre Dame Elementary School has remained dedicated to the educational principles of Dr. Maria Montessori. We believe that when children are placed in a prepared environment, their natural curiosity leads to extraordinary growth.

At Notre Dame, your child is the architect of their own learning. Our classrooms are designed to foster independence and self-discovery, allowing students to make creative choices while our expert teachers provide age-appropriate activities to guide their journey. Here, education isn’t just about following a curriculum—it’s about following the child.

Eligibility & Cost

Our classroom is geared toward 3-5 year olds, so children must be 3 years old by September 1st, to qualify and have independent bathroom habits. Also, it is an appropriate placement for those children who are 5 years old, but who are academically and/or socially not ready for Kindergarten.

• Half-Day Sessions: $6,950
• Full-Day: $5,540

Schedule

The program is offered five-days a week—either as a half- or full-day. Schedule options include:

• Half-Day Sessions: Monday–Friday, 8–11am
• Full-Day: Monday–Friday, 8am–2:10pm
• Aftercare Program: Monday–Friday, 2:30pm–5:30pm, at a separate cost from tuition.

Curriculum

Guided by teachers and assistants, children are encouraged to develop independence and are offered age-appropriate activities to guide the process. In addition, the children attend physical education classes, library classes and music classes. Religion is included in this full curriculum program.

Each classroom is staffed with a qualified teacher and full time assistant. This Pre-K program is tuition based and offers a half-day session or full day session and runs five days a week following our school calendar.

Registration

To register, please provide a copy of your child’s:

• Birth certificate
• Immunization records
• Physical form within the past year
• Notre Dame Elementary applications

Kindergarten–Grade 5

Notre Dame Elementary School encompasses a faith-based approach that inspires ethical and moral growth. While rooted in Catholic tradition, we warmly welcome students and families of all faiths

Eligibility & Cost

Everyone is encouraged to apply to become part of the Notre Dame Elementary School family. We accommodate students from all surrounding school districts.

Tuition cost for Kindergarten through Grade 5 students is $6,145 per school year. Financial Aid is available to all families as well as various Financial Scholarships.

There is a 10% discount for the second child, and a 20% discount for the third child.

Schedule

• Full-Day: Monday–Friday, 8am–2:25pm
• Aftercare Program: Monday–Friday, 2:30pm–5:30pm, at a separate cost from tuition.

Curriculum

Notre Dame Elementary provides a structured, disciplined, and vigorous curriculum that exceeds New York State Department of Education standards and Interdiocesan goals. Our accreditation by the Middle States Association validates our commitment to high academic and quality standards. 

We also offer a variety of special programs for our students, including:

• Music, Physical Education, and Library are provided for all students in Pre-Kindergarten through Grade Five.
• Technology and Art are provided for students in Kindergarten through Grade Five.
• STEM opportunities are integrated into all grade levels.
• Project Lead The Way (PLTW) empowers our students to thrive in our ever-changing world. PLTW integrates Math, Science, Technology, and Engineering by fostering problem-solving and critical-thinking skills.
• Spanish classes/instruction are part of the Kindergarten through Grade Five curriculum.
• Instrumental Music, Band, Choir, Altar Servers, Children of Mary Club, and Athletics are offered to interested students.
• Opportunities for student participation in liturgies, prayer services, and music concerts are available.
• Outreach is an important part of our school year. By helping those in need, students develop a sense of kindness, generosity, and social justice.
• Academic Support Programs in Academic Intervention Services (AIS) and Resource are provided by the Utica School District. We have an ELA and Math remediation program in place.

Download the Kindergarten–Grade 5 Curriculum

Schedule & Reporting

Our academic year is focused on consistent growth and clear communication between the classroom and the home.

• Reporting Cycles: Grades K–5 utilize a quarterly marking system. Report cards are distributed four times per year:
  
  • November
  • February
  • April
  • June

*Please refer to the school calendar and communications for specific dates.

Registration

To register, please provide a copy of your child’s:

• Birth certificate
• Immunization records
• Physical form within the past year
• Notre Dame Elementary Application through FACTS