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

With an emphasis on play-based learning and social-emotional growth, Universal Pre-K provides children with academic instruction in all academic areas, including early literacy and math.

Eligibility & Cost

Our Universal Pre-K program is 100% free of cost, but only available for students age 4. 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

Montessori at Notre Dame Elementary School encourages the development of a child’s independence in a prepared environment. Children make creative choices in their learning and the teacher offers age-appropriate activities to guide the process.

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

We follow the New York State Common Core Curriculum, the Interdiocesan curriculum goals established by the Archdiocese of New York, and the Syracuse Diocesan Religion Curriculum. Students utilize our iReady program, which provides a strong base of solid writing skills and math foundation.

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

Students pursue a liberal arts curriculum that requires:

• 4 years of English, History, and Theology
• 3 years of science and mathematics
• 3 years of Spanish for the advanced Regents designation

Our faculty challenges students to develop critical thinking, and our selection of dual credit courses through Mohawk Valley Community College, AP courses, and bridge courses offered through Utica University allows students to be the masters of their academic trajectory.

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

Registration

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

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