Middle Level Signature Programs
Notre Dame Prep offers middle school-specific programs which tap into students' creativity, desire to learn, and enthusiasm, all within a framework designed to nurture, encourage, and challenge.
STEAM Program
Creative problem solving, hands-on learning, and multi-sensory activities come together in NDP’s Middle Level Science, Technology, Engineering, Arts, and Mathematics (STEAM) program. In our state-of-the-art Innovation Lab, students develop 21st-century learning skills, connect information across subjects and learn about possible STEAM careers for women. Leading this program is a designated STEAM director and enthusiastic, talented faculty who work collaboratively to make learning meaningful and fun. STEAM opportunities complement NDP’s already strong foundation in Middle Level art, math, and science. The interdisciplinary nature of Middle Level STEAM fully prepares middle school students for work at the high school level.
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Innovate & Design Time (IDT)
Providing hands-on, project-based learning opportunities in STEAM, Innovate & Design Time (IDT) is an extension and enrichment of the NDP Middle Level curriculum. All Middle Level students participate in these non-graded classes, which are planned to foster collaboration, creativity, critical thinking, communication, and problem-solving skills. Courses this year include (Grade 6) Digital Design, Logic & Games, Technology, World Music; (Grade 7) Computer Coding, Digital Communications, Forensic Science, Engineering & Architecture; (Grade 8) Technology & Digital Citizenship, 3D Printing & Physical Computing, Hand Bells, Robotics. -
Middle Level STEAM Competitions and Activities
- Connect the Dots USGBC Sustainability Challenge
- FBI Safe Online Surfing Competition
- Doodle4Google annual contest
- Johns Hopkins University Tower of Power Competition
- Maryland Math League and Catholic Math League
- Middle Made Fashion Show
- NDP Annual Egg Drop Competition
- "You be the Chemist" Challenge (local and national competition) sponsored by the Chemical Educational Foundation (CEF)
- WNDP Video, Sound, and Production Studio (anchoring, camera work, and sound tech)
- Workshops at the Engineer's Club
- Northrop Grumman's Discover Engineering Program
- Quarterly STEAM challenges in each grade
Middle Level Counseling
The Middle Level Counselor meets with 6th, 7th, and 8th grade students in a classroom setting each week. The curriculum includes developmentally appropriate discussion topics such as adjustment to middle school, issues of early adolescence, academic support, and general concerns. Additionally, a Learning Resource Specialist supports students who have documented learning disabilities and/or who are experiencing academic difficulties in more than one subject.
Middle Level Advisory
Traditionally, classes are smaller in the Middle Level, and each student is assigned an Advisory, which serves as the student’s home base and offers developmentally appropriate activities and conversations, as well as fun events and traditions. Some Advisory activities include:
- Service projects, such as collections for Christmas families and sandwich making for area homeless shelters
- Celebrating NDP traditions, including Field Day Songs, Halloween Parade, and ornament making for Tree Trim event
Notre Dame Preparatory School
An Independent, Catholic Girls School, Grades 6-12, Sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame
