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 who reside in the 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–2:30pm
• Full-Day: Monday–Friday, 8am–2:25pm
• 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
• Proof of Utica School District residency—a utility bill with your name and address, a W-2 form, a TANF budget sheet, or an SSSI award letter.
• USCD and Notre Dame Elementary applications

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.

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–2:25pm
• 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
• Proof of Utica School District residency—a utility bill with your name and address, a W-2 form, a TANF budget sheet, or an SSSI award letter.
• USCD and 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.

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.

Tuition for our Montessori Preschool program is $5,540 for half day, Monday-Friday or $6,950 for full day, Monday-Friday. Please note that financial aid is not available to our preschool families.

Schedule

• Half-Day Sessions: Monday–Friday, 8–11am
• 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 studies (Pre-K–5)
• Technology and art (K–5)
• Spanish (2–5)
• STEM opportunities (Pre-K–5)
• Instrumental music, band, and choir (Pre-K–5)
• Athletics (Pre-K–5)
• Opportunities for student participation in liturgies, prayer services, service projects, and music concerts
• Altar Servers, Craft Club, Children of Mary Club, Sixth Grade Reading Club, No Bullying Club, and Athletics are offered to interested students.
• Academic Support Programs include AIS and Resource services provided by the Utica District, as well as Reading, Writing, and Math coaching by NDE faculty.

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
• Proof of Utica School District residency—a utility bill with your name and address, a W-2 form, a TANF budget sheet, or an SSSI award letter.
• USCD and Notre Dame Elementary applications