Religious Education

Teaching, learning, and sharing the Catholic faith is ongoing throughout each and every day and school year. We have daily class and school prayer as well as monthly school wide celebrations of the Eucharist, monthly small grade level masses, and other religious celebrations throughout the year. All students also participate in grade level and school wide service learning projects which are all integrated with the rest of the curriculum. Every grade level includes a faith dimension (personal faith and Catholic teachings) in addition to a literary/historical dimension (the Bible or Church history/literature.)

List of 12 items.

  • Pre-K & Kindergarten – Bible Characters & Traits

    Children learn about individual Bible characters, the character traits they possess, the life of Jesus, and other common Biblical topics, which provides a strong education in the Bible and Christian character. Catholic traditions, practices, and Saints are woven throughout the year into the curriculum as well. Children are introduced to spontaneous prayer as well traditional prayers, which include the Sign of the Cross, Our Father, Hail Mary, Glory Be, Grace before Meals, and Angel of God.
  • 1st Grade – God Loves Us

    The first grade program will lay the foundation for the children’s spiritual growth and development by enhancing their knowledge of the Catholic faith. This level teaches important faith concepts, including salvation, love, Baptism, the Holy Trinity, and the importance of Scripture. Children practice fundamental prayers, including the Sign of the Cross, Glory Be, Our Father, Hail Mary, Angel of God, and The Way of the Cross.
  • 2nd Grade – Jesus Shares God’s Life

    The structure and meaning of the Mass are emphasized throughout the year as students prepare for two sacraments, Reconciliation and Holy Eucharist. The catechesis helps children respond joyfully to God’s call to give themselves in love to God and others. This level also introduces children to the Church as the body of Christ and to Mary as Mother of the Church. Prayers include Morning Offering; Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love (short forms); Act of Contrition; Meal Prayers; Come, Holy Spirit (short form).
  • 3rd Grade – We Are the Church

    At this level, children learn the main truths that Catholics believe and express in the Apostles’ Creed. Children are called to the faith community and learn the ways Jesus is present to us during the Mass. The study and re-telling of Bible stories, especially those related to the mysteries of the rosary, continue. Children grow in their understanding of vocation, healing, and our response to God. Prayers include Morning Offering; Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love (short forms); Apostles’ Creed; Rosary; and Act of Contrition.
  • 4th Grade – God’s Law Guides Us

    Children are introduced to the Ten Commandments and the Beatitudes as guides for living. Catechists teach children that, as followers of Jesus, we must know these teachings and live them. This level also focuses on kinds of prayer, parts of the Bible, reconciliation, and the communion of saints. Prayers include Acts of Faith, Hope, and Love; Angelus; Hail, Holy Queen; Come, Holy Spirit; and The Way of the Cross.
  • 5th Grade – We Meet Jesus in the Sacraments

    Students deepen their understanding of celebration and worship through the Eucharistic liturgy. The Eucharist is presented as a gift from God through which to share divine life. Lessons include liturgical prayer and guide children to respond to God’s presence through prayer and loving service to others. The text focuses on the sacramental system and the paschal mystery. Prayers include Come, Holy Spirit; Queen of Heaven; prayers of the Mass; and Psalms.
  • 6th Grade – We Are God’s People

    Students learn about God’s saving love as revealed in sacred Scripture, particularly in the Old Testament. This study of salvation history helps students gain a deeper appreciation of the person of Jesus Christ and his continued presence in the Church. Lessons also explore the book of Psalms, the concept of “sacred,” roots of the sacraments, symbols, and the perfection of God. New prayers include psalms and the Memorare to the Blessed Virgin Mary.
  • 7th Grade – Jesus: The Way, the Truth and the Life

    Students learn about the teachings and mission of Jesus. They gain deeper understanding of the paschal mystery and ways to live the message of the Gospels. Students will see Christ as our way to the Father and grow in understanding and love of Jesus. This level, which explores journaling, also discusses respect for justice and the RCIA program. Prayers include Prayer to St. Michael, Act of Contrition (Rite of Reconciliation), Acts of Faith, Hope and Love, Prayer of St. Francis, and the Nicene Creed.
  • 8th Grade – The Church Then and Now

    Students study the history of the Church with an emphasis on the Images, Models and Marks of the Church, and grow in an awareness of the mystery of the Church and its mission. Students are invited to value their union with Christ in the Church and to live according to Christ’s teachings. Lessons focus on the Liturgy of the Hours, reflective prayer, respect for life, the life of the Church, and the presence and action of the Holy Spirit.
  • 9th Grade

    Introduction to Catholicism & Sacred Scripture

    The goal of the Introduction to Catholicism & Sacred Scripture course is to help all students to grow in knowledge and appreciation of the teachings of the Catholic Church and the Biblical foundations for mankind’s knowledge of God. We will first equip students with the skills and tools that they need to study Theology effectively, including a foundation in objective truth and reasoning. From there, the course will move into the major teachings of Catholicism, beginning with the fundamental beliefs common to all Christians, before moving into material that is unique to, or understood differently, in Catholic Christianity, including the Sacraments and the Afterlife. In the Spring, we will examine Catholic Devotions to Mary, the Saints, & "Rules of Life" in Religious Orders before moving into our study of Sacred Scripture - including how to interpret effectively, as well as the foundations of Salvation History established through Abraham and Moses.
  • 10th Grade

    Sacred Scripture and Church History

    Sacred Scripture & Church History will familiarize students with both the overall plan of Salvation History contained within the Bible and also the history of the Church in her efforts to effectively carry out that plan in history. The first semester will focus on the contents of Sacred Scripture, particularly how to read Scripture effectively, the Covenants, the Israelite people, the Prophets, and the Messiah Jesus Christ. The second semester will pick up with the remainder of Sacred Scripture, looking at the Book of the Acts of the Apostles and the life and letters of St. Paul. Following these historical foundations, the class will look at major eras in the Church's history, including its start in Jerusalem, political and spiritual influence in Europe and beyond, and finally, how she radically responded to a changing world at the Second Vatican Council leading to the present day.
  • 11th/12th Grade

    Philosophy and Apologetics

    The goal of the Philosophy & Apologetics course is to equip students with the ability to defend Catholic teaching using reason. We will begin by exploring logic and the effective communication of reasonable arguments. Then we will explore some of the earliest and greatest philosophers - including Plato, Aristotle, and Socrates - whose works contribute to Catholic Theology and inspired some of our most knowledgeable saints, including Sts. Augustine and Thomas Aquinas. Then, building from this logical and philosophical foundation, we will explore apologetic explanations for the Church’s teachings on topics including human nature, the existence of God, the apparent contractions in Sacred Scripture, the person of Jesus, & the purpose of the Church. Finally, we will take a look at other faith traditions, both Christian and non-Christian, and both identify similarities and explore apologetic explanations for the Church’s position where they differ.

    Moral Theology

    The goal of the Moral Theology course is to examine Moral Law, which the Church teaches is built into the very nature of the created universe by God. In the first semester, we will largely examine morality from an individual’s perspective - the purpose of human life, the conscience and moral acts of individual beings, the contrast and overlap between civil and moral law, and the fundamental guidelines of a moral life as laid out in Christ’s ministry and by His Church. In the second semester, we will examine the social perspective of morality by examining the Seven Themes of Catholic Social Teaching and associated concepts and practices of the Church, like the Works of Mercy and St. John Paul II’s Theology of the Body."

Service Learning

A critical aspect of our Faith is our ability to guide each student to have a heart for Service. Our Service Learning Program is a model platform that serves as a best-in-class example for other local schools. We have all of our students fully engaged in service projects throughout the year. The opportunities for service are numerous and allow our students to continuously give back to our local community.
One of Notre Dame Academy's missions is to form responsible men and women. To that end, students at Notre Dame Academy are given the opportunity to put their learning into practice. Each year, students pursue the study of a specific societal problem and then participate in a service project to address that need. Notre Dame Academy partners with organizations such as the Atlanta Humane Society, Ronald McDonald House, Hands of Christ: A Duluth Cooperative Ministry, and Habitat for Humanity.

List of 12 items.

  • Pre-K & Kindergarten

    Atlanta Humane Society - Pre-K through 5th grade students donate much needed pet supplies and cleaning products.
  • 1st Grade

    Ronald McDonald House - At the beginning of the school year, Pre-K through 12th grade students donate snacks for the families who stay at RMH, a home away from home for the families of seriously ill children in Atlanta hospitals. Throughout the year, students collect pop tabs. The money generated by the pop tabs provides financial support for the many programs and services of RMH.
  • 2nd Grade

    Country Gardens - 2nd graders make visits to Country Gardens, an assisted living facility in Duluth, playing games with the residents and making a craft with and for them.
  • 3rd Grade

    Amigos for Christ - Pre-K through 12th grade donate school supplies and backpacks for children in Nicaragua at a mission outreach location of Amigos for Christ. 3rd grade also collects Spanish children's books during the Book Fair.
     
  • 4th Grade

    Hands of Christ: a Duluth Cooperative Ministry - Pre-K through 12th grade donate non-perishable food items twice a year to help families in need seeking assistance from Hands of Christ, a local food bank.
  • 5th Grade

    Catholic Charities Refugee Resettlement  - Pre-K through 12th grade participates in Chest of Drawers refugee resettlement outreach by donating new children's clothes to refugee families who have been relocated to the metro Atlanta area.
  • 6th Grade

    Canine Assistants - 6th through 12th grade participates in "Stock the Farm" by donating much needed pet supplies, cleaning products and office supplies. 6th graders also make dog toys and treats throughout the school year.
  • 7th Grade

    A Beacon of Hope - Pre-K through 12th grade students donate baby items for A Beacon of Hope, a faith based, non-denominational, pregnancy crisis center. As a thank you, 7th grade students host a baby shower with games and treats for Kindergarten through 6th grade.
  • 8th Grade

    Annandale Village - 8th grade students spend time interacting and forming relationships with the villagers, who are adults with developmental disabilities, five times during the school year.

    Clyde's Kitchen - Throughout the school year, small teams of 8th graders serve in the kitchen of Clyde's Kitchen, a soup kitchen for the homeless in Atlanta.
  • Upper School

    Habitat for Humanity - In previous years, during the fall, Upper School students partnered with other private and public schools throughout metro Atlanta to participate in the High School Build Habitat for Humanity building project. Students prepared and served lunch one Saturday in the fall to the Habitat for Humanity workers and volunteered at the building site as well as provided volunteers on two Saturdays of the build. We hope to partner with Habitat for Humanity again in the future. 
  • BaND

    The Salvation Army - 6th Grade Beginning BaND, 7th & 8th grade Concert BaND, and 9th - 12th grade Symphonic BaND students participate in the Red Kettle Bell project on a Saturday during the season of Christmas. Instead of ringing the small hand held bell, baND students play Christmas music to help raise money for their service learning partner. 
  • All School

    Catholic Charities - Pre-K through 12th grade bring in new socks, gently worn winter coats, hats, scarves, and gloves during Catholic Schools Week. 

    Center for Children & Young Adults - During Catholic Schools Week, Pre-K through 12th grade students donate pantry items and/or household items to support the children, young adults, and staff at the center to help fulfill their mission. 

    The Parc - Throughout the school year, students in a variety of grade levels partner with the residents at The Parc. Some of the activities include band, choir and theater performances, holiday cards, gardening club, and gift baskets. 

    St. Vincent de Paul Society - Notre Dame Academy partners with SVDPS twice a year. During Advent, Pre-K through 12th grade donate gently worn clothing, and during Lent, 6th through 12th grade students bring in non-perishable food and household items to help those in need.