Visual & Performing Arts

At Notre Dame Academy, the arts are essential to a complete education.

Our programs serve as catalysts for critical thinking, equipping students with the creative agency to shape their world. From Transitional Kindergarten through high school, we cultivate a rigorous environment where young artists master technical skills, collaborate on meaningful performances, and lead with integrity.

Foundations of Excellence: TK through 5th Grade

Our journey begins with exploration and discovery. In the early years, music and visual arts are woven into daily learning, helping children draw connections across the curriculum. Specialist teachers guide focused sessions on musicianship, pitch, and rhythm, while visual arts classes introduce the fundamentals of color, line, and form. As learners advance into the elementary grades, they transition into studio-based environments, crafting cohesive works of art and building the poise required for public performance.

Exploration and Electives: Middle School

The middle school curriculum thrives on choice and creative risk-taking. A rotating slate of trimester electives invites students to discover their unique voice, bridging tradition and modern innovation, from the traditions of illuminated manuscript making and fiber arts to digital photography and the study of film through the decades.

Performing arts offerings such as improv, Shakespearean comedy, and a variety of dance styles build confidence and sharpen public speaking. Whether strumming a ukulele or taking the stage in our signature Christmas production, young artists cultivate the self-discipline and collaborative spirit that translate to success in any field.

Mastery and Vision: High School

For advanced artists, the high school program delivers deep immersion and professional-level rigor. With four tiered levels of dance and drama, students refine their craft through a sequence designed to prepare them for the global stage. We view art as thought made visible, challenging students to analyze historical contexts and global philosophies while assembling professional portfolios.

Performance and exhibition anchor the NDA experience. Visual artists present their work in major exhibitions at Rosa Mystica Hall, while performing artists take part in concerts, plays, and festivals throughout the year. These showcases celebrate growth and send our graduates into the world as innovative leaders fluent in a sophisticated visual and musical language.