Founded in 1873, Notre Dame Preparatory School (NDP) boasts a lengthy and impressive reputation throughout the independent school community in Baltimore. Its one-to-nine student to faculty ratio, 100 percent acceptance rate to four-year colleges, and more than $22 million in academic scholarships awarded to this year’s graduating seniors speak to just some of its marks of excellence. Joanne Jones, NDP’s new incoming executive director of academics, plans to build on the school’s positive trajectory. Read our interview with her here:

You are approaching some big life changes over the next few months: moving from the Midwest to the East Coast and transitioning from a co-ed, preschool through grade eight school to an all-girls’ middle- and high school. How does that feel?

Transitioning to NDP as the Executive Director of Academics feels like coming home. In December of 2018, I engaged in a national search for a top leadership position in Catholic education. Much of my search focused on the East Coast. My son and daughter-in-law live in Manhattan, and I have extended family scattered throughout the East Coast. When I arrived at NDP for my two-day visit, I had the opportunity to meet with faculty, staff, students, alumnae and Sister Patricia. I left knowing that I would welcome the opportunity to lead and collaborate at NDP. I was blessed to have several excellent opportunities, none as compelling as NDP. 

For the third consecutive year, the National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA) has honored a Notre Dame Preparatory School educator for outstanding teaching.

Mrs. Marianne Reichelt (Baltimore, MD 21228), Notre Dame Preparatory School English teacher, has received NCEA’s Lead. Learn. Proclaim. Award. The award honors those teachers who demonstrate strong Catholic educational philosophy as well as exceptional ability, skills, and results. A parishioner at St. Vincent de Paul Parish in Baltimore City, Mrs. Reichelt will receive the award at NCEA’s Annual Convention in April in Chicago, Illinois.

Notre Dame Preparatory School (NDP) recently received two regional awards recognizing the school’s quality work environment and service mission:

• For the eighth consecutive year—and each year since the program’s inception—NDP was named among The Baltimore Sun’s Top Workplaces. In particular, the school received special recognition in the area of “meaningfulness,” which is the second time in the last four years that NDP was celebrated for this quality. NDP placed 4^th among 25 mid-size employers.
• NDP’s Camp Umoja, a summer camp for Baltimore City youth, was honored at the 44^th Annual Mayor’s Business Recognition Awards. This award is given annually to those organizations which have demonstrated significant leadership and service for a better Baltimore and have committed resources to improving the quality of life in Baltimore City. Since its founding in 1985, approximately 3,300 campers and 1,650 volunteer counselors have been involved in Camp Umoja.