Building Bright Futures: STEM at the Heart of Notre Dame Academy
At Notre Dame Academy, we believe the best education doesn’t just prepare students for the world—they help shape it. That’s why we’ve made STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) a core focus of our curriculum from the earliest grades through middle school. Our approach to STEM goes far beyond textbooks and formulas—we bring science and math to life in creative, meaningful ways that empower our students to ask big questions, solve real-world problems, and, most importantly, have fun while learning.
As one of the leading Catholic schools in Minnetonka, Notre Dame Academy is proud to offer a STEM program that’s hands-on, innovative, and ever-evolving. Whether it’s coding or engineering design, our students have countless opportunities to explore and grow.
Making STEM Fun—and Meaningful
At NDA, we’re deeply committed to making STEM engaging and relevant for every student. That means we go beyond memorizing facts and equations—we focus on real-life applications that show students the “why” behind what they’re learning.
Our curriculum is carefully designed to spark curiosity and creativity. In grades K–4, our Makerspace classroom is a hub of imagination and innovation. Here, students work with SnapGears, K’Nex, and other hands-on tools to complete engineering challenges that encourage collaboration, experimentation, and discovery.
As students move into the upper grades, their STEM experiences become even more dynamic. In 5th grade, the beloved Invention Fashion Show combines history, creativity, and public speaking in one unforgettable event. Students research a famous invention from history, dress up as the invention, and give a presentation to share how it changed the world.
The Power of Technology in the Classroom
One of the most exciting recent additions to our STEM program is the new 3D printer in our technology lab. This state-of-the-art tool allows students to bring their ideas to life, whether they’re printing pre-designed templates or creating custom objects from scratch. With guidance from our skilled educators, students learn how to navigate 3D design software and understand the mechanics of additive manufacturing—a skill that is increasingly valuable in today’s tech-driven world.
This isn’t just about making cool gadgets—it’s about teaching our students how to think like designers, engineers, and problem-solvers.
Encouraging Future Innovators
Each year our middle schoolers (grades 6–8) participate in a school-wide science fair that challenges them to conduct experiments with the potential to make a difference in the world. Whether it’s exploring alternative energy sources, examining environmental impacts, or designing new inventions, students learn how to formulate hypotheses, test their ideas, and present their findings with confidence.
Experiences like these help students discover their passions and envision their future paths. And it’s why our NWEA Math and Science scores continue to exceed national averages.
A Strong Foundation for Lifelong Learning
What sets Notre Dame Academy apart from other Catholic schools in Minnetonka is our commitment to nurturing the whole child—mind, body, and spirit. Our STEM program is just one example of how we combine academic excellence with faith-based values and real-world relevance.
We believe that by making learning fun, purposeful, and hands-on, we give our students the tools they need to become thoughtful leaders, innovative thinkers, and compassionate problem-solvers.
From our youngest learners in Makerspace to our middle school inventors and scientists, every student at NDA is encouraged to explore, experiment, and embrace the joy of discovery. And with every challenge they tackle, every robot they build, and every idea they bring to life, they’re building more than just STEM skills—they’re building bright futures.
