Beyond the Academics
As a Catholic school, we firmly believe our role is to teach children more than just academics. When parents choose to send their kids to NDA, they trust us to model Catholic values in everything we do. These values are woven into every part of school life—from how teachers and staff interact with students, to how students treat each other, and even in how we work together as a staff. By setting an example every day, we’re showing our students the importance of these values.
- Respect: We teach students to respect themselves, others, and all living things, fostering kindness and dignity.
- Responsibility: Students learn to be accountable for their actions and to understand the impact their choices have on others and the world around them.
- Community: We emphasize a strong sense of belonging, encouraging students to look out for one another and work together for the common good.
- Service: Acts of service and charitable works are an important part of our culture, reflecting Catholic social teachings and promoting justice and compassion.
- Integrity and Honesty: Students are taught to be truthful and ethical in all they do, building a strong foundation of integrity.
- Compassion and Empathy: We nurture empathy, helping students connect with and care about the needs of others.
- Faith and Devotion: Faith is integrated into all aspects of education, helping students grow in their understanding of Catholic teachings and their relationship with God.
It’s inspiring to watch these values take root in our students and become part of their everyday lives.
Be a Helper
In a small school like NDA, it truly takes a village to keep everything running smoothly. We’re fortunate to have dedicated parent volunteers who help in the lunchroom with everything from serving condiments to sweeping floors. Our kitchen staff work hard to keep things tidy between lunch periods, but this fall, something special happened. A group of 4th graders approached the kitchen team and asked how they could help make things easier. What a wonderful surprise! Now, after every K-4 lunch period, without being asked, these students put away unopened milk, pick up trash, and sweep around the garbage bins. When we asked them why they wanted to help, they said, “Because you guys work so hard, and we make a mess, so we may as well help out!” Their actions are a perfect example of service, respect, and integrity—and we couldn’t be prouder.
Our Middle School students also jump in wherever they’re needed. Whether it’s a team of 8th graders helping the Christmas Boutique committee haul supplies across campus or 6th graders sitting with younger students at all school assemblies, our kids show every day that the Catholic values we teach are taking hold.
How Our Catholic Values Show Up
Catholic values don’t just live in the classroom—they shape our entire school culture. While religion classes lay the foundation, we extend these lessons into all aspects of student life. One way we do this is through service projects. Throughout the year, students take part in efforts like Soles for Souls, the ICA food drive, and the Animal Humane Society supply drive. These projects give students hands-on ways to live out compassion, generosity, and responsibility, showing them the power of giving back.
We also use the Top 20 curriculum to help students build skills that align with our values, focusing on things like positive thinking, effective communication, and emotional intelligence. This program reinforces key ideas like respect, self-awareness, and integrity, helping students navigate both school life and challenges beyond the classroom with confidence and care.
At NDA, we believe that forming the whole child—academically, spiritually, and morally—sets our students up for success not just in school, but in life. We’re proud to be a place where Catholic values aren’t just taught, but truly lived every day.
