Arts at NDP
At Notre Dame Preparatory School, the arts are part of how a young woman learns to think boldly, take creative risks, and discover her own voice. Grounded in the belief that creativity and self-expression fuel both intellectual growth and personal development, NDP’s visual and performing arts programs give every student, from grade 6 through grade 12, room to create. Whether she’s stepping onstage for the first time, joining an ensemble, or exploring a new artistic medium, there is a place for the artist in every NDP girl.
Arts in the Middle Level
In the Middle Level, students build a strong creative foundation and the confidence to experiment, with opportunities in and beyond the classroom across four disciplines.
Music
Middle Level students can choose electives in vocal music with the Middle Level Chorus and in instrumental music with Band, Orchestra, and Piano Lab. Throughout the year, families and friends gather for concerts featuring NDP’s Middle Level musicians.Visual Arts
Every Middle Level student takes art two days a week, exploring new techniques and media as she develops her own creative voice. During our Middle Level Visual Arts Night each spring, student artwork fills the Middle Level hallway and beyond to showcase and celebrate the creativity of each grade level.Dance
Students can take dance as an elective and continue in our Middle Level Dance Company, which includes annual shows and competitions across the region. Middle Level dancers also perform in concerts for families and friends throughout the year.Theatre
Each year, the Middle Level stages one full musical production. Students take on every role in the show, both onstage and behind the scenes as stage crew. Recent productions include The Lion King Jr., Matilda Jr., Annie Jr., Seussical Jr., and Shrek Jr.Arts in the Upper Level
In the Upper Level, students deepen their skills through credited coursework, advanced study, and performance opportunities across four disciplines.
Music
NDP’s Music Department offers credited courses in Band, Orchestra, Chorus, Piano, Guitar, and AP Music Theory. Students can also take extracurricular private lessons to develop their skills further.Visual Arts
The Visual Arts Department offers courses in a wide range of media. Students can sample many kinds of art or pursue focused study year after year. Coursework also includes art history, architecture, interior design, medical illustration, and digital media, which connect art to future academic and career paths.Dance
NDP’s Dance Program balances technical and artistic training. Courses include basic movement, dance fitness, ballet, modern, and jazz. Dancers perform throughout the school year at assemblies and as members of the Upper Level Dance Company.Theatre
Each year, NDP's Upper Level Theatre program stages two full-scale musicals, one in the fall and one in the spring. Behind the scenes, the student-led tech crew manages the Auditorium’s state-of-the-art lighting and laser projector, which creates animated scenery for each show. Recent productions include Little Shop of Horrors, Crazy for You, Anastasia, Hadestown, Pippin, and Beauty and the Beast.Notre Dame Preparatory School
A Catholic, independent college preparatory school for girls in grades 6–12, sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame
