Common Ground

Common Ground: Building NDP’s Future is a bold philanthropic effort to raise $6.5 million to shape the next chapter of student life and strengthen the foundation that sustains our mission. This campaign supports two essential priorities: the creation of a new Student Commons—replacing and enhancing the dining room and kitchen that have served our campus since it opened in the early 1960s—and the strengthening of our annual fund, The Fund for Notre Dame Prep. Together, these investments address critical campus needs, enrich the student experience, and secure NDP’s long-term sustainability.

A Letter from the Head of School

Dear Friends,

It is an honor to introduce Common Ground: Building NDP’s Future, a forward-looking and mission-centered philanthropic campaign for Notre Dame Preparatory School.

Common Ground reflects both our shared values and our shared responsibility. This $6.5 million campaign calls on all of us—alumnae, parents, grandparents, faculty, staff, and friends—to come together with a common purpose to ensure that Notre Dame Prep continues to thrive for generations to come. This accelerated campaign unites two essential goals: renewing the central gathering space of our campus and sustaining the vibrant daily life of our school through increased philanthropic support to The Fund for Notre Dame Prep.

Our students are asking for more—more space to collaborate, more opportunities to connect, and more access to the full NDP experience. The future we envision requires thoughtful investment today, and we believe deeply that there is no greater gift we can offer than a learning environment where young women are empowered to grow in intellect, faith, leadership, and service.

I am honored to serve as Notre Dame Prep’s new Head of School, and have been so inspired by this community’s history, mission, and standard for excellence. Common Ground: Building NDP’s Future is a shared commitment to what matters most. Now is the moment to make a gift and join the Common Ground campaign—your generosity supports the transformative future we are building for NDP.

Thank you for being our partner in this exciting next chapter of Notre Dame Prep’s story.

Left to Right: Jennifer Brune Speargas ’92 (Board of Trustees Chair), Dr. Angela Allen (Head of School), George Kilroy, P’88, P’96, GP’30 (Campaign Co-Chair), Victoria B. Chou, Ph.D. ’92, P’31 (Campaign Co-Chair), Sister Charmaine Krohe, SSND (Former Provincial Leader of the SSND Atlantic-Midwest Province), and Dawn & Richard Huffman, P’26.

Watch the Campaign Launch Video

Campaign Overview

This accelerated campaign, which concludes June 30, 2026, unites two essential goals: renewing the central gathering space of our campus and sustaining the vibrant daily life of our school through increased philanthropic support to The Fund for Notre Dame Prep.

Student Commons The Fund for Notre Dame Prep

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All renderings shown are aspirational and provided for illustrative purposes only. Designs, materials, features, and layouts may not reflect final plans.

The New Student Commons

Goal: $5,000,000

Our dining room will become the new Student Commons—a vibrant, multifunctional space designed to meet the needs of our students. Featuring increased square footage, a modern kitchen and servery, a student lounge and café, and a refreshed faculty and staff lounge with an outdoor patio, the Commons will foster connection, elevate the daily experience, and continue to advance our mission while reflecting the spirit, pace, and energy of NDP life.

The Need

The physical heart of our beloved institution, the dining room and kitchen, is one of the last areas of campus that reflects the infrastructure of mid-century life. The current 1960s-era kitchen has reached the end of its useful life and no longer adequately serves today's students. The failure of these facilities would leave NDP unable to provide meals for its student body. There is an urgent need to upgrade these spaces to reflect the experience our students deserve.

The Transformation

Beginning with groundbreaking in January 2026 and opening in August 2026, the dining room will be transformed into a flexible, multifunctional hub. This transformation, alongside a 2,300 square foot addition, will create:

A brand-new, state-of-the-art kitchen and service line.
A broader selection of nutritious offerings to meet a full range of dietary needs.
A new Faculty Lounge, offering our educators a place to connect and recharge.
A modern, welcoming environment that fosters connection and collaboration.

A Thriving Annual Fund

Goal: $1,500,000

The Fund for Notre Dame Prep fuels our commitment to exceptional education—supporting academic programs, the arts, athletics, and vital financial aid initiatives. These investments are what keep the student experience dynamic, inclusive, and mission-driven every single day, and help us attract the best and brightest students to NDP.

The Need

The Fund for Notre Dame Prep supports what happens within our school every day, including tuition assistance, faculty and staff development, facilities maintenance, and our signature programs across academics, arts, athletics, and spiritual life. We currently lag behind other independent all-girls schools in the Baltimore area in our annual fund and must increase our year-over-year growth.

The Impact

A sustained annual fund ensures NDP remains on the cutting edge of education. It provides the resources for:

Vital programs like our STEAM and Humanities initiatives.
Competitive, interscholastic sports and extracurricular arts ensembles.
Transformational tuition assistance, such as The Rollins-Luetkemeyer Scholars Program, which helps bridge the affordability gap for middle-income families.

Campaign Funding

Total Vision: $11.5 Million

Total Vision $11.5M

Campaign Progress

Goal: $6.5 Million (Philanthropic Support)

Student Commons Project 0%

The Fund for Notre Dame Prep 0%

Total Campaign Progress 0% Raised

Campaign Goal $6,500,000

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Campaign Leadership

This campaign is made possible through the tireless leadership of our campaign co-chairs and executive committee which is made up of alumnae, parents, faculty, staff, and Board members. We are profoundly grateful for the leadership, vision, and dedication of our campaign volunteers who are stewarding this historic effort.

"The mission of Notre Dame Prep has always centered on students at its vibrant core, so it makes sense that now is the critical time to reimagine and embrace a new Student Commons. The transformation of our 'heart of the home' will address not only our current but also our rapidly evolving needs to best serve our community looking toward the future."

Victoria B. Chou Ph.D. ’92, P’31

Campaign Co-Chair

"The Common Ground campaign represents an investment in the heart of NDP. As a grandfather and parent of two alumnae, I think often about the kind of communities we leave behind for the next generation, and I’m proud to support a campaign that puts students, connection, and shared purpose at the center."

George Kilroy, P’88, P’96, GP’30

Campaign Co-Chair

Frequently Asked Questions

We believe that building NDP’s future is a shared responsibility that begins with a shared understanding. We want every member of our community to feel informed and empowered to join us on this journey. Please review the Frequently Asked Questions below to dive deeper into our vision for this campaign and learn how you can make a meaningful impact.

What does the Common Ground campaign support?

This $6.5 million philanthropic campaign supports two priorities: $5 million will support the creation of a new Student Commons to replace the current dining room and kitchen, and $1.5 million will support the revitalization of The Fund for Notre Dame Prep, the school's annual fund.

What is the timeline for the Student Commons Project?

Groundbreaking for the new Student Commons took place in December 2025, with the project set to be completed by August 2026, prior to the start of the 2026–2027 school year.

How does this differ from annual fundraising and The Fund for Notre Dame Prep?

This campaign unites both. It includes a capital priority (the Student Commons, a "brick and mortar" project) and an operating priority (growing the annual fund). The $1.5M goal for the The Fund for Notre Dame Prep is specifically to secure multi-year pledges to sustain year-over-year growth and support the daily, mission-driven life of the school. Every gift to The Fund for Notre Dame Prep in the 2025–2026 school year will count toward this campaign, making it a genuine community effort that mirrors the shared purpose of this space.

How can I contribute?

You can support Common Ground by making a gift via our online giving form, by mailing a check, or by making a gift of stock. The campaign accepts one-time gifts and pledges payable over five years. To make a multi-year pledge, please contact Lindsay Dorrance, Director of Advancement, at 443-921-2853.

Additionally, this year's NDP Gala: A Night in Paradise, which will be held on Saturday, March 28, will directly support the Common Ground campaign. You can participate by purchasing tickets and attending the event, becoming a sponsor or ad journal patron, or bidding in the silent auction—either in person at the event or virtually from home. Click here to learn more.

What naming opportunities will be available for the new Student Commons?

All donors who contribute $25,000 or above will be featured on a donor wall in the new Student Commons. Additional naming opportunities can be found here. Please contact Lindsay Dorrance, Director of Advancement, at DorranceL@notredameprep.com or 443-921-2853 with any questions.

Thank You to Our Supporters!

We extend our deepest gratitude to the dedicated members of our community, and to our steadfast partners throughout the broader region, who have made foundational commitments of $25,000 or more to the Common Ground campaign. This section serves as a digital recognition of their commitment and leadership.

Visionary Circle $1,000,000+