As part of the application process in Ravenna, each applicant will submit a collection of items across three categories:

• Academic components to demonstrate academic strengths and readiness for high school 
• Personal components that provides insight into the student’s character, interests and values
• Family components that recognizes families as partners in their student’s education

Please attend our fall events to learn more about the application process and the Notre Dame experience. Email us at ndadmissions@ndsj.org or call us at (408) 294-1113 ext. 2165.

Notre Dame considers transfer applicants for 10th and 11th grade. We do not accept transfer students into 12th grade.

Please contact ndadmissions@ndsj.org to learn more about how to apply as a transfer student. 

Transfer Student Requirements:

• A's and B's on transcripts
• Academic letter of recommendation from a high school math teacher
• Academic letter of recommendation from a high school English teacher
• Character letter of recommendation from an adult mentor
• Student essays
• Interview

Notre Dame’s commitment to equity and student wellness begins with the admissions experience. Because standardized tests can reflect bias, create unnecessary anxiety, and offer only a limited view of a student’s abilities, the High School Placement Test is not required.

Applicants may choose to take the HSPT or submit an academic sample that reflects their abilities and potential. Students who take the HSPT may submit their results for consideration.

Applicants for the incoming freshman class will submit two letters or recommendation:

• Academic letter of recommendation
  To be completed by a middle school teacher, principal or academic team that can speak to the applicants academic strengths, areas of growth and potential.
• Character letter of recommendation
  To be completed by a non-family member who can provide insight into the applicant's character, interests and values.

Requesting a letter (for applicants)

After submitting the application cover sheet in FinalSite and paying the $75 application fee, the application portal will allow students to digitally request a letter of recommendation from a teacher, mentor, or coach.

Please contact us at ndadmissions@ndsj.org if you have any questions.

Thank you for your interest in Notre Dame High School!  The following are responses to frequently asked questions from applicants.

When should I start the application process?

Students applying to enter as freshmen should submit their application between October and December. The application opens Tuesday, Sept. 1, 2026 and the deadline is Friday, Dec. 11, 2026.

Transfer students typically apply between April and June for the fall term, however transferring to Notre Dame is subject to available openings.  Interested students should contact ndadmissions@ndsj.org to inquire about the possibility of transferring.

What are the components of the application at Notre Dame?

The completed application serves as a way for students to gather a variety of items that showcase who they are and what they can do.

The academic section of the application includes:

• Middle school transcripts and test scores 
• An academic letter of recommendation
• An example of academic strength and potential - whether that is the results of the High School Placement Test or an example of student academic work.

The personal portfolio includes:

• Student essays
• A character letter of recommendation

The family portfolio includes:

• Demographic information
• A parent statement
• The $75 application fee

Can I submit more than the required number of recommendation letters?

​To complete the application, a student needs to submit one academic letter of recommendation and one character letter of recommendation.

Regarding the academic letter of recommendation,

• ​for eighth graders, the letter should be from a middle school representative (teacher, counselor or principal) who can speak to the applicant as a student
• for transfer students, a letter of recommendation is required from an English teacher as well as from a Math teacher

​Regarding the character letter of recommendation, the letter should be completed by a non-family member who can provide insight into the applicant's character, interests and values.

Should a student wish to submit additional letters of recommendation, the applicant should email ndadmissions@ndsj.org to inquire about this process.

Should I take the High School Placement Test?

Whether a student decides to submit HSPT scores to Notre Dame for the academic portfolio is a choice for the student and family to make.  Some students test very well and may feel that the test results will showcase that strength.  Some students may be applying to the other high schools and choose to use the test for the admissions process at more than one school.   

Notre Dame, along with the other Catholic High Schools in the Diocese of San Jose that use the High School Placement Test as part of the admissions process, will be administering the test.  Student are encouraged to register to take the test through their first choice high school.  Students wishing to test through Notre Dame will register through the application portal. 

How do I register for the HSPT at Notre Dame?

Applicants may register for the HSPT in FinalSite.

When will I get my High School Placement Test results? 

Students select which high schools should receive their scores when they take the HSPT. Those schools receive the results directly from Scholastic Testing Service and may use them as one measure of academic readiness.

Notre Dame mails families a summary of their student’s results with admissions decisions in March.

What would I submit instead of High School Placement Test results?

Students who choose not to take the HSPT must submit an academic work sample that highlights their strengths and potential. The sample must be the student’s original work and able to be uploaded digitally with the application.

For guidance on choosing and submitting a sample, review the Academic Sample and Self-Reflection Resource Guide.

Can an applicant submit both an academic sample and take the High School Placement Test?

There is no option to both take the High School Placement Test and submit an academic sample.  Both are good choices, and each applicant should choose which option is best for her.

What resources do you provide for students who have a documented learning difference, IEP and/or 504 plan?

Notre Dame’s A.R.I.S.E. program provides appropriate and reasonable services for academically qualified students with documented learning needs. While it is not a formal special education program, A.R.I.S.E. helps students develop independence and reach their academic potential.

Families should disclose current services and accommodations during the admissions process. Our two full-time Learning Resource Specialists review submitted IEPs, 504 Plans, and psychoeducational evaluations to determine whether Notre Dame can meet each student’s needs. Upon admission, families receive an outline of the accommodations and services Notre Dame can and cannot provide.

When will I know if I have been accepted?

Notre Dame sends admissions decisions by email in March. Class of 2031 applicants will receive their decisions on Friday, March 12, 2027, at 5pm Accepted students will also receive a formal admissions packet by mail.

Will applying for tuition assistance affect my admission?

No. Admission and tuition assistance are separate processes. The Admissions Office makes decisions based on each student’s alignment with Notre Dame’s mission and ability to succeed academically. The Business Office manages tuition assistance applications and awards.

Visit the Tuition Assistance webpage for application details and deadlines.​