Sponsorship

Notre Dame Academy, Boston began in a simple wooden structure on Lancaster Street. Within a few years, the flourishing school outgrew the structure. In 1864, the school was relocated to Berkeley Street and St. James Avenue in the Back Bay, which was then a sparsely settled part of Boston. The following year, the school was chartered under the legal title of “The Boston Academy of Notre Dame.” For over fifty years, the school radiated a strong religious and intellectual influence. 

Over the next few decades, Berkely Street became a busy industrial area unsuitable for the school. Another move was necessary. In 1916, the Boston Academy of Notre Dame moved to 400 The Fenway. In 1919, the Sisters of Notre Dame opened Emmanuel College upon the same site. The success of both institutions led to the inevitable decision that the school would have to prepare for a third move.

In the summer of 1931, the Boston Academy of Notre Dame moved to the corner of Bay State Road and Granby Street. The school flourished for twenty-three years in its home on the banks of the Charles River. In 1954, another change was imperative. A decision was made to close the Granby Street school and transfer students to Notre Dame Academy, Roxbury, which was celebrating its centenary.

At the Notre Dame Academy, Roxbury, the Sisters built a firm educational foundation which included a boarding school. Local parents became increasingly aware of the school’s strong cultural and religious education at both the elementary and secondary levels. For decades the Notre Dame Academy, Roxbury was considered one of the best schools in Boston. In 1954, boarding students were transferred to Notre Dame Academy, Tyngsboro, to better accommodate day students arriving from Granby Street

As the city changed, many Boston families moved to the South Shore, increasing the need for a girls’ Catholic high school there. After a long search, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur purchased a large tract of land in Hingham. In the fall of 1965, the students in Roxbury were transferred to the newly constructed Notre Dame Academy, Hingham — a college preparatory high school for young women in grades 9-12. In 2014, NDA added a 7th and 8th grade — the Cuvilly Division — to the school.

Today, the 68-acre campus draws students from 40 cities and towns, from Boston to Cape Cod. Saint Julie’s vow to prepare girls for life has expanded to include the study of neuroscience, engineering, and more. A competitive athletic program, expansive campus ministry, and array of opportunities in the arts and STEM offer NDA girls a well-rounded, holistic education. 

While NDA transitioned to lay leadership in 2014, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur remain closely connected to the school, serving on the Board and Board committees. The school is strengthened by the resources and guidance of the Sponsorship Office. A dedicated leadership team including faculty — many of whom are alumnae and parents — carry forward the mission and charism of the Sisters. There is no doubt that NDA remains wholeheartedly committed to St Julie’s vow to prepare girls for life. We educate girls in grades 6-12.