History & Growth - Notre Dame Schools of Milwaukee

The History & Growth of Notre Dame School of Milwaukee

NDSM's Strong Roots Continue to Build Impactful Futures

Since opening its doors in 1996 with just 26 students, Notre Dame School of Milwaukee has grown into a thriving, faith-filled community serving over 760 students across three campuses. What began as a vision to provide girls on Milwaukee’s near south side with a strong, Catholic, dual language education has blossomed into a transformative institution empowering boys and girls alike to excel academically, uplift their community, and lead with confidence. Guided by the legacy of the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) and a deep commitment to the families we serve, our school continues to grow, innovate, and inspire. Learn more about us.

The Early Years

Notre Dame School of Milwaukee began as an all-girls middle school with just 26 students, reflecting a vision to provide focused, single-gender faith-based education. In 1999, we celebrated our first graduating class and the increase in the student body to 75 students.

vintage group of women standing smiling in front of framed maps

vintage photo of school girls sitting on steps of school

Vintage group of teenage girls in basketball uniforms holding trophies

vintage photo of young women in light blue graduation gowns standing on school steps

Growing the Girls Program

During this period, NDSM concentrated on strengthening the girls’ program, renovating key spaces, including the former St. Wenceslaus Church, to add a gymnasium and enhance academic and fine arts facilities. The school also cultivated a sense of community spirit through the inaugural NDSM variety show, fostering a deeper connection among students and their families.

School girls in church playing recorders

quilt hanging on wall that reads respect regalo responsibility

large group of school girls in uniform in a church

Celebrating 20 Years of Impact

Building on the success of the girls middle school, NDSM opened a primary school at St. Patrick’s, initially serving kindergarten and first grade. The program quickly gained momentum, expanding to include K4 through fourth grade and moving to a dedicated campus. Enrollment grew steadily, surpassing 360 students by 2014. In 2016, NDSM celebrated 20 years of educational service, with over 420 students thriving across the various programs.

Teenagers holding banner in parade banner reads Notre Dame Primary School Established 2012

Nun in grey dress addressing two lines of children in schoolyard

group of school children in front of white board in classroom

Children praying in classroom with hands clasped

Launching the Boys Middle School

Responding to parents’ wishes to keep boys within the community after elementary school, NDSM launched a boys middle school in 2018. Starting small, it grew to serve over 100 students, reinforcing the goal of supporting whole families under one educational mission. During this period, the school’s overall enrollment increased steadily—from 510 students in 2018 to 559 in 2020, reaching 606 students by 2021—reflecting growing trust and demand. The successful completion of the “Expanding Our Vision” capital campaign added vital space to the Mother Caroline Campus, supporting this growth. In 2021, NDSM introduced the K3 program to meet the pressing need for accessible, high-quality early childhood education in the community.

Group of school boys standing in front of construction site holding blueprints

three school boys holding banner at outdoor event banner reads coming soon all boys middle school

group of boys in gym wearing basketball uniforms wall of gym reads Notre Dame School of Milwaukee

four school boys standing in front of science poster smiling

New Campus Purchase

The purchase of the St. Florian Campus marked a new chapter, providing a dedicated home for the boys middle school and enabling record enrollment numbers to reach 685 students. This expansion underscored NDSM’s ongoing commitment to accessible, high-quality education for all.

Kids cutting construction paper on table in classroom

School children pushing one another on swing

School children playing violin in library

elder women dancing in school gym banquet event

Planning for Continued Growth

NDSM launched the "Together We Grow" capital campaign aimed at increasing enrollment capacity to 900 students across three campuses by 2028. Planned improvements include facility upgrades, resource optimization, and ensuring growth remains sustainable and aligned with the school’s mission.

School girls and teacher stand in front of mural

school girls stand and smile in front of school

School hallway with hanging banners displaying yearly timeline

Three school girls perform dance onstage at charity event

Business men and women shovel dirt in breaking ground ceremony

Milestones

Honoring our foundation rooted in the partnership between the School Sisters of Notre Dame and visionary Milwaukee leaders, we celebrate every step forward made possible by our generous donors and volunteers. Beginning with the launch of our primary school in 2012, the opening of the boys middle school in 2019, and the introduction of our K3 program in 2021, we have consistently expanded to serve families seeking accessible, affordable, and excellent education. The recent acquisition of the boys middle school campus in 2023 has enabled growth to three homerooms per grade in primary school. Our ongoing “Together We Grow” capital campaign will support capacity for 900 students across three campuses by 2028, reinforcing our commitment to sustainable growth.

Achievements

Notre Dame School of Milwaukee takes great pride in the success of its students and community. Our attendance rates consistently exceed 95%, with full parent participation at conferences and a student retention rate of nearly 97%. Among 210 Milwaukee schools serving primarily disadvantaged populations, NDSM ranks third in reading and second in math. We were the first elementary school in Milwaukee and the Archdiocese to earn NAEYC accreditation. Nationally, we are proud semifinalists for the 2024 Yass Prize, chosen from over 500 applicants. The Archdiocese has recognized us for exemplary whole-child education, while state and early childhood programs have awarded us four- and five-star ratings, underscoring our commitment to excellence.

Growth & Expansion

Over the past three decades, Notre Dame School of Milwaukee has pursued intentional and strategic growth to meet the evolving needs of our community. We prioritize delivering accessible, high-quality education shaped by the voices of parents, staff, and dedicated donors—those who invest with purpose, aligned with our mission and vision for meaningful impact. We invite you to join us in shaping a future where education transforms lives and uplifts the community—one student, one family, one campus at a time.

Learn About NDSM's Mission & Guiding Principles