Why Families, Educators, and Donors Choose NDSM
The Choice That Changes Lives—Theirs and Yours
At Notre Dame School of Milwaukee, we provide a transformative educational experience grounded in faith, community, and academic excellence. NDSM stands apart with our unique blend of faith-based, dual language, and single-gender middle school education, and with a welcoming spirit that makes everyone feel at home. Parents consistently tell us they choose NDSM for the strength of our supportive, engaged parent community and the sense of belonging they feel. Staff share that they are valued, supported, and given opportunities to grow. Donors often say their partnership with us reflects their values, and that they receive even more fulfillment than they give. We invite you to discover what makes NDSM exceptional.
Lasting Impact
The success of our students speaks for itself. As our enrollment and donor community grow year after year, more families across Metro Milwaukee are choosing NDSM for its proven model of faith, learning, and leadership. Many graduates even return—bringing their own children or joining our staff—to carry the legacy forward and inspire the next generation.
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100%
English/Spanish proficiency by 8th grade
100%
Parent attendance at conferences
#2
Math ranking out of 210 Milwaukee schools, serving a population of 75% disadvantaged students
#3
Reading ranking out of 210 Milwaukee schools, serving a population of 75% disadvantaged students
99%
High school graduation rate
Vibrant Culture
You can feel the warmth and sense of belonging the moment you walk through the doors of NDSM. Generations of alumni return, eager to enroll their own children, a powerful reflection of the lasting impact NDSM had on their lives. Our staff see their work here as a calling, knowing that strong families and tight-knit communities are the foundation for a better future. Together, our families, staff, and students create a culture rooted in joy, respect, and a shared belief in the power of education to transform lives.
For over 20 years, my wife, Louise, and I have been deeply committed to Notre Dame School of Milwaukee because we believe in the power of education to transform lives—and NDSM delivers that transformation in ways that are simply undeniable. The numbers tell the story: 99% of students graduate high school, a stark contrast to the broader system. But beyond the stats, it’s a place filled with care, love, and a community that truly wraps around each student. We got involved because we saw what this model could do for kids—and we stay involved because it works. Education is a gift that multiplies, and supporting NDSM has returned that gift to us tenfold in purpose, pride, and personal connection.
- Greg Berg
Donor, Board Member, and Volunteer
Community Commitment
We believe strong families build strong communities—and what we do reflects that commitment. Through dedicated days of service, 100% family engagement, and programs that meet the evolving needs of our community, we create opportunities for students, parents, staff, and volunteers to come together in service and solidarity. With the support of 106 staff members, over 160 volunteers, and a growing base of donors and alumni, NDSM continues to exceed expectations—expanding access to high-quality, faith-filled education, and empowering graduates to give back as leaders in Milwaukee and beyond. More than 99% of our alumni graduate from high school, and nearly all go on to earn college degrees, becoming doctors, engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, and engaged citizens who embody respect, regalo, and responsibility in their work and their lives. Our success belongs to the entire community we’re proud to serve and strengthen every day.
Catholic Faith Foundation
Our sponsorship by the School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) is a living partnership that shapes every part of who we are. The SSND mission, vision, and charism guide our board, staff, and students, keeping faith, justice, and service at the heart of all we do. Through weekly Mass, sacrament preparation, service projects, faith-infused curriculum, and special celebrations, our students grow as compassionate and capable leaders grounded in Catholic values. Our staff carries forward the SSND legacy through intentional faith formation and a deep commitment to unity and transformation. With the guidance of Sister Marianne Kempa, SSND, as our Vice President of Mission and Catholic Identity, we honor the Sisters’ enduring mission every day—helping our students learn, lead, and live their faith with purpose.
Guiding Values
Everything we do is rooted in the charism and educational vision of the School Sisters of Notre Dame, inspiring students to grow in faith, strive for excellence, and lead with purpose. NDSM fosters a vibrant, faith-filled community where students discover their God-given gifts and learn to use them to transform the world. Guided by the three R’s—Respect, Regalo (gift), and Responsibility—and through rigorous academics, rich extracurriculars, meaningful service, and daily expressions of Gospel values, we honor the SSND legacy and equip our students to thrive as leaders in their families, communities, and beyond.
Inspiring Leadership
Our leadership is grounded in faith and carried out with vision, integrity, and heart. Our passionate and deeply engaged board, alongside a senior leadership team led by President Patrick Landry, work tirelessly to uphold our mission while guiding the school with thoughtfulness and strategic purpose. Their commitment ensures we continue to grow, welcome more students, and maintain the exceptional quality of our dual language, faith-based transformative education. With courage, respect, compassion, and resilience, our leaders inspire trust and foster a strong sense of purpose, clearly communicating a compelling vision and uniting students, families, staff, and stakeholders around shared goals. They lead by valuing input, building authentic relationships, and empowering everyone in our community to grow, achieve, and thrive.