FAIRFIELD, Conn.—Sacred Heart University and the Diocese of Bridgeport completed the sale of Notre Dame Catholic High School to the University on July 1. The two institutions have a long history of cooperation and partnership and are looking forward to strengthening that relationship as a new school year begins. Notre Dame will now be called Notre Dame Prep of Sacred Heart University.
“It was important that we keep Notre Dame’s identity and spirit while also acknowledging the new relationship with Sacred Heart,” said SHU President John J. Petillo.
“We are excited to welcome Notre Dame’s students, faculty, staff and alumni to the SHU family. We look forward to maximizing resources, making improvements and creating new and exciting opportunities for students at both Notre Dame and SHU. We welcome this chance to ensure that students at both institutions continue to receive a top-level Catholic education that will prepare them for the future,” Petillo continued. “I look forward to watching how this unfolds.”
“I am thrilled about the opportunities this new relationship with Sacred Heart will provide to our school community,” said Chris Cipriano, principal of Notre Dame. “As we build upon our existing partnership, I see tremendous opportunities for our staff and—most importantly—our students. I believe some of our best days truly lie ahead.”
Cipriano is also delighted to share that Notre Dame has been named an International Baccalaureate School and is one of only a handful of high schools in Connecticut with that designation. The International Baccalaureate is a global leader in international education—developing inquiring, knowledgeable, confident and caring young people. Its programs empower school-aged students to take ownership in their own learning and help them develop future-ready skills to make a difference and thrive in a world that changes quickly, the program states.
“I am very proud of our students, faculty and staff for their hard work and commitment to social justice. This is not an easy designation to earn,” Cipriano said.
The previous partnership between the two institutions included sharing facilities, such as athletics fields, SHU’s library and Chapel of the Holy Spirit, parking lot space at Notre Dame and more. SHU also has, for many years, offered a 50% tuition scholarship to Notre Dame students who are accepted to the University. A great many Notre Dame students have gone on to receive degrees from Sacred Heart. Since 2018, approximately 20% of each Notre Dame graduating class has gone on to study at SHU.
“We anticipate great work from this collaboration between the high school and University and look forward to a rewarding experience for Notre Dame students as they become a part of this strong Catholic University,” said Bridgeport Diocese Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. “The relationship between Notre Dame and Sacred Heart is deeply rooted in the faith, generosity and aspiration of the people of our diocese. The benefits that Sacred Heart University can bring to students and their families will be enormous.”
Petillo noted that Sacred Heart would invest at least $5 million in the school and property over the next two years. This could include physical improvements, building infrastructure, technology upgrades and updated athletic facilities.
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About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s eight colleges and schools: College of Arts & Sciences; School of Communication, Media & the Arts; School of Social Work; School of Computer Science & Engineering; College of Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology and the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2024 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
About Notre Dame Prep of Sacred Heart University
Notre Dame Catholic High School has an enrollment of 500 students, representing 32 area cities and towns. The school has always been committed to making tuition affordable to families from socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. Almost 100 percent of the class of 2023 is pursuing higher education, having earned over $22 million in scholarships and grants. Notre Dame High School was founded in 1955 by then-Bishop Lawrence Shehan. The school on Park Avenue, which opened in 1957, was staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the Holy Cross Fathers and clergy from the diocese along with lay teachers. In 1964, the school and property became Sacred Heart University, and separate new high schools for boys and girls were created. In 1973, the two merged at the current location on Jefferson Street across the street from the University.