I just dropped my child off at NDA this morning where I saw the principal standing outside in freezing temperatures to greet incoming students. She helped a black child who was struggling with a backpack over his winter coat. Then, she did the laughing "chilly" dance with another much younger black child, perhaps a kindergartener or first grader, who was racing inside to escape the cold. Mrs. Deruki greeted two Asian sisters on their way in the front door and waved at a group of Hispanic siblings trekking down the sidewalk. Everyone was smiling, children and adults alike. As I witnessed all this from my car, I couldn't help but think about the review complaining about NDA's lack of diversity. This is not an all white school like so many other private schools in Georgia. In my child's class alone, there are Hispanic families, Asian families, mixed race families, and black families. I want my child in a school that welcomes all races and ethnicities, and honestly, that has been my experience at NDA. I cannot speak for other parents who may feel differently, and I feel sad for the mom who felt like her daughter's needs were not met. But, there must be more to that story that was not shared here on Yelp. My fear is that negative reviews calling NDA racist will scare away the very families that NDA wants to welcome to its community. Please don't be afraid. My daughter's experience at NDA has been wonderful. The academics are rigorous and the expectations are high. She has not loved every single teacher, but some teachers are adored, deeply. And that's life, isn't it? Persevere, learn, grow. Notre Dame Academy is not a perfect fit for every student, but my Colombian American daughter loves it, and she is thriving. read more

An amazing private school. We are 2 months in and very very impressed. We love it here.

Our experience at Notre Dame Academy was deeply painful and rooted in racism and bias. From the very beginning, exactly our third month at the school, we received warnings from former parents about the school's issues with racism. Sadly, those warnings proved to be true. My daughter, who was in second grade, experienced repeated instances of discrimination--not just from peers, but from teachers and the administration. In Kindergarten, she was told by another child that her "skin was not good" and was excluded from playing with other girls because of her skin color. In 2nd grade, she developed anxiety around lunchtime and was yelled at by her teacher in the cafeteria instead of being supported. When I emailed the teacher to explain her anxiety and ask for patience, I received a dismissive response claiming that my daughter's "behaviors are becoming intentional." Despite never having a history of behavioral issues, her anxiety was labeled as intentional misbehavior--something I firmly believe would not have happened if my daughter were white. A white child would have simply "had anxiety." My daughter was criminalized for hers. Our pediatrician even wrote a letter urging the school to support her with more understanding. Still, no empathy was shown. After I addressed her anxiety and asked to be updated with any further issues during our teacher conference and offered support--as both a parent and an education professional--I was met with defensiveness. During our Zoom teacher conference, I professionally and calmly provided suggestions on how to create a more inclusive environment for all students. I was a former instructional coach and thought it would have been helpful for the teacher if I shared some strategies. Rather than take this in good faith, the teacher immediately made herself the victim--a pattern we've seen throughout Black history, where people of color advocating for themselves are painted as threats. The teacher then went to the principal, Julie Derucki, cried, and claimed she felt "attacked." The principal sent an email to me requesting a meeting and expressed her concern that her teacher "felt attacked" by me in our conference. That word--"attacked"--is heavy, loaded, and racially coded, especially when used to describe a person of color. It was incredibly offensive and dehumanizing. I raised my concerns about this language, how it was offensive, and the dangerous implications it carries, but I received no apology or acknowledgment. I requested a meeting with the teacher and principal to understand how the teacher "felt attacked" in our Zoom call. Instead, I was asked if I needed help "finding another school." The remaining few weeks of the school year became unbearable and extremely uncomfortable. The principal greeted us with sarcastic tones, rolled her eyes at me during mass when I asked where to sit, and the teacher who once greeted every car at pickup pointedly ignored ours. What little support was offered for my daughter's mental health turned out to be performative and disorganized, with no follow-through. Before departing the school, I did speak to a board member and the president of the school to express my concerns with racism. The president was very aware of this ongoing issue at the school that has caused a turnover of both staff and families throughout the years. In my opinion, Notre Dame Academy is not a safe or supportive environment for students of color. The school is not inclusive (although it is promoted on the website), does not put all students first, and does not hold its staff accountable when clear bias and harm are at play. If I could give zero stars, I would. I share this review in hopes that no other child or family experiences what we did, especially those of color. read more

Notre Dame Academy - Email from principal and the use of the word "attacked". - Middle Schools & High Schools Near Me - Duluth, Georgia

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Not welcoming of diversity other than athletes and even then they get different treatment from the other students. The school faculty and administrators have done nothing to add diversity among their ranks and it's because they don't want it. Expect discrimination and racism from admins and students. There are some kind teachers who truly care and others who seem bored and like they hate their lives. Academics are wonderful and will push your kids. Bullying is not an issue. Catholic instruction isn't too much but built wonderfully into the fabric of the school. If you are high income and not a minority the experience will be wonderful but if you want more for yourself and your child this won't be it. read more

Our family has been at Notre Dame for 11 years and love many things about it, including the IB curriculum, diversity, and ability to be involved in numerous activities. Highly recommend this school! read more

Our family has been a part of Notre Dame Academy for 15 years -- our oldest sons started in Kindergarden and went all the way through 12th grade graduation. Our daughter is a current 11th grader and our youngest son is in 7th. The school is exceptional in many ways. 1-ND Academy is the only International Baccalaureate (IB) Catholic School that offers K-12 in the state of Georgia. 2-Smaller Class Sizes -- In every grade, students enjoy an intimate class environment, which helps teachers meet the individual needs of students. Specialized programs are offered for gifted students as well as The Father Colin Program for students with learning differences. 3-Service & Extracurriculars -- ND students are highly involved in Service Learning Projects (local charities partner with each grade) as well as multiple sports teams (football, baseball, basketball, soccer, tennis, lacrosse, etc), arts (band, chorus, theater) and clubs (NHS, Model UN, Key Club, Art Club, Gaming Club, etc.). There is something for every student, and if not, they can create a new one! 4-Outstanding College Admission Results -- Top universities love the IB curriculum and the whole child, world-view approach to learning. Recent graduates have been admitted to some of the country's best universities and have received considerable scholarship awards. Lastly, we love that ND Academy is a Catholic School that welcome's all faiths. We're fortunate to have this exceptional school in our community. read more

The only IB catholic school. The best teachers and superiors. We have been part of it for almost 5 years. Overall great experience

I have been at Notre Dame for two years . My experience with the teachers and the administrators has been wonderful. The teachers are very attentive to the needs of every student . The administration is very open and engaged . It's the one school that school bullying is addressed. We have not experienced any sort of bullying at all. Glad that the school goes all the way to high school. We intend to be here for a long time. It's the only Catholic school in Atlanta that has an inclusion program.Thank you for all you do for our children. read more

This school has a great concept but can't execute it in an effective way. 6th and 7th grades here were a miserable experience due to lackluster teachers and terrible administration. Extreme bullying is tolerated, behavior problems are ignored, and hard working kids are overlooked. read more

The small classes at Notre Dame academy have been wonderful for our daughters. The teachers and administration are excellent, and care about their students. If my daughters need extra help, they can get it. They do not fall through the cracks at Notre Dame. The teachers care about their students' learning, and are highly supportive. There is discipline, structure and clear rules, unlike some private schools with which we are familiar. We have had a very positive experience with Notre Dame Academy, and are glad that we are here. read more