That we live in an ever-changing world should come as no surprise. Technology (and artificial intelligence) continues to evolve at breakneck speeds. Scientific breakthroughs seem almost commonplace. Information is not only at our fingertips, but ours to create and post instantaneously. The changes for the 24-25 school year prepare our students to meet the demands of a dynamic society through rigorous coursework, meaningful instructional time, and engaging curriculum.
We can innovate in education because we remain grounded in our faith. Our Catholic identity provides the foundation on which we build our lives and, though the world around us may change, the core of who we are—disciples of Jesus striving to grow in faith and service—remains immovable. Even as we pioneer academic transformation, our Catholic beliefs anchor us to the Truth.
Like all changes, the 24-25 year will likely see some growing pains as we work through new ideas and unforeseen challenges. Though we have attempted to anticipate all potential obstacles, it would be naive of us to believe we will sail smoothly through the entire school year. Thank you in advance for your patience with us and your support of PND as we pursue excellence in faith, academics, and extracurriculars. We are so excited to share in this journey with you and the entire PND community, and I am so thankful for the students, faculty, staff, PND community, strategic plan committees, and consultative board members whose feedback and insights helped initiate so many of the 24-25 changes.
Jacqueline Kelly
P.S. Click each sub-heading title below for more detailed information about each change or view this video for an overview of the positive changes we're making at PND.
- Four types of daily schedules
- Standard Schedule (7 periods in one day at 50 minutes each) 3x a week
- Navy Block Schedule (3 periods in one day at 90 minutes each + late start at 8:30 am) 1x a week
- Gold Block (3 periods in one day at 90 minutes each + All School Mass, assemblies, etc. — no late start) replaces Navy Block as needed, 1x a week
- Green Block Schedule (4 periods in one day at 90 minutes each) 1x a week
- Noted in advance on calendar
- Allows for pursuit of excellence in all areas of faith, academics, and extracurriculars
- View the preliminary 24-25 Curriculum Guide HERE (subject to changes)
- Opportunity for Honors, AP, college prep, and/or elective courses
- Increased opportunity for college credit via dual credit and early college courses
- Graduation requirements beyond ISBE standards for a faith-based, college prep curriculum
- Pathways for computer science, business, communications, biomedical, engineering, and more
- More sections of courses to allow for easier scheduling
- Optional study hall
- More accurate grading as courses are aligned more thoroughly with standards and objectives
- Cultivation of student interests beyond standard curriculum
- Mandatory two-week session of engaging and hands-on courses
- Opportunity for elective, recovery, and/or PE credit, senior internships, and service projects
- Interim period between semesters and after Christmas break
- Sessions from beginning of January through MLK Jr. holiday
- Two required sessions (8-11 am, 12-3 pm)
- On-campus lunch and advisory time between sessions
- Course catalog available in the September preceding the winterim period
- Registration prioritized by class status: seniors first, then juniors, then sophomores, then freshmen
- Example courses: crocheting, rock climbing, ACT prep, creative writing, photography, cultural issues and the Bible
- College-style rankings: Summa, Magna, and Cum Laude
- Measurement against a standard, rather than other students
- Potential for more students to achieve recognition
- More focus on learning and less focus on competition
- Class rank available for colleges on final transcript
- Publicizing of Latin Honors only
- Will begin with the Class of 2028 (prior classes will still be recognized with a Top Ten)
- Application and tryouts for commencement speakers
- Rankings Categorization:
- Summa Cum Laude 4.25+
- Magna Cum Laude 3.8-4.24
- Cum Laude 3.35-3.79
- Maximum of three waivers per semester
- Can only be used once per subject area per school year
- Grade of C- or higher
- Minimum number of CSP hours
- No more than 3 detentions
- No academic integrity referrals or suspensions
- No more than 5 absences during the semester
- No more than one absence during an All School Mass, assembly, speaker, etc.
- No more than 5 tardies during the semester
- Honors/AP/PLTW and College Prep tracks only
- Students can mix between tracks based on interest and grades
- Increases student achievement and peer support
- Increases diverse thinking within a classroom
- Avoids misplacement of students due to outdated MAP scores
- Requires an application for freshmen Honors courses
- One-on-one support from tutors and aides as needed
To better reflect the important work of learning and growing in our academic, extracurricular, and faith lives, we have revised our mission statement to more concretely identify the pillars that support PND:
The mission of Peoria Notre Dame is to form disciples of Jesus Christ in a community of Catholic faith, knowledge, and service.