Perhaps you've heard of IND, the Institute of Notre Dame, but what do you really know about this 165-year-old girls' school? Did you know it was the first school in the United States founded by the School Sisters of Notre Dame? Or that it's the alma mater of both U.S. Senator Barbara Mikulski and former Speaker of the House Nancy Pelosi? The history of the school runs deep. Located on four acres on Aisquith Street, just blocks from the Inner Harbor, above Little Italy, the school stands proud of its heritage.
Current President Dr. Mary L. Funke says, “Being founded and sponsored by the School Sisters of Notre Dame makes our students and teachers part of a unique global community focused on transformative education and service to others. We stand proudly in our original location, dedicated to transforming our city, our country and our world by educating young women. ”
Keep reading to see how IND, rooted in history, flourishes in the present:
- Original School Building - Through the Civil War, two World Wars, and the Baltimore City riots in the late 60’s, the historic 67,600 square foot building that resides at 901 Aisquith Street has seen it all. The foundations and roots set down 165 years ago by the School Sisters of Notre Dame have not changed. Along the way however, additions and improvements have been made to the pre-Civil War construction to bring the building gracefully into the information age. In 2009, the building became fully wireless to accommodate the school’s One-to-One Tablet PC Program.
- Tablet PC Program Each student leases a tablet PC when they arrive at IND as a freshman. This program has helped expand the possibilities for not only the students, but also for the teachers, making it easier to create dynamic lessons and easily interact with the girls. The added responsibility of maintaining their laptops also helps the students understand the importance of appropriately and respectfully using technology.
- Block Scheduling - IND runs on a block schedule during which students have three 85 minute classes every other day and one 45 minute class every day. The 85-minute science and English classes allow for both a lecture section and a work section reserved for more interactive lessons. The 45-minute periods are perfect for math and language classes because they give the girls opportunities to practice those skills daily.
- Internship Program - IND's Internship Program, launched in spring 2011, gives students a chance to work after school and during the summer with local organizations like Center Stage, Mercy Hospital Center, University of Maryland School of Pharmacy, and the Enoch Pratt Free Library. It’s an effective way for upperclassmen to gain real life experience while boosting their college resumes and learning the value of hard work and professional relationships.
- Music- Budding musicians can thrive at IND. With little to no experience, students can learn to strum their guitar like Taylor Swift in guitar class or begin their vocal career in Choral Performance or Gospel Choir. IND's award-winning Select Choir sang the National Anthem at an Orioles game in April 2011, and many of the school's singers, actors and dancers participate in the annual full length musical each spring.
- Scholarships- While the size of the Class of 2011 may have been small, the amount of merit based scholarships they received was tremendous. Of the 65 graduates, 48 of them earned a collective amount of $6.5 million in academic scholarships alone. “It’s no surprise that the Class of 2011 earned such a high scholarship total,” explains Ms. Ann Seeley, Principal. “The girls were very bright, and our Guidance Department prepared them as they do all students to critically think about their college decisions and at what school they will be most successful. The department provides comprehensive education and resources for students and parents about the entire application, scholarship and financial aid process.”
- Alumnae Give Back- Approximately 25% of IND's faculty and staff are alumnae, serving in a variety of positions including Principal, Vice Principal, Director of Admissions, and Director of Public Relations and Communications and as classroom teachers. These women, inspired by their IND education, are giving back to the next generation of IND students.
- Travel- Each year, IND students travel to different areas of the United States and beyond. The lacrosse team has taken trips to England, Prague, and Florida for spring training and various tournaments; and French and Spanish classes have gone to France and Uruguay to take what they’ve learned outside the classroom. This past summer IND participated in SSND Build, a program that goes to New Orleans to help victims still recovering from Hurricane Katrina. Whether for sports, school or service, there is no better way to teach students about the world than letting them travel and experience it for themselves.
- Service Hours - Community outreach is integral to an IND girl’s education. Although the students are required to perform 80 hours of service before they graduate, many of them go above and beyond what is expected. Two current seniors are on track to graduate with more than 700 hours of community service acquired during their four years at IND. Youth Minister Vanessa Williams encourages the girls to go outside their comfort zone. She promotes direct service, defined as students directly interacting with those in need. Between 2007 and 2011 IND students earned a collective total of 21,772 service hours; 97% of those hours were earned through direct service and 94% of those hours were gained helping women and children.
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