The Position

For more than 130 years, Saint Joseph Notre Dame High School has fostered academic excellence, engaged students in a dynamic and comprehensive curriculum, and prepared students for ethical, faithful lives of scholarship and service. It is one of the only Catholic schools in America attached to a Roman Catholic Basilica, which gives the school an extraordinary presence and position in the community. Today, this well-respected, co-educational Catholic parish high school offers a rigorous, college preparatory education to its diverse community of 445 students. As they progress through the unique program at SJND, students are prepared for the rigors of college while they develop confidence, generosity, and a commitment to embracing the teachings of Jesus Christ.

After three years of successful leadership, Principal Ken Jennings is returning to his home state of New Jersey to serve as President at Notre Dame High School. During his time as Principal, he has led many enhancements, including the implementation of a dynamic new Leadership Team and Academic Council; completion of the E3 Accreditation process; fortification of finance and human resource operations; total internet network upgrade; the launch of an international student program; the purchase of a bus to expand enrollment from surrounding cities; and an increase in overall enrollment and contributed income.  

The school seeks a new Principal, effective July 2019 who will support this recent growth. The Principal reports to the Pastor of St. Joseph Basilica Parish and serves on the school’s Board of Limited Jurisdiction within the Diocese of Oakland. Providing overall leadership and vision, the Principal ensures quality in the academic and student affairs programs in order to achieve the fullest attainment of the school’s mission. As overall chief administrator, he or she oversees all administrative functions of the school including business, finance, advancement, enrollment, and teaching and learning. The Principal serves as a role model for staff and students and bears ultimate responsibility for the integration of faith and learning within the school. The successful candidate will be a capable and committed educational leader who embraces fully this faith-filled, academically ambitious community of learners.

Academics

Students at SJND gain foundational skills that pave the way for continued success and increased levels of independence. Teachers emphasize important skills that support the development of engaged and creative scholars, such as critical thinking, clear and effective communication, and collaboration. The school’s academic advantages include personalized education, strong community relationships, and college preparation. Students pursue coursework in theology, English, languages other than English (French, Mandarin, and Spanish), math, science, social studies, physical education, and the visual and performing arts.

SJND’s tech-rich environments enhance the learning experience. Science labs are equipped with state-of-the-art tools and all classrooms are equipped with LCD projectors and high quality wireless Internet. The school’s Bring Your Own Computer program increases the use and development of 21st Century learning skills that promote self direction and college readiness. SJND’s robust online Student Information and Learning Management Systems increase the rate of teacher feedback and stimulate collaboration.

A unique component of the SJND experience is the Biomedical Sciences Program. Qualified students can elect to undergo this four-year certificate program focused on human physiology, medicine, research processes, and bioinformatics. Through the program, whose innovative STEM curricula developed by Project Lead the Way offers several opportunities for project-based learning, students prepare for college and for careers in STEM-related fields. This program is recognized and admired by college partners across the country.

Faculty at SJND recognize the importance of hands-on, global learning. In alternating years, students can experience Academic Immersion Trips through the science and social studies departments, learning about wildlife, botany, culture, people, and historical events. Recent trips include Greece, Italy, Costa Rica, the Galapagos Islands, and Peru. Their first-hand learning experiences are some of the most memorable of their time at SJND.

College Acceptances

Students perennially go on to attend some of the most selective colleges and universities in the country. Their experience at SJND prepares them well for success in college and beyond. The following is a partial list of colleges and universities to which SJND graduates were recently accepted:

Berklee College of Music
Boston University
Brown University
Dartmouth College
Duke University
Fordham University
Georgetown University
Harvard University
Johns Hopkins University
Loyola Marymount University
Marquette University
New York University
Northwestern University
Occidental College
Princeton University
Saint Mary's College of California
Santa Clara University
Seattle University
Syracuse University
Tufts University
University of Arizona
University of California (all campuses)
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill
University of Notre Dame
University of Oregon
University of Pennsylvania
University of San Diego
University of Southern California
University of Washington

Student Life

SJND embraces its Catholic traditions and teachings while providing a welcoming environment for all faiths. Students experience a strong sense of belonging that supports and values faith and spirituality. They may become involved in campus ministry, planning and participating in prayer services, retreats, liturgies, and service opportunities. Each class embarks on an annual retreat, which helps students strengthen their faith, and their relationship with God and their classmates. SJND provides several service learning opportunities for our students, including the school-wide Adopt-a-Family program, service learning in the classroom, and service immersion trips in the summer.

Students are encouraged to develop their leadership skills, whether through campus ministry, in SJND’s many student clubs, or through arts and athletics. Approximately 70 percent of students participate in the school’s sports program, developing values and life skills that contribute to success in and beyond college. Students may participate in 13 sports: baseball, basketball, cheerleading, cross country, crew, golf, lacrosse, soccer, softball, swimming, tennis, track, and volleyball. The men's and women's basketball teams are part of a storied program, with the men winning a record six state titles (’91, ’92, ’04, ’11, ’14 and ’16). Each year, SJND athletes sign to compete at the collegiate level, including teams in the Pac-12, Big West and West Coast Conferences.

SJND is also known for its award-winning visual and performing arts program. Many students perform in the annual school musical and play, at band festivals throughout California, or in our One Voice student choir. They display their artwork at local galleries, at exhibitions and in Prisms, SJND’s award-winning literary magazine.

Alameda, California

A charter city in the San Francisco Bay Area, Alameda is located on Alameda Island and Bay Farm Island, just adjacent to the city of Oakland across from San Francisco. According to Money Magazine, Alameda is one of the best places to live in America, thanks to its relatively affluent community, large number of educational institutions, eclectic restaurants and libraries, excellent air quality, and excellent weather.

The beautiful island is named for the oak trees that line its streets and fill its parks. “The Island City’s” proximity to the San Francisco Bay makes it a welcome haven for wind and kite surfers and other outdoor enthusiasts. The city is known for its lovely Victorian houses, its rollicking Fourth of July Parade, and its downtown district located on Park Street. With plenty of local attractions, shops, restaurants, and museums, as well as easy access to San Francisco, Alameda is a wonderful place to call home.