As part of Notre Dame High School, St. Louis’ 2024 Blue & White Gala, the surprise announcement was made that the school would be undergoing a significant expansion, set to include a new building and other campus enhancements. The moment was met with applause and excitement, and since then, students, parents, and staff of Notre Dame High School, along with School Sisters of Notre Dame, alumnae, and larger community have been following the construction progress. On August 9, the completed project was unveiled with a celebratory ribbon-cutting and open house event, just in time for the start of the 2026-2027 school year.

“The Archdiocese has had to close so many schools in St. Louis, at which many School Sisters of Notre Dame served in the past,” said Sister Regina Palacios, provincial councilor for School Sisters of Notre Dame, Central Pacific Province. “Notre Dame High School is a beacon of hope and an ongoing statement of the importance of Catholic education in an area that serves the needs of a multicultural society in an economically diverse area. The increased enrollment as well as the physical changes here give witness to the charism and mission of SSND; we further Christ’s mission through our ministry as educators, drawing forth the full potential of others.”

The new building, an addition to the existing main school, is designed to meet the evolving needs of students in the 21st century. Modern classrooms, labs, and technology stand side-by-side with a dance studio for students to pursue and develop creative and artful endeavors, as well as the school’s dedicated religious space.

The new building is described as a STREAM facility—housing Science, Technology, Religion, Engineering, Art, and Mathematics spaces.

• Science—New labs furnished with specialized equipment and supplies will allow hands-on learning across multiple scientific disciplines.
• Technology—This technology-centered space provides the tools for students to collaborate on more in-depth projects and enhance their problem-solving skills.
• Religion—The school’s campus ministry office will make their new home here, offering a welcoming space for prayer, reflection, and faith-focused events and activities.
• Engineering— A robotics lab, library, and E-sports lab bring engineering endeavors to life.
• Arts—A dedicated dance studio enhances the experience of students involved in the performing arts for classes and plays.
• Math—Students find support and resources for developing in-depth understanding of mathematics and working on math-centered projects and problems.

The new building will serve as the school’s main entrance, graced with the NDHS crest and school’s name leading to the doors. Walls of windows at the front of the expansion create a light-filled space.

There was an especially meaningful touch to the completed project also celebrated as part of the open house festivities—the unveiling of a sculpture of Blessed Theresa, foundress of School Sisters of Notre Dame. The sculpture, created by Sister Marie Henderson, RSM, once made its home in the Peace Garden at Sancta Maria in Ripa, but has been in storage for some time, undergoing repair work. With this reinstallation, she is now a welcoming presence to students and all visitors to the school.

“It is timely and appropriate for the reinstallation of the Theresa sculpture at the dedication of the new STREAM wing at Notre Dame High School,” said Sister Joanne Hanrahan. “Blessed Theresa founded the congregation for the education of girls, believing that women shaped the family and thereby would shape society.

“The sculpture depicts Theresa at her moment of call. She was Caroline Gerhardinger becoming Mother Theresa. She is depicted as a woman of vision, determination, and courage striding toward the future. She is radiant with a soft smile and the scriptures in her hand. This sculpture will greet students, faculty, staff, and all who come to Notre Dame. It is an invitation and commitment of the School Sisters of Notre Dame seeing education as transformation.”

Some 20 St. Louis sisters attended the ribbon-cutting ceremony, with Sister Joan DiProspere and Sister Joanne Hanrahan among those sharing remarks during the ceremony. Following the ribbon-cutting and unveiling of the Blessed Theresa sculpture, attendees were invited in for the chance to tour the new building space.

“I hope that the students will be inspired by the legacy of SSND and the outstanding education that they receive will help them become faith-filled leaders in the future for our world and society,” said Sister Regina.

Get a further glimpse into the special moment—Notre Dame High School celebrates opening of new academic building focused on science, arts, religion – St. Louis Call Newspapers