When Notre Dame of Dallas Schools opened in 1963, the school, which serves students with intellectual disabilities, was the first of its kind in the Dallas area. That initial class of 19 students was taught by School Sisters of Notre Dame (SSND) in a small, classroom space. Today, some 150 students spend their schooldays in a 32,000-square-foot building, guided by teachers and staff members who are still very much rooted in the founding spirit of SSND.

“I first heard about Notre Dame of Dallas Schools when my nephew attended here many years ago,” said Dr. Caroline O’Brien, Ph.D., and president of the school. “Carmen [Fernandez], our current principal, was his teacher at the time. So, I knew about Notre Dame, but didn’t know deeply about Notre Dame.

“And when the president position opened up, I was curious. I didn’t have a background in special education, but the new role of president was more outward facing and about how to shine a bright light on all the incredible work that’s gone on here since 1963.  I fell in love with the school, certainly with the student body. But then the mission of the sisters, I felt like that had been my mission statement my whole life—but better said. It was that God sees each of us and we are created and designed in His image. It’s our privilege to make sure and ensure that each student grows to become all that God intends them to be.”

Seeing that need more than 60 years ago, the school was an initiative of SSND. They went to the bishop at the time who embraced the idea. Sisters started it in a little backyard not far from the school’s current location. And it grew. Part of the mission put in place by SSND was that no family would ever pay more than half the cost of the tuition.

“To make up the difference, we take that mission out into the community, engaging with community partners who help support the work of the school,” said Caroline.

The school features a ratio of 10 students to two teachers to ensure each student has the guidance, attention, and support needed to reach their goals.

“It is our privilege and joy to educate students to develop into their fullest potential and to integrate them into and across communities so they can be a part of their churches, they can be part of a job, and they can be part of social activities and groups. It’s that dignity of every life and also that social justice piece. Sometimes we have to stand up or stand strong or build bridges when others don’t see needs.

“But living out the mission and the charism of the sisters really does happen here.”

While there are no SSND currently on staff at Notre Dame of Dallas Schools, over the years, they have served as teachers, librarians, principals and volunteers. Sisters still attend graduations, Masses and other special events at the school and their presence is deeply felt.

“We talk about the sisters a lot,” said Caroline. “The students love when the sisters are here. They can answer questions about who founded us and why. Not all our students are Catholic, so it’s fun for our non-Catholic families and students to learn about the sisters.”

Notre Dame of Dallas Schools serves students ages six through 22, with each year’s curriculum building social skills and academics.

“One of the many benefits of being at our school is that students graduate with choices,” said Caroline.

Caroline is in her fifth year working at Notre Dame of Dallas Schools. In addition, she, along with the school’s principal, Carmen Fernandez, is an associate of SSND. Associates are laypeople who choose to commit to a special relationship with sisters, joining in their mission.

“Just as the teachers meet our students where they are, the sisters meet me where I am,” said Caroline. “They are warm and loving and not afraid to tell the truth. They model for all of us how we want to live our lives.”

Read more about the history, programs and successes of Notre Dame of Dallas Schools.