Parents raising daughters in Long Beach will often hear the name Notre Dame Academy when looking for private girls' schools.

Just hearing the name gives a sense of tradition, and indeed, it is a Catholic college preparatory school with a long history.

The campus is located on the Westside of LA, but there are quite a few students who commute from Long Beach. It is particularly popular among Catholic families in Long Beach, Torrance, and Lakewood.

The biggest feature of this school is its educational environment designed exclusively for girls. The programs are well-structured to help girls build confidence and develop leadership skills, with a variety of AP courses and college preparation programs available. They are also continuously enhancing programs in STEM, robotics, and computer science, providing an environment where students can gain diverse experiences beyond just academics.

From a parent's perspective, the most pressing question is usually about tuition. Currently, the high school tuition is around $27,000 per year. Additional costs may arise for uniforms, textbooks, lunch, and transportation. While tuition has increased compared to the past, it is a plus that some fees, such as registration, technology fees, and sports participation fees, are included in the tuition.

However, there's no need to give up and think, "This is too much for our family."

Private schools in the U.S. offer financial aid more effectively than one might expect. Notre Dame Academy provides tuition assistance through FACTS Grant & Aid based on family circumstances, and the school offers tuition adjustments to many students. According to school materials, many students receive financial aid, and eligibility is determined through annual applications.

Many Korean parents I know often think that private schools are only for the wealthy, but that is not necessarily the case. There are families who manage to send their children to private schools with a little more financial burden than public schools by receiving scholarships and tuition assistance based on their income level. Therefore, if you are interested, I recommend attending an Open House and also consulting about Financial Aid.

Another positive aspect is that the college counseling is quite systematic. They work closely with each student on their career paths and actively support volunteer activities and leadership programs. This has earned them a good reputation among students aiming for UC or private university admissions.

Ultimately, Notre Dame Academy is not just a girls' school but a college preparatory institution that nurtures faith, academics, and leadership together. For Korean parents who want to raise their daughters in a safer and more focused educational environment, it is definitely a school worth considering. While the tuition is not insignificant, looking into scholarships and financial aid options can make it a more realistic choice than one might think.