Notre Dame de Sion High School for Girls

Demographics

Percentage of students*

Why Notre Dame de Sion High School for Girls was nominated

As a college-prep school, that's by far not the only thing they prepare these young ladies for. Sion structures the school year by incorporating ample opportunities for the ladies to learn about themselves through interdisciplinary deep dives, cultural immersion events, community service outreach projects and travel abroad experiences. The first week of school is dedicated to a theme each year and allows the students to lead non-academic sessions, grow in leadership skills development, and learn about the school's rich history. The school is truly dedicated to developing the whole student by bringing in the community to lead workshops ranging from self-defense to managing a budget that will support the growth of the ladies for years to come.

Student experience design

At Sion, we’re trying to create a school experience where students feel known, challenged, and connected to something bigger than themselves. It starts with relationships. Our students aren’t anonymous here. Teachers know them - how they learn, what they care about, when they’re having a great day and when they’re not. That trust creates classrooms where students are willing to take risks, speak up, and try again when something is hard. We also want students to be stretched. Our classes ask them to think, not just repeat. They write, discuss, question, and make connections across subjects. The goal isn’t just good grades - it’s helping them become thoughtful, capable learners who can handle complexity. A big part of the experience is getting outside the classroom. Through Deep Dives, service work, and partnerships in the community, students are regularly put in situations where they have to navigate the real world - not a simulated version of it. They build confidence by doing things that matter. We spend time helping students think about who they are and who they want to be. That happens in theology classes, in advisory conversations, on retreats, and in small everyday moments. Our Catholic, interfaith identity gives us a foundation, but we also make space for questions, dialogue, and different perspectives. Leadership is something we expect from all students, not just a select few. Whether it’s leading a club, speaking up in class, organizing an event, or supporting a peer, students are given real opportunities to take ownership and use their voice. We also try to keep things in perspective. Our students work hard, but we talk openly about balance, stress, and what actually matters. We want them to leave here with a strong sense of self, not just a transcript. In the end, the experience we’re designing is one where students grow into confident, thoughtful young women who are ready to step into the world and make a difference - and who know how to do that with both strength and care.

Core Practices

Core Practices	Length of Use
Assessments For Deeper Learning	3-4 years
Career Exploration	3-4 years
Community And Workforce Partnerships	3-4 years
School-based Enterprises	3-4 years
Service Learning	5+ years

All Practices

Student Advisories

Client Projects

Industry-aligned Learning Pathways

Internships

Individual Learning Paths

Mental Health Services

Industry Networking

SEL Curriculum

SEL Integration School-wide

Students Develop Projects

Career Prep

key reasons for innovating