Notre Dame High School for girls was established in 1887. The Sisters of Notre Dame, who form the faculty, have been teaching in the parochial schools of Hamilton since 1869. In 1873, they bought a plot of ground on South Second St. and began the construction of a two story building which was intended as a motherhouse for the Sisters.

In 1887, the interest in the higher education of girls under Catholic supervision reached a high pitch. As a result, the Sisters were asked to open an Academic High School on their own property. They consented, and with their acquiescence, Notre Dame Academy came into existence.

After the fire of 1890, which did serious damage to the roof of the building, instead of simply repairing it, another story was added to meet the needs of the growing community. Additonal property was purchased and in 1893 the lots on the corner of Washington and Second Streets were surrounded by a brick wall to insure a proper clausura.

Since that time, another addition has been built and the institution has been converted into a free high school for girls. The tuition is paid by the various parishes.

To finance the building project, the good Sisters had appealed to the citizens of Hamilton, particularly to the Catholics for aid. Their pleas gained such a generous response that a fund of $50,000 was promptly subscribed.

Notre Dame Academy has graduated numberless fine Catholic young ladies who are a credit to the noble efforts of the good Sisters and the glory of the Catholics of Hamilton.

Rev. Gaudence Schuster, O. F. M., is chaplain.

(source: St. Stephen Souvenir, 1934)

 © 2000 by the Butler County Historical Society