Academic Excellence

In 1978, Notre Dame ventured into the world of computers. Sister Joan Andert and Mr. Brad Wittenborn drove to the Apple computer store in St. Louis to purchase two computers, without monitors. In the fall of 1981, three Apple II Plus microcomputers and two new monitors were installed. 

For the 2010 school year, Men’s Choir, International Foods and Applied Geometry were added to the curriculum.

Notre Dame began its partnership with Southeast Missouri State University in 1975, offering dual credit for the first time. The Shared Time Program allowed seniors to attend college classes while finishing high school. In the year 2000, college credit opportunities had expanded to 39 credit hours available to students through Saint Louis University and Southeast Missouri State University. Today, students have the option to take up to 91 college credits in total while still in high school. The school’s partnership with SEMO has also expanded to provide sufficient dual credit and dual enrollment course work to meet the Missouri Higher Education Core Transfer Curriculum, or CORE 42, framework, which allows students to have a seamless transfer of 42 academic credits to public colleges and universities in Missouri. 

St. Mary, Cape Catholic and Notre Dame have all had a wide variety of extracurricular opportunities for students throughout the past century. In 1935, extracurricular activities included Hi-Lites, Orchestra, Study Club, boys and girls basketball, and Junior Masquerade, among others. In 1947, a new group of extracurriculars and club sports were offered; including, Legion of Mary, Our Lady’s Sodality, Young People’s Club, Student Council, St. Mary Glee Club, St. Mary Band, Scouts, First Aid Club, Social Life Club, Dramatics, basketball, softball, volleyball and hockey.

In April of 1951, eleven St. Mary students took part in the competitive scholastic examinations held at State College. The students were dubbed the “Whiz Kids” with Loretta Fuerth tying for second in Civics, Ramona Sailer placing third in News Writing, Judy Schwartz placed fourth in Spelling, and Dorothea Henry who placed fourth in Creative Writing. 

On April 21, 1991, the four Cape Girardeau Optimist Clubs sponsored Youth in Government Day, in which Notre Dame students participated in a mock City Council meeting.

In the spring of 1999, Danny Robert (‘02) placed first in Business Math at the FBLA State Conference. He advanced to the national conference held in Chicago that year, marking the first time a Notre Dame student competed in FBLA at the national level. In 2021, Avri O’Daniel (‘21) placed first in Graphic Design at FBLA state, and in 2023 juniors Luke Richey (‘24) and Ryan Smith (‘24) took first place in the International Business category.

In 2010, new clubs available to students included Debate Club and United We Geek. In 2013, Athletes Give Back was created which provided service opportunities for Notre Dame seniors who played sports.

In February of 2015, the Notre Dame robotics team advanced to the state competition. Just a few months later, the scholar bowl team had an impressive fourth place finish at the state competition in Columbia, Missouri.

Today, clubs and organizations include honor societies, chapters of national organizations like FCCLA (Family, Career and Community Leaders of America), FBLA (Future Business Leaders of America), and our newest organization FFA (Future Farmers of America). Students can compete for Notre Dame through archery and chess clubs, and participate in spiritual clubs like Women In God’s Service, St. Joseph’s Club, Friends of Mercy, and FCA (Fellowship of Christian Athletes).