On July 1 Sacred Heart University (SHU) completed its purchase of Notre Dame Catholic High School from the Diocese of Bridgeport. The Catholic High School located in Fairfield has been rechristened the Notre Dame Prep of Sacred Heart University. Now, the schools are gearing up for the first school year after the purchase.
According to SHU President John Petillo, the name change was important as a way to both illustrate the new relationship between the institutions and retain the school’s unique identity.
“We are excited to welcome Notre Dame’s students, faculty, staff and alumni to the SHU family. We look forward to maximizing resources, making improvements and creating new and exciting opportunities for students at both Notre Dame and SHU. We welcome this chance to ensure that students at both institutions continue to receive a top-level Catholic education that will prepare them for the future,” Petillo said. “I look forward to watching how this unfolds.”
“I am thrilled about the opportunities this new relationship with Sacred Heart will provide to our school community,” said Chris Cipriano, principal of Notre Dame. “As we build upon our existing partnership, I see tremendous opportunities for our staff and—most importantly—our students. I believe some of our best days truly lie ahead.”
Notre Dame was also named an International Baccalaureate School, meaning it provides students with an education up to international standards which can count towards college credits.
“I am very proud of our students, faculty and staff for their hard work and commitment to social justice. This is not an easy designation to earn,” Chris Cipriano, principal of Notre Dame said.
Previously the University and High School had shared facilities, and SHU has long offered a 50 percent tuition scholarship to Notre Dame graduates. Since 2018, 20 percent of each graduating class of Notre Dame students enrolled at SHU.
“We anticipate great work from this collaboration between the high school and University and look forward to a rewarding experience for Notre Dame students as they become a part of this strong Catholic University,” said Bridgeport Diocese Bishop Frank J. Caggiano. “The relationship between Notre Dame and Sacred Heart is deeply rooted in the faith, generosity and aspiration of the people of our diocese. The benefits that Sacred Heart University can bring to students and their families will be enormous.”
“We are two Catholic institutions that share a common mission and vision. I’m looking forward to working even more collaboratively and strengthening the long-standing academic and community relationship between our two schools,” Petillo said, noting plans for at least $5 million in investments at Notre Dame already in the works. “Adding a successful high school like Notre Dame to our portfolio is a natural expansion of our brand and our commitment to Catholic education and to the local community. We want to ensure that Notre Dame Prep is part of the community for many years to come.”
