The Sisters of Notre Dame founded Notre Dame Academy in West Los Angeles in 1946. Today, Notre Dame Elementary School and Notre Dame Academy Girls High School make up a single institution that serves the diverse population of Los Angeles. Listen to alumnae Sister Antoinette Marie Moon and Sister Mary Joanne Whittenburg tell stories of Notre Dame Academy’s humble beginnings.
Special thanks to Sister Antoinette Marie Moon and Sister Mary Joanne Whittenburg.
Mother Mary Vera Niess, provincial superior at the time, arrived in Los Angeles in 1944 for her annual visit.
National Boulevard and Overland Avenue formed the southern corner of Rancho La Lomita.
Looking north on Overland Avenue toward the rear of the house.
View of the circular drive in front of Notre Dame Convent.
When the sisters first saw the property in 1944, all that remained of Rancho La Lomita was the house and a few acres surrounding it.
A view inside the chapel (in the former living room).
Almost immediately the sisters began construction of an elementary school where a garden used to be.
Construction of Notre Dame Academy Elementary School.
Construction of Notre Dame Academy Elementary School.
Construction of Notre Dame Academy Elementary School.
Construction of Notre Dame Academy Elementary School.
Sister Mary Gladys King's first grade class, 1946.
Sister Mary William Gara with second and third graders in 1946.
First grade class photo, 1946.
Some children arrived by bus to school.
The first mass held in the elementary school, 1947.
Sister Mary Madelyn Ryan raises the flag over Notre Dame Academy in 1961.
Sister Mary Bernadette Pendola with her students.
Sister Julie Marie Arriaga during story time.
Sister Mary Amy Huack directs class.
Construction begins for Notre Dame Academy Girls High School.
Construction underway for Notre Dame Academy Girls High School.
Sister Mary Deborah and Sister Mary Vernice in the doorway of the high school.
Sister Mary LaTier and Sister Mary Saint Ellen with members of the Girls’ Athletic Association.
Sister Marie Paul Grech with her students.
Graduation ceremony at Saint Timothy Church.
Notre Dame Academy today.
Notre Dame Academy today.
Notre Dame Academy today.
Notre Dame Academy today.