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5 Essential Facts About St. John Notre Dame: Folsom's Enduring Catholic Education Legacy

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St. John Notre Dame School (SJNDS), located in Folsom, California, stands as a pillar of Catholic education and community heritage, with its mission continuing to thrive as of December 21, 2025. This institution is not merely a school; it is a vibrant parochial elementary center for students from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through 8th Grade, deeply rooted in the traditions of the Roman Catholic faith. It serves as the primary educational ministry of St. John the Baptist Parish, providing a values-based education that emphasizes academic achievement, spiritual growth, and character formation for the children of the Folsom community and surrounding areas.

The school's unique identity is inextricably linked to its founding order, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur (SNDdeN), whose vision established the school over six decades ago. By integrating rigorous core academics with specialized programs in STEM, Fine Arts, and comprehensive Sacramental preparation, SJNDS continues to fulfill its commitment: to educate children, to encounter Jesus Christ, and to form disciples. Understanding the school’s deep history, its current academic offerings, and its connection to the wider "Notre Dame" network is key to appreciating its enduring impact on Sacramento County's educational landscape.

The Enduring Legacy of St. John Notre Dame School in Folsom, CA

The history of St. John Notre Dame School is a testament to the dedication of religious orders to Catholic Liberal Education. Founded in 1962, the school was established by the pioneering Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, an order known globally for its commitment to educating the poor and marginalized, particularly women and children.

The Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, whose foundress was St. Julie Billiart, brought their charism of radiating joy and authenticity to Folsom. Their journey to establish a Catholic school for Folsom's children was a familiar and challenging one, rooted in the order's long history of educational ministry. This heritage is still celebrated, with the school recently commemorating its sixty years of continuous operation, a significant milestone for any educational institution in the Diocese of Sacramento.

Today, SJNDS operates as the sole Catholic school in Folsom, providing a coeducational environment that serves students from Transitional Kindergarten (TK) through eighth grade. The school remains committed to the principles instilled by the Sisters, focusing on a strong sense of community and a mission to nurture the whole child—intellectually, spiritually, and socially.

Academic Excellence and Signature Programs

St. John Notre Dame School is dedicated to academic excellence, offering a comprehensive curriculum that goes beyond the basics to prepare students for high school and beyond. The school’s smaller class sizes and focused learning environment contribute to a strong student-teacher ratio, which supports personalized instruction and academic achievement.

A key feature of the SJNDS experience is the integration of specialized programs across all grade levels. These programs ensure that students receive a well-rounded education in line with modern educational standards while maintaining a focus on Catholic doctrine and values-based education.

  • STEM Education: The curriculum includes robust Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math (STEM) components, providing students with critical thinking skills and hands-on learning opportunities to foster innovation.
  • Fine Arts Program: Recognizing the importance of creativity, the school’s Fine Arts program begins in the first grade. Students are taught the fundamentals of art, including drawing, painting, and sculpting, fostering artistic expression alongside academic rigor.
  • Sacramental Preparation: As a Roman Catholic parochial school, a core element of the curriculum is spiritual formation. Students study scripture, learn Catholic doctrine, and prepare for the Sacraments of Reconciliation, First Eucharist, and Confirmation, actively forming them into disciples of Christ.
  • Extended Day Program: To support working families, the school offers an Extended Day Program, providing a safe, supervised environment for students outside of regular school hours.

The Broader Notre Dame Connection: Sports and Higher Education

While St. John Notre Dame School in Folsom is a distinct entity, the name "St. John Notre Dame" also points to broader connections within the American Catholic educational and athletic landscape, adding a layer of topical authority. These connections highlight the widespread influence of Catholic institutions named after St. John and Notre Dame.

One notable academic link is the partnership between the St. John’s College Graduate Institute and Notre Dame of Maryland University. In May 2023, these two institutions announced a new Joint Master's-Level partnership, demonstrating a continued collaboration between St. John’s and Notre Dame-affiliated schools at the higher education level.

Furthermore, the name frequently appears in the context of collegiate athletics, specifically the rivalry and history between St. John's University Red Storm and the University of Notre Dame Fighting Irish. This historical matchup in men's basketball, for example, is a significant part of the Big East and national college sports narrative, with the history of games dating back many years.

These associations underscore the prominence of both "St. John" and "Notre Dame" as foundational names in Catholic education across the United States, from the elementary level in Folsom, CA, to major universities and graduate programs.

Fostering Community and Discipleship

The success of St. John Notre Dame School is heavily reliant on its strong community ties and commitment to its foundational mission. The school is an integral part of St. John the Baptist Parish, ensuring that the spiritual life of the students is seamlessly integrated with the parish community.

Parent involvement is a celebrated and vital component of the school's operation. Parents contribute their time, talent, and treasure, which are essential gifts that support the school's mission and provide financial assistance to students. This community philanthropy is what allows the school to thrive and continue its operations, as highlighted in its recent Annual Reports for the 2024-2025 school year.

The school's vision statement emphasizes its commitment to "unveiling an educational experience that is both academically rigorous and spiritually transformative." Under the leadership of its principal, Keith Martin, and the dedicated faculty, SJNDS continues to uphold the values of its founders, the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, focusing on a joyful and authentic Catholic environment.

In conclusion, St. John Notre Dame School in Folsom, CA, remains a beacon of Catholic education, successfully balancing a rich, six-decade-long history with modern academic programs like STEM and Fine Arts. Its ongoing mission to educate children, encounter Jesus Christ, and form disciples ensures its continued relevance and impact on the lives of families in the greater Sacramento area.

5 Essential Facts About St. John Notre Dame: Folsom's Enduring Catholic Education Legacy
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