About Notre Dame

Units of Study (D.I.I.)

For 35 years we’ve used a system called Directed Individualized Instruction. The system has a proven track record for success in giving our students a college preparation learning experience on a flexible modular schedule. These are the 5 elements of the system:

For 60% of the time, students are in large groups, which are traditional classroom settings. In these classes, teacher presents the lesson to a group of 20 to 40 students.
Small groups or labs of five to 12 students are led by a teacher and allow girls to work closely with the teacher and learn from each other more easily.
One-on-one time with a teacher allows the student to get personal attention. This feature – unusual at most schools – is a given at Notre Dame. Each department has a learning center where a teacher is available to help students.
Working directly with the student is an advisor. The advisor is there to guide the student and help ensure that she’s making good progress with her studies.
The fifth element is independent study. The student becomes responsible for delving further into her studies by using our media center, writing lab, library, and learning centers.