On Thursday, Feb. 1, SHU President Dr. John Petillo announced that Sacred Heart University and the Diocese of Bridgeport have agreed to purchase the Notre Dame Catholic High School for $15 million. This campus sits across the street from Sacred Heart on the other side of Jefferson St.
Sacred Heart and Notre Dame have had a partnership since 2011. They share facilities such as parking areas, athletic fields, the Chapel of the Holy Spirit, and the library. Since this partnership, SHU has offered Notre Dame alumni who are accepted into SHU a 50% tuition scholarship, according to a university press release.
Sacred Heart University President, Dr. Petillo, pictured with Notre Dame High School Principal, Dr, Cipriano, during a conference to announce the purchase of the Catholic high school on Feb. 1.
Photo by: Mark F. Conrad, Sacred Heart University
Sacred Heart and Notre Dame have had a partnership since 2011 that allowed both Catholic institutions to collaborate and support each other.
Photo by: Mark F. Conrad, Sacred Heart University
“As a representative of Sacred Heart’s admission office and an alum of Notre Dame High School, I’m excited to enhance our existing partnership,” said Assistant Vice President of Undergraduate Admissions Pamela Pillo. “Our collaboration will strengthen ties within the local community and provide exciting opportunities for both current and prospective Notre Dame students.”
The news of Sacred Heart’s purchase was announced to students of Notre Dame on Thursday, Feb. 1. Approximately 20% of each Notre Dame Graduating class have gone to Sacred Heart since 2018.
“This is a very exciting opportunity for Notre Dame students,” said Notre Dame Principal Dr. Christopher Cipriano. “The resources that the university can bring to our school are certainly beyond the normal opportunities for our students.”
These opportunities include access to the communications, business, nursing, and faculty resources that Sacred Heart has. “I think this is an incredible opportunity for the students at Notre Dame,” said senior Julianna Aligo. “To be in high school and have access to the resources we have on campus is unlike almost all other high school experiences.”
Notre Dame students complete a research paper in their junior year in American Studies. With the purchase, Cipriano is hopeful they will be able to utilize Sacred Heart’s online library resources.
“We are beginning an international baccalaureate program,” Cipriano said. “Having resources from SHU will be great for this.”
Notre Dame’s faculty and staff will be given tuition reimbursement if they choose to take classes at SHU. They will also be given extended lab opportunities and access to different areas of clinical studies.
As a part of the purchase, Sacred Heart will invest at least $5 million into Notre Dame within 6 months of the closing date. This could be physical improvements, technology upgrades, or any updates.
“I am very appreciative of the university,” said Cipriano. “This is a game changer for the high school. I’m excited for the opportunities that lay ahead.”
