FAIRFIELD, Conn. — Sacred Heart University and the Diocese of Bridgeport have reached an agreement for the University to purchase Notre Dame Catholic High School for $15 million. The two institutions have a long history of cooperation and partnership that will be strengthened by making it official, representatives from both sides say.
This partnership has included sharing facilities, such as athletics fields, SHU’s library and Chapel of the Holy Spirit, parking lot space at Notre Dame and more. SHU also has, for many years, offered a 50% tuition scholarship to Notre Dame students who are accepted to the University. A great many Notre Dame students have gone on to receive degrees from Sacred Heart. Since 2018, approximately 20% of each Notre Dame graduating class has gone on to study at SHU.
“We are excited to have 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 continue to receive a top-level Catholic education that will prepare them for the future,” said SHU President John J. Petillo.
“While we anticipate great work from collaboration between the high school and University, we all recognize the unique differences between high school and college students. This agreement is based on a clear recognition of the need to establish the appropriate separations to ensure a true Catholic ministerial experience for Notre Dame students even as they become a part of this strong Catholic University,” said Bridgeport Diocese Bishop Frank J. Caggiano.
Notre Dame’s faculty and staff will also be provided tuition reimbursement when taking classes at Sacred Heart, expanded lab opportunities from the Farrington College of Education & Human Development and access to other areas of clinical study.
Proceeds from the sale will be placed in a new fund to support and strengthen Catholic secondary education throughout the diocese, provide scholarships and protect faculty pensions. There will be no direct benefit to the diocese, Caggiano said.
The bishop will continue to advise on the Catholic identity that is fundamental to Notre Dame High School.
Petillo noted that Sacred Heart would invest at least $5 million in the school and property that could include physical improvements, building infrastructure, technology upgrades and updated athletic facilities. This will start within six months of the closing date with an assessment to determine needed upgrades and priorities. Renovations will follow over the next two years.
“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. “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.” SHU’s portfolio includes the SHU Community Theatre in downtown Fairfield, the Sacred Heart University Discovery Center & Planetarium in Bridgeport and Great River Golf Club in Milford. As is the case with these facilities, Notre Dame will serve as a learning experience and training ground for SHU students. For example, faculty, staff and students from SHU’S Farrington College of Education & Human Development will have the opportunity to collaborate professionally with their counterparts at Notre Dame in new and meaningful ways that will enhance outcomes for both organizations.
Both Petillo and Caggiano emphasized that Notre Dame will always be part of the high school’s name in recognition of the school’s long history and proud and distinguished alumni.
Caggiano expressed appreciation and gratitude to the Notre Dame Advisory Board and Principal Chris Cipriano for their vision and guidance.
“I am excited about the opportunities this new relationship with Sacred Heart will provide to our school community,” Cipriano said. “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.”
There will be a yearlong period of transition after the deal is finalized in June during which faculty and staff at Notre Dame will remain unchanged. The school’s board will continue to serve in an advisory role.
“The agreement is a milestone for Notre Dame Catholic High School and Catholic secondary education in the diocese. The relationship between Notre Dame and Sacred Heart is deeply rooted in the faith, generosity and aspirations of the people of our diocese. The benefits that Sacred Heart University can bring to students and their families will be enormous,” Caggiano concluded.
“We want to ensure that Notre Dame Catholic High School is part of the community for many years to come,” Petillo added.
About Sacred Heart University
As the second-largest independent Catholic university in New England, and one of the fastest-growing private doctoral institutions in the U.S., Sacred Heart University is a national leader in shaping higher education for the 21st century. SHU offers nearly 90 undergraduate, graduate, doctoral and certificate programs on its Fairfield, Conn., campus. Sacred Heart also has a campus in Dingle, Ireland, and offers online programs. More than 10,000 students attend the University’s nine colleges and schools: Arts & Sciences; Communication, Media & the Arts; Social Work; Computer Science & Engineering; Health Professions; the Isabelle Farrington College of Education & Human Development; the Jack Welch College of Business & Technology; the Dr. Susan L. Davis, R.N., & Richard J. Henley College of Nursing; and St. Vincent’s College. Sacred Heart stands out from other Catholic institutions as it was established and led by laity. The contemporary Catholic university is rooted in the rich Catholic intellectual tradition and the liberal arts, and at the same time cultivates students to be forward thinkers who enact change—in their own lives, professions and in their communities. The Princeton Review includes SHU in its Best 389 Colleges: 2024 Edition, and Best Business Schools: 2023 Edition. Sacred Heart is home to the award-winning, NPR-affiliate station, WSHU Public Radio, a Division I athletics program and an impressive performing arts program that includes choir, band, dance and theatre. www.sacredheart.edu
About Notre Dame Catholic High School
Notre Dame Catholic High School has an enrollment of 500 students, representing 32 area cities and towns. The school has always been committed to making tuition affordable to families from socioeconomically diverse backgrounds. Almost 100 percent of the class of 2023 is pursuing higher education, having earned over $22 million in scholarships and grants. Notre Dame High School was founded in 1955 by then-Bishop Lawrence Shehan. The school on Park Avenue, which opened in 1957, was staffed by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, the Holy Cross Fathers and clergy from the diocese along with lay teachers. In 1964, the school and property became Sacred Heart University, and separate new high schools for boys and girls were created. In 1973, the two merged at the current location on Jefferson Street across the street from the University.