Our remarkable curriculum offers a unique opportunity for students to complete a rigorous course of study in various honors programs. We believe in challenging and forming our students to prepare them for collegiate studies and successful careers. As with all our courses, we also seek to form our students in a Catholic Christian worldview, develop their characters, foster critical and creative thinking, and bring about deeper understanding in all subjects. Within our Honor Programs, we offer an Honors STEM program through Project Lead the Way; AP Capstone Diplomas and Certificates; and a wide array of Advanced Placement and honors courses. Please see below for more details concerning each particular program.
Project Lead the Way is a nationally recognized STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) program, which offers students the opportunity to take classes in 3 particular STEM pathways: biomedical science, computer science, or engineering. Students who complete one of the pathways will receive special recognition at graduation and on official transcripts. This recognition demonstrates to colleges and employers that the student is ready for advanced course work and interested in careers in this discipline.
Participating students following one of the Project Lead the Way curriculum will complete a prescribed course of study in one of the three pathways. As a culmination of their studies, Project Lead the Way students may complete an individualized capstone project in which they will write a research paper or collaborate with local businesses and community organizations to address real world challenges.
Peoria Notre Dame is the only school in the area to offer all 3 Project Lead the Way pathways.
Peoria Notre Dame High School’s AP Capstone program goes above and beyond to challenge students with analytical real world skills. Through in-depth research, teamwork, and public speaking, Capstone students stand out from other students entering college. The AP Capstone program is a rigorous diploma program from the internationally recognized College Board. All students in the program take both AP Seminar and AP Research. The rigorous course load and real life research skills will set Peoria Notre Dame students apart as they enter college and beyond. One participating student said, “AP Capstone is more than a course that makes us stand out to colleges. We learn to research, to present resolutions, to work as a team, and to build new relationships. This program goes beyond other high school courses, making us into accomplished students and successful people.”
Besides taking both the AP Seminar and AP Research course, students can also take and pass (with a 3 or higher) an additional 4 AP exams in other content areas in order to earn the recognition of an AP Capstone Diploma.
Students who take both of the AP Capstone courses (Seminar and Research) and pass those successive AP exams will be awarded the nationally recognized AP Capstone Certificate.
AP Art and Design
AP Computer Science Principles
AP Computer Science A
AP Seminar
AP English Literature and Composition
AP Research
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP Chemistry
AP Physics
AP Biology
AP Environmental Science
AP United States History
AP Psychology
AP European History
AP French Language & Culture
AP German Language & Culture
AP Latin Language & Culture
AP Spanish Literature & Culture
In order to qualify for AP and Honors courses initially, students must have the required MAP scores and qualifying grades from middle school. As students continue in their high school path, they must maintain the necessary grades in their honors courses in order to continue on the honors pathway.
Beyond Advanced Placement exams, other ways to achieve college credit come from dual credit courses and early college offerings. These options are in partnership with Illinois Central College and are great for students who are hoping to get an early start on general education credits for their associates degree.
Online courses taken at PND through Illinois Central College instructors to earn College Credit
Illinois Central College courses taught by PND teachers during the school day for high school and college credit