Under the generous support of the Audacious Foundation, our 4th grade students participate in an annual overnight field trip to the Santa Barbara Maritime Museum through their Spirit of Dana Point program. Our students have the opportunity to become immersed in early California history while working with a variety of dynamic historical characters from  Two Years Before the Mast, by Richard Henry Dana, Jr. They gain skills in cooperative learning, teamwork, and communication as they hoist cargo, row long-boats, raise sails, stand night watch, swab the decks, and sing shanteys. 

Under the generous support of the Audacious Foundation, our 4th grade students participate twice a month in the Bridge to Nature Program through the Santa Barbara Wilderness Youth Project. The students spend four hours a month in nature as a class practicing conflict resolution and problem-solving skills while exploring God's creation around the Santa Barbara area. 

Under the generous support of Mr. Ritchie, Notre Dame students are invited to participate in a wind ensemble playing clarinet or flute. These students practice twice a week after school and perform in two annual concerts each year as well as monthly during our Family Masses and weekly school Mass.

3rd Grade students also participate in Recorder class twice a week.

Each year, students from 6th through 8th grade compete in an Archdiocese-wide academic competition. Consisting of individual competitions in academic subjects as well as a team competition in Super Quiz and Logic, the competition takes month of preparation and dedication. In the 2019-2020 school year, Notre Dame student Alfredo Contreras placed 2nd overall in Science.