Four years running: Notre Dame Schools named Best Private School
Best of the Best – 1
Awards driven 100 percent by community votes
Notre Dame Catholic Schools last month was named Best Private School in the 2026 Mohawk Valley Community’s Choice Awards, marking the fourth consecutive year the school has received this recognition.
Driven 100 percent by public participation, this annual program is broken down into three parts: nominations, voting, finalists and winners.
“This honor reflects the commitment and excellence of the Notre Dame Catholic School community and the important role Catholic education continues to play in the Mohawk Valley. Congratulations on this well-deserved recognition,” said Meredith Page, director of development, Catholic Schools Office.
Notre Dame High School Principal Rick Hensel acknowledged staff members as extraordinary individuals who work tirelessly to ensure their students have the best opportunities to be successful. “Our students are graduating and they aren’t just prepared for college or career, but they are prepared to face life’s challenges,” he said. “They are leaving here as good and well-formed citizens. They are leaders in church and in community — that’s a testament to their families as well.
“I am proud to say that our community continues to reaffirm, year after year, and in each decade, our Catholic identity and the mission to make a difference,” Hensel continued. “We are so grateful for this recognition because it is not just the result of hard work, but really at the end of the day, it’s the work of the Spirit.”
Joining Notre Dame Schools as finalists in the private school category were Christian Heritage School and Utica Academy of Science Charter School.
