Notre Dame Belmont Admissions for Asian American Families
What Asian American Families Should Know Before Applying to This Belmont, CA All-Girls’ School
Cardinal Education is an independent educational consulting company. We are not affiliated, associated, authorized, endorsed by, or in any way officially connected with any private or public school, including Notre Dame Belmont.
As Seen On
About the School
Notre Dame Belmont and Asian American Applicants
Notre Dame Belmont (NDB) is a private, all-girls Catholic college-preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur, founded in 1851 in the Bay Area. According to NDB’s own reporting, 18.2% of students identify as Asian, part of a genuinely diverse community. NDB serves 385 students in Grades 9–12, currently led by Head of School Meredith Essalat, with a 10:1 student-teacher ratio and 21 Honors and 15 AP courses, backed by accreditation from WASC.
Fast Facts
Location
1540 Ralston Avenue, Belmont, CA 94002
Type
Private, Catholic, All-Girls’ Day School (Sisters of Notre Dame de Namur)
Grades
9–12
Total Enrollment
385 students
Student Diversity
18.2% Asian, 10.7% Multi-Racial, among other backgrounds
Student-Teacher Ratio
10:1
Academics at a Glance
Honors & AP Courses
21 Honors courses; 15 AP courses
Faculty Holding Advanced Degrees
82%
College Enrollment
96% 4-year college; 3% community college; 1% military
Athletics
13 sports, West Bay Athletic League
Athletics & Beyond the Classroom
NDB competes in the West Bay Athletic League across 13 sports, part of a broader extracurricular program, and participates in the Tri-School Program, sharing select classes with Mercy High School Burlingame and Junipero Serra High School.
For a full walkthrough of NDB’s admissions process and student life, see our Notre Dame Belmont Profile.
Admissions Timeline
Shadow Visits Begin
September 22, 2026
Open House
October 18, 2026
HSPT at NDB
December 5, 2026
Application Due (Regular)
December 11, 2026
Admissions Decisions
March 12–13, 2027
See our guide to private school open houses and tours for how to make the most of an Open House or Shadow Visit.
Why NDB’s HSPT Requirement Matters for Preparation
Families should note that NDB requires the HSPT specifically, administered on campus, with no alternative test accepted. Families coming from schools that emphasize a different exam should confirm the HSPT format and prepare accordingly, especially since extended time requires advance documentation.
Top Tips for Applying
- Schedule a Shadow Visit early in the September–November window, since these are required for all applicants.
- Register for the HSPT well ahead of the December test date to avoid the later make-up date.
- If applying for tuition assistance, submit the TADS application on time and don’t wait for an admission decision.
Best Practices for Families
- Attend the Open House or a Tiger Talk to experience NDB’s community firsthand.
- Request recommendation forms from a current math and English teacher, plus a principal or counselor, well before the December deadline.
- Choose a family interview date that works for the whole family, since attendance from at least one parent is required.
What the Application Involves
-
01Testing Policy
The HSPT is required for all incoming freshmen and must be taken at NDB, with extended time available for documented learning differences.
-
02Recommendations
Teacher recommendation forms are required, alongside official transcripts. Grades of D or F in 7th or 8th grade do not meet NDB’s admissions criteria.
Apply to NDB with Expert Guidance from Cardinal Education
Cardinal Education’s private school admissions consulting helps Asian American families prepare for the HSPT, choose strong recommenders, and get ready for the family interview. For the full picture of NDB’s academics, admissions process, and requirements, see our main Notre Dame Belmont Admissions Consulting page.
Families evaluating NDB may also find our results useful context.
“We weren’t totally sure how to show that our daughter had a unique voice without just forcing her into a dozen new extracurriculars she didn’t care about. Allen Koh helped her find a way to be confident in the passions she already had instead, and that changed everything. We’re really proud of how she took ownership of the whole process.”— Parent from NDB
Frequently Asked Questions
How diverse is Notre Dame Belmont’s student body?
Does Notre Dame Belmont require the HSPT?
What is the Tri-School Program at NDB?
Is a Shadow Visit required to apply to NDB?
What is NDB’s college enrollment rate?
Considering Notre Dame Belmont?
Our consultants build a preparation plan around your family’s specific priorities.