NDV History

In 1924, two Marist fathers, Père Henri Gerard, S.M. and Père Louis LeBihan, S.M., founded Notre Dame des Victoires. Acting upon the encouragement of Archbishop Edward J. Hanna, they were eager to establish the school as a center of French culture – a Catholic school where students would learn French as well as English. The school, located at the site of the church for which it is named, opened on January 24, 1924 with an enrollment of fourteen students.

Although Notre Dame des Victoires began with these fourteen students, the formal opening of the school took place on August 18, 1924 with an enrollment of 123 students. At this time, Sister Mary Charles Lirette, C.S.J. was appointed principal. She remained in that position until 1946. The school was staffed for many years entirely by the Sisters of St. Joseph of Orange (CSJ). Today, no sisters are present; however, we continue to embrace the CSJ charism through the CSJ Educational Network.

In 1949, Père LeBihan, S.M. expanded the school to include five additional classrooms, a library, science laboratory, as well as a convent.

In May 2006, the church of Notre Dame des Victoires celebrated its one hundred fiftieth anniversary. The school now has an enrollment of approximately two hundred eighty students, drawn from the greater Bay Area and representing many diverse ethnic backgrounds.

NDV continues to provide the unique educational experience envisioned by its founders.