NDB, a private college preparatory school, is dedicated to not only helping students gain college admission but also ensuring their success in higher-level education. With 22 AP and 15 Honors courses spanning various subjects, and numerous student life opportunities, NDB prepares students for college-level work regardless of their interests.
Sage Sapperstein, 22′ and a current student at USC, explained how the schedule and rigorous coursework prepared her for college, stating, “By the time I got to college, I was so used to having a rigorous schedule and super hard classes that I actually thought college was a lot easier.”
Even those who choose not to take heavy coursework find empowerment at NDB. Juliana Kiesel, a junior at Chapman University, noted, “When I came to college, I barely even struggled. I would say it [NDB] was the best option for high school for me, for sure. And I didn’t, honestly take even any AP classes. I took one honors class, and I was still so so so prepared.”
NDB also helps students discover their interests by allowing them to choose their classes. Molly Phan, 23′ class of 2027 at USC, described her experience with choosing her schedule and the life-changing impact it had on the future.
“The freedom and being able to choose your AP classes and your electives and stuff set me up well for here [USC] because it allowed me to really realize what I was interested in. If it weren’t for taking journalism for two or three years, I wouldn’t know that I would even be wanting to major in journalism here,” explained Phan.
NDB’s college preparatory program empowers young women for college and life by fostering confidence and a supportive community.
Ariel Lucas, who was the valedictorian of the class of 2023, and a freshman at UCLA explained that, “Tuly the community and the self-confidence- that’s something I’ve brought with me to college.”
NDB’s diverse student life, with various clubs and councils, prepares students for life outside the classroom.
“NDB and just the amount of student organizations that they have on campus is amazing. Very similar to Chapman, there’s so many things to pick from for what you want to do,” described Emma Boyd ’22, a political science major at Chapman University.
Kaylee Kohlmaier, 14′, a practicing defense attorney at Nashville Defender’s, described how the skills she learned from NDB’s mock trial team transferred into her career and life skills.
“Just thinking on your feet, being able to pivot when somebody doesn’t give you an answer you’re looking for, and that could be in an interview context, or that could even be just in a research context. In addition, public speaking, being comfortable talking in front of folks that’s great for presentations or whatever else you need to do,” explained Kohlmaier.
The alumni showcase that NDB excels in developing well-rounded students through campus life, coursework, and a supportive community built by both students and empowering teachers, truly fulfilling their college preparatory mission.
