École Notre Dame des Victoires, the French Catholic elementary school nestled on the slopes of Pine Street in downtown San Francisco, is commemorating its 100th anniversary. Founded in 1924 by Marist priests, the school, a companion to the church that shares its name and location, was envisioned as a sanctuary for French culture, catering to the city's then-thriving French immigrant community.
“The Marist fathers knew that in order to have a thriving parish and rebuild the French immigrant community, they needed to have a thriving school,” explains Principal Sarah Currier. “And so they decided to open this.”
To staff the school, nuns from the Congregation of the Sisters of St. Joseph in France agreed to travel to San Francisco, but only on the condition they could teach French and religion daily. This commitment to French language and faith has remained a cornerstone of the school's curriculum.
A century later, École Notre Dame des Victoires continues to embody its founding vision. Nearly 300 students don the traditional dress of crisp blue sailor suits for boys and girls in dresses with ties. The school's alumni list boasts notable members of San Francisco's elite, including Governor Gavin Newsom, who sported the sailor outfit during his school years.
Students dedicate 45 minutes daily to "apprendre a parlor Francais," immersing themselves in the French language. This emphasis on French language reflects the school's historical ties to the city's French immigrant community.
“At our founding, French was very important to the school because we served a French immigrant population,” Currier said. “Most of the school families were native French speakers.”
San Francisco's French population was once so substantial that in 1960, when then-French President Charles de Gaulle planned a trip to the United States, his only stops included New Orleans and San Francisco.
A Legacy of French Culture
San Francisco honored de Gaulle with a gathering on the steps of City Hall, featuring a choir from École Notre Dame des Victoires serenading him. A photograph capturing this event now hangs in the school's lobby. Bernadette Lorda, a 1965 graduate, appears in the photo, her hair styled in a short bob, standing midway up the steps from de Gaulle. To mark the school's centennial, a recreation of this famous photo was staged, with Mayor London Breed occupying de Gaulle's position.
Lorda fondly recalls her days playing on the school's playground, surrounded by apartment buildings that remain unchanged today. “You’ve got the kids in hopscotch, you’ve got people just playing tag,” she says. “It’s a real urban experience, and it was like that when I was a kid.”
École Notre Dame des Victoires has prepared extensively for its anniversary celebration. Earlier this year, a cable car was adorned in the school's honor, and this weekend, a grand centennial gala will be held at the nearby Fairmont Hotel. Students have collaborated with artists to create artwork for auction.
Though the school once housed a high school, now it comprises a grammar school with approximately 300 students. It boasts an extensive arts and music program, including a creatively-filled art lab that evokes an artistic haven. French culture permeates every aspect of the school.
“French is like the best part of the day for me,” says fourth grader Olivia Kohn. “It’s super fun.”
Jess Shriber, a parent and art patron, explains that her family chose École Notre Dame des Victoires after touring various San Francisco schools. The school's French heritage and the sailor uniform ultimately swayed their decision. “What really drew us to NDV was the fact that they are really rooted in the traditions and they honor those that came before us,” she says, using the school's popular acronym.
While the school's annual tuition is a hefty $11,000, Currier highlights that scholarships and grants are available to families facing financial hardship. This commitment to accessibility reflects the school's long tradition of aiding immigrant families.
A Legacy of Resilience
The nuns who once graced the school with their presence have since departed, and French is not as prevalent in San Francisco as it once was. However, the school thrives amidst a downtown landscape undergoing transformation, with businesses closing and the school district contemplating school closures.
“Being around for 100 years says the people that founded our school were very strong,” Currier states. “And now it’s our responsibility to do that for those that will be here celebrating the 200th anniversary.”
École Notre Dame des Victoires' enduring legacy is a testament to its commitment to French culture, its dedication to educating generations of students, and its resilience in the face of change. As it embarks on its second century, the school continues to uphold its founding principles, shaping the future of French heritage in San Francisco.