WEST HAVEN, Conn. — Notre Dame High School in West Haven welcomed its incoming freshman class Wednesday morning, marking a historic shift as the school admits female students for the first time in its nearly 80-year history.

Some of the freshman girls, like Michaela Madonick, are thrilled with the opportunity to attend Notre Dame.

"I was looking for the opportunity to come here, so I'm glad they made that change and are allowing girls here," Madonick said.

Founded in 1946, Notre Dame High School operated as an all-boys institution until the start of the 2025 academic year.

The girls joined the boys Wednesday as they walked through the front doors together as part of the class of 2029.

"The faculty are really excited, there's just that feeling of something new, and a transformation tha

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