Patricia McCarron

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Head of School
Notre Dame Preparatory School

Sister Patricia McCarron has served as head of school at Notre Dame Preparatory School since 2005, leading the institution through significant growth and transformation.

Under McCarron’s leadership, NDP has become the largest Catholic girls’ school in the Baltimore metro region with 844 students. Applications increased by 17% and 62% respectively in the past two years, making it one of the most sought-after private schools in Maryland.

Her tenure has been marked by substantial campus expansion, including a new Innovation Wing dedicated to STEAM learning, a Learning Resource Center, performing arts facilities and enhanced athletic fields. The school earned National Blue-Ribbon School recognition in 2012 and 2020.

McCarron oversaw two successful capital campaigns totaling more than $15.3 million and a 150th anniversary initiative that raised $2.6 million, exceeding its goal by 167%. The funds supported faculty, staff and a new middle-income scholarship program.

“Under Sister Patricia’s leadership, NDP has seen tremendous growth in the school population and facilities,” said Christine Kaiser, associate upper-level dean of students. “No task is too difficult nor is any goal not able to be achieved as evident in the two very successful capital campaigns she has overseen.”

McCarron expanded academic offerings with nearly 39 new courses, including nine Advanced Placement courses and established signature programs in service learning, biliteracy and STEAM. She also strengthened the school’s diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging initiatives through staff development, student affinity groups and community education.

“Leadership is an awesome privilege and an awesome responsibility,” McCarron said. “As servant-leaders, it is imperative that we are passionate about our work, value the people we work with and for and that love is the guiding force of all we do.”

McCarron previously served on boards including Notre Dame of Maryland University, University of Maryland St. Joseph Medical Center and the Independent Child Abuse Review Board for the Archdiocese of Baltimore. She earned her doctorate in educational administration and policy from the Catholic University of America, master’s degree from Loyola University Maryland and bachelor’s degree from Notre Dame of Maryland University.

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