Discover Our Rich Legacy
Through decades of transformative growth, Collège Notre Dame de Louaizé has embraced educational modernization while preserving its core Maronite values and heritage. Today, CNDL is renowned for cultivating well-rounded, socially responsible citizens who thrive academically, socially, environmentally, and spiritually, equipped to excel in a diverse and rapidly evolving global society.
The History of Collège Notre Dame de Louaizé: A Maronite Legacy
Collège Notre Dame de Louaizé stands as far more than just a leading educational institution; it symbolizes the steadfast dedication of the Maronite Fathers to delivering exceptional education, promoting literacy, and nurturing intellectual and spiritual growth among Lebanon’s Christian communities. Founded in 1960, CNDL boasts a vibrant legacy characterized by significant historical milestones, continuous academic innovation, and unwavering commitment to excellence.
1736
An Early Commitment to Fighting Illiteracy
Decades before the founding of Collège Notre Dame de Louaizé, the Maronite Mariamite Order (O.M.M.) embarked on a visionary mission to eradicate illiteracy among Lebanon’s Christian communities, beginning as early as 1736. This groundbreaking commitment formed the cornerstone of Christian education in Lebanon, profoundly shaping the country’s educational landscape and ultimately laying the foundation for the establishment of CNDL.
The Maronite Fathers, driven by an enduring belief in education as a vital catalyst for spiritual growth, personal empowerment, and communal advancement, envisioned a society enriched by knowledge and enlightened faith. Their centuries-long dedication underscores education not merely as academic instruction, but as a profound means of nurturing faith, enhancing individual potential, and fostering community resilience and prosperity.
1960
The Founding of CNDL – A Gateway for Seminarians
In 1960, CNDL officially opened its doors, originally serving as an educational institution exclusively designed for seminarians of the Maronite Mariamite Order (O.M.M.) within the convent premises. This foundational chapter marked the humble beginnings of what would rapidly evolve into a prominent educational establishment recognized for both its academic rigor and unwavering commitment to Christian values.
From these origins, deeply rooted in spirituality and Maronite traditions, CNDL quickly broadened its vision and extended its mission, opening its doors to a diverse learner body. This significant step allowed the school to enrich its community impact, transforming into a vibrant center of learning where learners from varied backgrounds come together to achieve academic excellence and personal growth within a nurturing, values-based educational environment.
1964
Welcoming the Wider Community – A New Era at CNDL
In 1964, just four years after its inception, CNDL embarked on a pivotal new chapter, welcoming its first cohort of non-seminarian learners. This significant milestone marked CNDL’s transformation from an exclusively seminary-based institution into a dynamic educational center open to the general public.
This visionary shift not only broadened the school’s horizons but also established CNDL as a cornerstone of educational excellence in the region. By embracing learners from diverse cultural, social, and religious backgrounds, the institution cultivated an enriching academic community, fostering unity in diversity, academic distinction, and inclusive values that resonate to this day.
1968-1975
Campus Expansion and Educational Innovation
Between 1968 and 1975, CNDL entered a transformative era characterized by substantial campus expansions and forward-thinking pedagogical reforms. Responding to increasing enrollment and evolving educational demands, the institution undertook significant infrastructure developments beginning in 1968, constructing the iconic L-shaped main building, which currently accommodates the French educational section.
By 1975, further growth necessitated another pivotal expansion, reshaping the facility into its now-familiar U-shaped configuration. This architectural evolution symbolized CNDL’s dynamic response to a rapidly growing student population and its dedication to fostering a conducive and inspiring learning environment.
Parallel to its physical expansion, CNDL actively introduced progressive pedagogical reforms aimed at modernizing education, enhancing student engagement, and better meeting diverse learner needs. These reforms positioned the institution at the forefront of educational innovation, reinforcing its longstanding reputation for academic excellence and holistic student development.
1970
Celebrating the First Official Baccalaureate Graduates
The year 1970 marked a historic achievement for Collège Notre Dame de Louaizé (CNDL), celebrating its first graduating class to successfully pass the official Lebanese Baccalaureate exams with an outstanding 100% success rate. This landmark accomplishment significantly reinforced CNDL’s distinguished reputation as a leading educational institution dedicated to academic rigor and excellence.
This exemplary success underscored CNDL’s commitment to delivering quality education designed to thoroughly prepare students for higher education and future professional pursuits. By cultivating critical thinking, intellectual depth, and personal growth, CNDL positioned itself firmly as a premier institution trusted by families to guide their children toward academic and lifelong success.
1981-1983
Expanding Facilities and Launching Extracurricular Excellence
The early 1980s represented a remarkable period of growth and enrichment for CNDL, distinguished by the development of essential new infrastructure and the introduction of vibrant extracurricular programs. In 1981, the institution significantly expanded its campus by constructing the dedicated English-language section, the central administrative building, and the beautiful college chapel, reflecting CNDL’s ongoing commitment to holistic educational experiences rooted in academic and spiritual growth.
In 1983, this expansion extended beyond academics with the founding of the CNDL Sports Club, significantly enhancing campus life. This dynamic addition offered learners invaluable opportunities for physical development, teamwork, and camaraderie. The sports club quickly became an integral part of the learners’ holistic educational experience, reinforcing CNDL’s commitment to nurturing both intellectual and personal development through diverse sports and recreational activities.
1991-1997
Pioneering Technological Advances and Pedagogical Excellence
Throughout the 1990s, CNDL solidified its role as a pioneer of educational innovation in Lebanon. In 1991, the institution introduced computer science into its curriculum, positioning itself at the forefront of technological education in the region. This groundbreaking initiative equipped learners with vital digital skills, preparing them effectively for the evolving demands of the modern world.
Committed to fostering learner creativity and expression, CNDL launched the esteemed Assahira Awards in 1993, celebrating and recognizing the outstanding talents and accomplishments of its learners. Continuing this creative trajectory, the college introduced Assahira Al Jawwala, a vibrant quarterly learner publication, in 1995, further empowering learners to express their ideas, creativity, and critical thinking skills.
To cater comprehensively to its community, CNDL also addressed the educational needs of its youngest members by inaugurating a dedicated Kindergarten Building in 1997, specifically designed to support early childhood development and provide a nurturing environment for young learners.
These strategic enhancements underscored CNDL’s enduring commitment to innovation, learner-centric pedagogy, and comprehensive educational excellence.
2001-2017
Strengthening Excellence and Gaining International Recognition
The dawn of the 21st century marked a significant era of growth, consolidation, and international recognition for CNDL. In 2001, the establishment of the Maronite Pedagogical Office reinforced the institution’s central role in advancing educational quality and excellence within the Maronite community. This initiative was further bolstered in 2004 with the launch of comprehensive teacher training workshops specifically designed for educators across Maronite schools, reaffirming CNDL’s commitment to continuous pedagogical improvement and innovation.
CNDL’s dedicated efforts toward educational excellence received formal acknowledgment in 2014, with the official accreditation of its Kindergarten program, recognizing the school’s adherence to rigorous international standards. Building on this success, CNDL further expanded its academic offerings by inaugurating the prestigious French Baccalaureate Program in 2015, enhancing its commitment to multilingual education and international standards of excellence.
The institution’s steadfast journey toward accreditation culminated in 2017 with the successful accreditation of Cycles 2 and 3, a significant achievement underscoring CNDL’s comprehensive commitment to quality education, learner success, and continuous institutional development.
These milestones collectively strengthened CNDL’s position as a leading educational institution recognized both locally and internationally for its outstanding pedagogical practices, academic rigor, and learner-centered approach.
2025
Comprehensive Accreditation Achieved
Zouk Mosbeh – June 2025 – Collège Notre Dame De Louaizé announced today that it has earned Cognia® Accreditation. Cognia is a nonprofit organization that provides quality assurance for schools, school districts, and education service providers.
“Accreditation as conferred by the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission provides Collège Notre Dame De Louaizé a nationally recognized mark of quality for our school,” shared Father Hanna Tayar, “It demonstrates to our community our commitment to excellence, our willingness to enact meaningful change based on evaluation and feedback, and our desire to be the best we can be on behalf of the students we serve.”
Cognia recognizes schools across the globe that meet rigorous standards focused on productive learning environments, equitable resource allocation, and effective leadership. To earn Cognia accreditation, a school must submit to internal and external review. Earning accreditation from the Cognia Global Accreditation Commission means that the school meets Cognia Performance Standards and maintains a commitment to continuous improvement. Schools in good standing can maintain their accreditation for a six-year term.
Dr. Mark A. Elgart, president and CEO of Cognia, stated, “Cognia Accreditation is a rigorous process that focuses the entire school and its community on the primary goal of ensuring all students can flourish in engaging and equitable learning environments. We commend Collège Notre Dame De Louaizé for meeting high standards and making progress on key indicators that impact student learning.”
Cognia is the parent organization of the North Central Association Commission on Accreditation and School Improvement (NCA CASI), Northwest Accreditation Commission (NWAC) and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Council on Accreditation and School Improvement (SACS CASI). Parents and interested community members can learn more about Cognia Accreditation at cognia.org
About Cognia
Cognia is a global, nonprofit improvement organization dedicated to helping institutions and other education providers grow learners, teachers, and leaders. Cognia offers accreditation and certification, assessment, and improvement services within a framework of continuous improvement. Serving 40,000 public and private institutions from early learning through high school in more than 90 countries, Cognia brings a global perspective to advancing teaching and learning. Find out more at cognia.org.
About Collège Notre Dame De Louaizé
CNDL is a leading Maronite educational institution in Lebanon, offering accredited French and English programs—recognized by AEFE and a Cognia candidate—where learners follow a bilingual, learner-centered curriculum that integrates the Lebanese, French Baccalaureate, and American Program (AP) tracks, combining academic excellence, technological innovation, and spiritual values to prepare future leaders for success both locally and globally.
