In 1849, two young teachers in Coesfeld, a town northern Germany, began providing a home where neglected children could be loved and cared for while they attended school.  On October 1, 1850, HilligondeWolbring, as Sister Maria Aloysia and Elizabeth Kühling, as Sister Maria Ignatia, foundress and co-foundress, took another step as they began formation to be consecrated religious women.

The new congregation was based on the spiritual heritage of St. Julie Billiart, foundress of the Sisters of Notre Dame of Namur, whose religious rule was adopted. And so the Congregation of the Sisters of Notre Dame of Coesfeld was born.

Since its founding, the Congregation has grown to its present membership of 2,100 living sisters ministering across the globe: United States of America, Nicaragua, Peru, Brazil, Germany, the Netherlands, Italy, England, India, South Korea, Indonesia, Papua New Guinea, the Philippines, Uganda, Tanzania, Kenya, and Mozambique.  There are four provinces in the United States: Toledo, Ohio; Covington, Kentucky; Thousand Oaks, California; and Chardon, Ohio.

The charism, mission and spirit of the Sisters of Notre Dame are captured in the following phrases:
• CHARISM ~ a deep experience of God’s goodness and provident care
• MISSION ~ witnessing God’s goodness and provident care to others
• SPIRIT ~ joyful simplicity ~ trusting God-centeredness ~ caring love 
In the words of the 2010 General Chapter, the Sisters of Notre Dame proclaim God’s goodness and provident care, united in
• 
o One heart
o One hope
o One mission
…committed to global transformation.

Presence in California
The Sisters of Notre Dame first came to California in 1924, opening St. Lawrence School in Watts and St. Matthias School in Huntington Park.  Over the years, the sisters established 21 schools and have ministered in schools, parish religious education programs, parish administration and pastoral care, health care, social service ministries, and missionary activity. 

In summary, the mission statement of the California province indicates the sisters' commitment:  Rooted in Jesus, gathered into a life-giving community, committed to simplicity of life, we are missioned as Sisters of Notre Dame to bring hope in a diverse society. 
 
Educational Heritage
The Sisters of Notre Dame and the schools they sponsor claim an educational heritage of more than 160 years. Today, Notre Dame educational programs in 17 countries are founded on four SND educational principles:
* The centrality of a good and provident God
* The human dignity of each person as an image of God
* The Notre Dame educator as Gospel witness
* An integrated education for transformation.
Today, the California province sponsors these institutions:
La Reina High School
Notre Dame Academy Elementary School - Los Angeles
Notre Dame Academy High School - Los Angeles
Notre Dame Learning Center - Thousand Oaks 
La Reina High School experiences the internationality of the Sisters of Notre Dame through mission awareness programs and through visits from students, faculty and speakers from the Notre Dame global community. Additional information about the Sisters of Notre Dame is available on the websites listed below.