The Archdiocese of Detroit announced in early March 2005 that 18 Detroit–area schools—including Notre Dame High School—would be shut down because declining enrollment and an escalating budget deficit.

Archdiocese spokesman Richard Laskos called the decision "irrevocable" despite protests from family, students and alumni of the school.

[1] The Friends of Notre Dame Incorporated filed a lawsuit to keep the school open, but a Wayne County Circuit Court judge ruled against them.

[3] Mark Binelli, author of Detroit City is the Place to Be, wrote that the school cafeteria was used as the catering hall for the employees of the film production.

[5] Future State senator Curtis Hertel Jr. ND '96 continued that tradition with booking local punk bands who believed in spreading progressive ideas of peace, unity, and acceptance.