Bishop Gerard Mongeau, OMI, the prelate of Cotabato City to which Kidapawan belonged at that time, gave the approval for the opening of the new school.

James McSorley, OMI[2] bought two hectares of thick-forested land for the parish and the school site with an area of 19,813 square meters.

The construction of the first high school building was done in the "Bayanihan Style" by the civic spirited parishioners of Kidapawan and nearby parishes.

On December 29, 1948, the school was registered in the Securities and Exchange Commission, with the following listed for its Board of Trustees: Rev.

In March 1950, the first high school graduation was held and Leticia Evengelista,[3] now an RVM Sister, was the valedictorian.

In 1951, Bishop Mongeau requested the Religious of the Virgin Mary (RVM) to open an elementary school in Kidapawan, to which was assented by Rev.

Andrea Montejo, RVM, the Regional Superior of Mindanao, Bishop Mongeau segregated sexes, and a contract was made to the effect that the girls will be educated by the Sisters and the boys by the Marist Department of Kidapawan City, now Notre Dame of Kidapawan College.

In 1976, a two-storey wooden elementary building was constructed and the RVM Congregation applied for the change of the name of the school to Notre Dame of Kidapawan for Girls.

Josefina Fran, RVM[3] received the funding she requested from the Raskob Foundation for the Non-Formal Education program amounting to ₱280,000 to purchase typewriters.

These were to be used by the Mother Ignacia Community Services Program every Saturday, and the third and fourth year students in their typing classes.

[9][10] "AM" stands for "Ave Maria" in praise of our Blessed Mother Mary, the Patroness of the RVM Congregation.

The sampaguita beneath the book symbolizes the purity of heart of Mary and Mother Ignacia and the Filipino origin of the school.

At the center of the seal is an open book which bears the Latin inscription, "Initium Sapientiae Timor Domini".

[11] It expresses filial fear, a disposition of profound reverence, awe and love for God, the Source of all wisdom, grace and life.