When the Missionary Fathers came to Mindanao in 1939, they were confronted with the difficult problem of how to reach out to the people to spread the Word of God. After much consideration, Fr. Gerard Mongeau, OMI and his Oblate brothers thought that the best way to reach as many people as possible was through the establishment of schools. They therefore decided to open the first high school in Midsayap because the system of highways at that time made Midsayap the crossroads of the province. The “experiment” was at the same time intended to test the reaction of the people to the idea of a Catholic school.

Since the Philippines and the Oblate congregation are both dedicated to Our Lady, it was natural that the school should be placed under her protection. It was Fr. Joseph Boyd, OMI, who suggested the name NOTRE DAME. Hence, in July 1941, the NOTRE DAME ACADEMY in Midsayap opened its doors. It was the first link in the long chain of Notre Dame schools which today number 194 and form the Notre Dame Educational Association.