We are
D. A .
Dominican Academy CATHOLIC, COLLEGE-PREPARATORY SCHOOL FOR GIRLS
A LETTER FROM THE DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS: Dear Prospective Students and Parents, Thank you for taking the time to learn more about Dominican Academy and all we have to offer! I'm so glad that you’re considering D.A. among your choices for high school. It is a sincere pleasure for me to have this opportunity not only to get to know you and your family, but also to highlight the unique benefits of a D.A. education. In light of the health crisis facing our country and our world, allow me to share some key updates regarding the application process for the D.A. Class of 2025. Now more than ever, Dominican Academy remains committed to a holistic application process that considers much more than grades and standardized test scores. A “D.A. Girl” is not just a diligent student: she is compassionate, she is curious, she is collaborative, and she uses her unique gifts and talents to make our school better than it was when she first arrived. These traits play a large part in selecting students who will find happiness and success here at D.A. and further our mission of, “Searching for Truth through Study, working to create a caring Community, reaching out to others by Preaching and Just Actions, and enfolding our lives in Prayer.” As you navigate the admissions process, know that the D.A. Admissions Committee fully supports the pedagogical and administrative decisions your child’s school has made or will make to serve its students during this time of crisis. We fully understand that your child’s school may have transitioned to pass/fail, standards-based rubrics, or other alternative means of assessment
Fall 2020 in lieu of traditional numerical grades. Our practice will be to review whatever information a school chooses to report a student’s progress. We understand and support the tough decisions that schools have had to make, and will be flexible and fair in our review of any and all materials. We want to lessen the burdens on you and your child’s school, not increase them. We know the year ahead will look and feel very different. Dominican Academy remains committed to the safety and well-being of all members of our community—students, faculty and staff, parents and guardians, and you—our prospective students and families. We will work tirelessly to ensure that you and your family can safely learn about Dominican Academy and make an informed high school decision. Whether it’s through a live Q&A, virtual tour, or connecting with a current student, you will experience the unique warmth of the D.A. community and get the information you need! Please do not hesitate to contact me if you have any questions, or would like additional information. It is an honor and a privilege for me to welcome new students into the Dominican Academy family and share the same experience that I—and so many others—have cherished and will continue to cherish in the years to come. I look forward to speaking further and working with you in the near future! Sincerely,
CLICK HERE TO READ MORE ABOUT D.A.’S COVID-19 RESPONSE PLAN
Madeleine B. Metzler, '07 Director of Admissions
OUR MISSION, OUR LEGACY. Since our founding in 1897, Dominican Academy has consistently ranked among New York City’s best high schools. Located in an historic mansion on the Upper East Side of Manhattan, Dominican Academy (D.A.) unites academic excellence with a warm, family-like atmosphere. Sponsored by the Dominican Sisters of Peace, D.A. stands alone as the only all-honors high school for young women in New York State. D.A. challenges and empowers students to be advocates and leaders on a local and global scale. Our students strive for excellence in all things, guided by the Dominican pillars of Study, Community, Just Actions, and Prayer. We invite you to join our community of intelligent, compassionate, and talented young women. Learn with us. Lead with us. Be a D.A. Girl.
D.A. PLEDGE “In the Dominican tradition, I pledge to search for truth through
STUDY,
COMMUNITY, reach out to others through Preaching & JUST ACTIONS, and enfold my life in PRAYER.” work to create a caring
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STUDY
ACADEMIC OVERVIEW
BE15SMART +
A.P. CLASSES and 20+ ELECTIVES
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
Dominican Academy challenges young women with a comprehensive and rigorous academic program. All of our classes are either Honors or Advanced Placement level. Small classes ensure personalized attention and foster opportunities for mentorship. The largest class on average is no more than 20 to 22 students, and electives and A.P. classes can have as few as 5 to 15 students.
STEM The Barbara Robotti Murray, ‘64 Science Center and Natalie Frankowski, ‘14 Collaborative Classroom provide D.A. students with the ideal environment for hands-on experiments, which are a fundamental part of all science classes. Students hone their analytical and creative skills through Math, Science, and Technology courses.
TECHNOLOGY At Dominican Academy, we understand the importance of technology as a tool to engage our students and expand their horizons. } Our state-of-the-art technological infrastructure guarantees the reliability, speed, and accessibility of our network for all devices. } Teachers use tablets to integrate external resources into their curricula, and students can use the device of their choice to support their in-class learning. } In 2019, D.A. was chosen as a recipient of the Amazon Future Engineer grant. This award enables us to offer Intro to Computer Science and A.P. Computer Science as part of a fully sequenced and paced digital curriculum for students. } Our Language Lab provides students with increased opportunities to interact with each other and their teachers, to practice conversation and pronunciation, and to complete web-based language activities.
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Advanced Placement Classes
Guidance classes keep students on track in and out of the classroom. All D.A. students benefit from a personal relationship with a guidance counselor for all four years. Students meet weekly in small groups and regularly one-on-one with a counselor. Counselors are always available to assist students throughout the day. In Freshman and Sophomore year, guidance focuses on the adjustment to high school, time management, and work habits. In the Junior and Senior years, guidance classes focus almost exclusively on college preparation and placement. Each student works closely with her guidance counselor in weekly meetings to set goals for her future studies.
Art History
European History
Biology
Government
Calculus AB
Italian
Chemistry
Latin
RESEARCH AND TECHNOLOGY All Freshmen and Sophomores take a Research and Technology course aimed at expanding and honing their research, citation, and academic writing skills. Students continue to perfect their technical skills while learning the basics of computer programming, drafting resumes and cover letters, and applying for internships.
Computer Science Principles Economics English Language and Composition Environmental Science
Advanced Drama Art History
Spanish Physics B Psychology U.S. History
Intro to Computer Programming Intro to Music Theory
Body-Mind Conditioning
Latin IV
The Civil Rights Movement: Then and Now
Latin Poetry Law and Society
Creative Writing
Pre-Calculus and Calculus
Forensic Science Glee Club/Chorus History of NYC: 1500 to Today Intro to Art History
8:1 STUDENT to TEACHER RATIO
Mandarin
Electives Offered Advocacy: Tools and Tactics
Our curriculum provides a full college preparatory education — from the humanities and language to science and mathematics. Students can customize their course load by choosing from over 15 Advanced Placement (A.P.) courses and over 20 electives.
STUDY
GUIDANCE AND WELLNESS COUNSELING
Senior Ensemble Shakespeare’s Plays Statistics
Intro to Modern Art These courses were offered to students for 2020-2021. Courses run based on interest and enrollment.
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BE INVOLVED
COMMUNITY
and 8 VARSITY SPORTS over 30 CLUBS
CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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ROBUST ALUMNAE NETWORK The D.A. sisterhood extends far beyond the walls of 44 East 68th Street. Our students benefit from an extensive network of alumnae who enthusiastically donate their time and talent to their alma mater. Each spring, the Advancement Office sponsors a Career Day for 11th graders with alumnae representatives from different professional fields. Year round, alums work with students in many ways—from being available by phone and email to serving as mentors and hiring student interns.
EXTRACURRICULAR ACTIVITIES D.A. students reap the benefits of a well-rounded curriculum and extracurricular program. We encourage our students to be leaders and strive for excellence both in the classroom, and as members of our clubs and athletic teams.
CLUBS The 2020-2021 club roster includes over 30 student-run organizations, including Art Club, Girls Who Code, Literary Journal, Mock Trial, Museum Club, Newspaper, Pre-Med Society, Student Council, Yearbook, Women’s Empowerment, and many more! Under the guidance of a faculty moderator, students are able to start their own club to pursue areas of interest that are not represented.
VARSITY ATHLETICS At D.A., we know that excellence extends from the classroom to the court. Over 40% of our students participate in Athletics as members of our Varsity teams: Basketball, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Cross Country Track, Indoor and Outdoor Track, and Volleyball. Our student-athletes compete against other girls high schools within the Archdiocese of New York as members of the Catholic High School Athletic Association (CHSAA). Both the D.A. Soccer and Volleyball teams were division champions in their most recent seasons!
COMMUNITY
A HAVEN FOR THE ARTS The D.A. building once housed one of the premier art collections in the United States with works by Rembrant, Vermeer, Van Eyck, amongst others. Today, our well-rounded performing arts curriculum sparks students’ creativity, while building confidence and cultivating poise through solo and group performances.
DANCE Students participate in weekly hour-long dance classes under the instruction of a professionally-trained modern dancer. Over four years, students explore the world of dance, from ballet and modern to jazz and social dancing, as well as yoga and pilates. Students chassé under the watchful eye of Sir Thomas Lawrence’s Lady Wellesley to fulfill their physical education requirement.
DRAMA AND MUSIC In Freshman and Sophomore year, all students take weekly Drama and Music classes. In Drama, students are introduced to the theater through a study of public speaking techniques, monologues, dialogues and plays. The course culminates in a showcase performance of a one-act play or scene from a musical comedy. In Music, students learn to appreciate and understand music’s many styles by listening, analysis, and performance through activities such as singing, conducting, and composing across a variety of genres.
BE CREATIVE 15 MUSEUMS
within 1 MILE FROM D.A.
SKETCHING AT THE FRICK Dominican Academy partners with the Frick Collection to offer students the opportunity to learn alongside the Great Masters. The Frick, located a mere two blocks away, is one of the preeminent art museums in the U.S. and houses works by world-renowned artists. Interested students in all grades attend sketching classes at the museum, at no extra charge. Student work is displayed at the Frick at the end of the school year.
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COMMUNITY
NEW YORK CITY IS OUR CLASSROOM, Our
250 STUDENTS TRAVEL TO D.A. from...
all 5 boroughs of NYC, CT, Long Island, NJ, & Westchester
D.A. students understand their role as global citizens. Integrated coursework and extracurricular experiences in NYC and beyond highlight the interconnectedness of study and practice.
DIVERSITY D.A. celebrates the ethnic, geographic, and economic diversity of our student body. Our students travel from all five boroughs of New York City, Connecticut, Long Island, New Jersey, and Westchester, and over 35% speak a language other than English at home.
WORLD LANGUAGES The study of both Classical and Modern languages is an integral part of a D.A. education. All students are required to take two years of both Latin and either French, Mandarin, or Spanish, for a minimum of 4 years of language. Interested students can continue their studies with advanced and A.P. level language classes.
SCHOOL IN THE CITY Throughout the year, all students participate in visits throughout New York City that complement their in-class study. School in the City gives D.A. students the opportunity to make New York City their own by exploring the many cultural and historic institutions nearby. Past trips have included Lincoln Center, MoMA, the Morgan Library, the Museum of the City of New York, the Tenement Museum, and the Museum of the Moving Image. Juniors and Seniors attend a Broadway play each spring.
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COMMUNITY
THE WORLD IS OUR CAMPUS. TRIPS ABROAD Each year, D.A. sponsors an international trip that is open to both students and their family members. The trip takes place during either the Easter or Summer Break. Past trips have included Athens and the Greek Islands, Germany and Austria, Italy, England and France, Spain, and more!
35% of D.A. STUDENTS speak a LANGUAGE
other than English at home
SERVICE TRIP TO ZAMBIA Selected rising seniors travel to Zambia to visit Our Lady of Fatima School, the #1 girls school in the country sponsored by the Dominican sisters. Students immerse themselves in the community by attending classes during the day, and assisting doctors and nurses with field work in the surrounding areas. This is an invaluable opportunity for our students to engage in service and solidarity with other Dominican girls half a world away.
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JUST ACTIONS
BE A LEADER
engage in
SERVICE LEARNING
SERVICE LEARNING PROGRAM (S.L.P)
SENIOR SEMINARS WITH REGIS HIGH SCHOOL
Our S.L.P is a unique academic program integrated into our Theology courses. Combining direct service with education and reflection, this four year program empowers students to advocate for others and to realize the practical applications of their classroom learning.
D.A. Seniors join Regis High School Seniors for weekly Social Justice Seminars. Guest speakers share their expertise in a specific area of social justice, and students participate in small group discussions. This unique program aims to have students engage each other on a number of global social justice and Christian service issues. Recent topics have included the refugee crisis, global health issues, and immigration reform.
JUNIOR ADVOCACY EXPO (JAXPO) Building upon their Christian Ethics curriculum, Juniors choose advocacy topics to present to the school community at the annual JAXPO fair. Recent topics have included prison reform, misogyny in video games, and the portrayal of mental illness in the media.
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100% of Students
PRAYER
RELIGION At D.A., we pride ourselves on our Roman Catholic identity. We believe that the best education nurtures the whole person — intellectually, emotionally, and spiritually— regardless of faith or creed. While 80% of our students identify as Roman Catholic, the remainder are Christian, Orthodox Christian, Jewish, Muslim, or non-religious. Students attend school-wide masses several times a year, and bi-weekly masses are offered in the school chapel.
RETREATS Students participate in a retreat each year during their time at Dominican Academy. Retreats are student-run and take place both at school and off-site at nearby retreat houses. The program allows our students to explore their unique relationship with God and to understand that faith affects every aspect of their lives.
BE FAITHFUL 80% of Students are
ROMAN CATHOLIC
EUCHARISTIC MINISTERS At the beginning of the school year, interested seniors are ordained as Eucharistic Ministers. In preparation, students work closely with the members of the Theology Department to understand their ministry better.
DOMINICAN ACADEMY PREACHERS (DAPS) DAPs are dedicated to highlighting our Dominican identity in the school community. Members organize and lead the Freshman Retreat, plan our Global Awareness Week each Spring, and coordinate a yearly Christmas toy drive for children. DAPs members attend the yearly Dominican Preaching Conference, where they learn from and pray with students from other Dominican high schools throughout the country.
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BE SUCCESSFUL D.A.’s Class of 2020 awarded OVER
25.3 MILLION
$ 10
in SCHOLARSHIPS
THE D.A. CLASS OF 2020 Members of the D.A. Class of 2020 were accepted into the following colleges and universities in the U.S. and abroad. These 64 graduates were awarded over $25.3 million in merit scholarships and grants. College and University Acceptances for the D.A. Class of 2020 include: Adelphi University* American University Arizona State University Ave Maria University Bard College Baylor University* Bishop’s University Boston College* Boston University Bucknell University Caldwell University California Polytechnic State University Case Western Reserve University Catholic University of America* Colgate University College of Charleston* College of Mount Saint Vincent* College of the Holy Cross* College of William and Mary Columbia University* Concordia College Cornell University* CUNY, Baruch CUNY, Sophie Davis School of Biomedical Education
Dartmouth College Dickinson College Dominican College Drexel University* Duke University Duquesne University Emerson College* Emmanuel College Fairfield University* Fairleigh Dickinson University Felician University Fordham University* George Washington University* Gettysburg College High Point University Hobart and William Smith Colleges* Hofstra University* Iona College* Johns Hopkins University Kenyon College Lafayette College* Le Moyne College* Loyola University, Chicago* Loyola University, Maryland* Loyola University, Marymount
Loyola University, New Orleans* Macalester College Manhattan College* Manhattanville College Marist College* Marquette University* Marymount Manhattan College Miami University Michigan State University Molloy College Montclair State University New York University, Shanghai New York University* Northeastern University* Ohio State University Pace University* Pennsylvania State University* Providence College* Quinnipiac University* Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute* Rhodes College Rochester Institute of Technology* Roger Williams University Rutgers University Sacred Heart University* Saint Joseph’s University* Saint Michael’s College Saint Peter’s University* Santa Clara University* Sarah Lawrence College Seton Hall University* Siena College* Skidmore College* St. Bonaventure College* St. John’s University* St. Lawrence University
BE SUCCESSFUL
85% of each graduating class from 2016-2020 received
academic scholarships averaging $295,000 per student annually
Stevens Institute of Technology* Stonehill College SUNY, Albany SUNY, Binghamton* SUNY, New Paltz SUNY, Stonybrook* Syracuse University* Temple University Texas Christian University University at Buffalo University of Aberdeen, Scotland University of Alabama University of Albany University of California, Los Angeles University of California, Santa Barbara University of Colorado, Boulder
University University University University University University University University University University University University University University University University
of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of of
Connecticut* Dallas* Dayton* Delaware* Iowa Maine Maryland Massachusetts, Amherst* Miami Michigan Notre Dame* Oklahoma Pennsylvania Rochester* San Diego* San Francisco
University of Scranton* University of South Florida University of St. Andrew’s, Scotland University of Texas at Austin University of Vermont University of Wisconsin, Madison Vermont Technical College Villanova University* Wagner College Wake Forest University Washington University Wesleyan University William Paterson University Worcester Polytechnic Institute Yale University
*indicates multiple students accepted
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BE A D.A. GIRL BEGIN your JOURNEY as a D.A. GIRL CLICK HERE TO LEARN MORE
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HOW TO APPLY Dominican Academy attracts some of the brightest and most talented young women in the tri-state area. As a result, admission to D.A. is very competitive. The Admissions Committee strongly considers candidates who score in the top 15% on the TACHS Exam, have above average grades, and wish to strive for excellence in a Catholic, collegepreparatory environment. Admission is based on the student’s scores in each section of the TACHS Exam and her middle school records.
1. Register to take the TACHS exam: We strongly encourage all applicants to take the TACHS Exam. Register by visiting www.tachsinfo.com, or by calling 866-618-2247 no later than October 23, 2020. We will also consider applicants who take the HSPT, COOP, and CHSEE Exams for admission. If you are applying with one of these exams, please notify the Admissions Office directly. 2. List D.A. on your TACHS exam: The 2020 TACHS exam will be administered virtually using a secure testing platform on Friday, November 6, 2020 in the Archdiocese of New York and Saturday, November 7, 2020 in the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens. Interested students must indicate D.A. as one of their three choices on the exam. Our school code is 204. We give strong preference to candidates who list D.A. as their first choice; however, we will consider all first, second, and third choice applicants. We only consider first choice applicants for merit scholarship and need-based financial aid opportunities. We accept HSPT, COOP, and CHSEE scores, but experience shows us that HSPT, COOP, and CHSEE scores tend to be lower than TACHS scores. We suggest you take the TACHS if at all possible, especially as the exam will be administered virtually and can be taken from any location in Fall 2020. 3. Complete the online application and forward transcripts: All applicants: Complete and submit our online Application for Admission available on the D.A. website. Additional materials, including letters of recommendation and personal statements, are not required but are recommended. For students attending a Catholic elementary school in the Archdiocese of New York or the Diocese of Brooklyn and Queens: Your current school will help you submit the student’s records through the TACHS Applicant Record. For students attending a public, private, or non-diocesan school: complete Section A of the Applicant Record which can be found in the TACHS information booklet or on the TACHS website. Submit the Applicant Record to the student’s eighth grade principal, teacher, or counselor, who will then complete the remaining three sections and send the student’s records to Dominican Academy. All materials should be submitted no later than December 11, 2020. We recommend that materials be sent electronically to admissions@dominicanacademy.org with the student’s name in the subject line. Hard copies can also be sent to the attention of the Admissions Office at 44 East 68th Street, New York, NY 10065.
4. Complete the S.S.S. Financial Aid Form (Optional): Families interested in the possibility of need-based financial aid must submit the School and Student Service for Financial Aid form (S.S.S.) no later than December 11, 2020. See next page for details. 5. Await Admissions Decisions sent on January 13, 2021: All admissions decisions—including acceptances, rejections, and waitlist—will be sent by land mail and email after 4 PM on January 13, 2021. Please contact the Admissions Office if you applied and do not receive an admissions decision at 212-744-0195, ext. 131 or email admissions@dominicanacademy.org.
TUITION AND SCHOLARSHIPS Tuition for 2020-2021 is $18,800. While the actual cost of a Dominican Academy Education is over $25,000 per student, we are able to bridge the gap with the generous contributions of our alumnae, parents, and benefactors. Our fundraising efforts to ensure that D.A. remains accessible to talented students of all economic backgrounds.
MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS Dominican Academy offers a select number of full- and partial-tuition merit scholarships. We will invite first choice students with outstanding academic performance in school and on the TACHS Exam to participate in our scholarship awarding process. All scholarship candidates must meet a D.A. faculty or staff member for a personal interview. A teacher’s recommendation is required. Students interested in purely merit-based scholarships do not need to fill out a financial aid form through S.S.S.
FINANCIAL AID Dominican Academy is committed to collaborating with families to ensure that financial concerns do not inhibit a talented student from receiving a top-notch education. While we do the best we can with our limited resources to meet families’ needs, we are unable to meet the needs of all applicants for financial aid. Interested families must submit a financial aid application available at www.solutionsbySSS.com no later than December 11, 2020. Limited need-based financial aid is granted at the school’s discretion. The Financial Aid Committee will finalize awards only after the SSS file is complete. We will be unable to grant financial aid to families who do not submit the SSS and supporting documents.
PRIVATE SCHOLARSHIPS AND TUITION ASSISTANCE Dominican Academy honors private scholarships such as, but not limited to, the Archdiocese of New York Be a Student’s Friend and Cardinal’s Scholarships, ADNY educator discounts, Inner City Scholarships, and the Columbus Citizens Foundation. If you have questions about a specific scholarship, please contact our Admissions Office.
Please Direct All Questions To: Ms. Madeleine B. Metzler, ‘07, Director of Admissions, at 212-744-0195, ext 131, or mmetzler@dominicanacademy.org
TUITION AND FEES FOR 2020-2021 Tuition �������������������������������������������������������������� $18,800 Fees ��������������������������������������������������������������������� $650* Registration Fee ����������������������������������������������������� $200 *Fees include most textbooks, School in the City trips, laboratory supplies, technology fee, student retreats, student newspaper, yearbook, and Parents’ Association dues.
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DOMINICAN ACADEMY WHERE SMART GIRLS BECOME INTELLIGENT WOMEN
SR. MARGARET ORMOND, O.P., ‘60, PRESIDENT DR. LESLIE POOLE PETIT, P‘14, ‘19, PRINCIPAL MADELEINE B. METZLER, ‘07, DIRECTOR OF ADMISSIONS PHOTOGRAPHY: HARISCH STUDIOS; MADELEINE B. METZLER, ‘07; AND ALEXANDRA MOSS, ‘16
44 EAST 68TH STREET
|
NEW YORK, NY 10065
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212.744.0195
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WWW.DOMINICANACADEMY.ORG