MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY FOR GIRLS
170 YEARS OF EDUCATING YOUNG WOMEN
Centered on Jesus Christ and faithful to the teaching of the Catholic Church, Mount de Sales Academy offers young women a college preparatory education that promotes flourishing of the whole person. Anchored in faith and rooted in the Visitation and Dominican traditions, the community of Mount de Sales Academy is committed to academic excellence, virtuous integrity, compassionate service, and the inherent dignity of the human person.
UNIQUELY
MOUNT
DE SALES
A JOURNEY OF HEART, SOUL, AND INTELLECT
TOP 10 WAYS MDSA ELEVATES CATHOLIC EDUCATION:
The Dominican Difference
Academic Excellence
The Mount de Sales Confidence
Strong Sisterhood, Traditions, and Vibrant History
Development of the Whole Person
Leadership and Service Development
Caring Faculty and Staff
Faith-Filled and Dedicated Community Chapel at the Center of the School
Beautiful and Historic Campus
DOMINICAN DIFFERENCE
Mount de Sales Academy was founded in 1852 by the Georgetown Visitation Sisters from Washington, D.C. The first Catholic institution in Baltimore County to offer education to young women of all denominations, Mount de Sales was a boarding school until 1933. It is now a day school for girls in grades 9-12.
The Dominican Sisters of the Saint Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee have administered Mount de Sales since 1985 and fill the roles of principal and some of our faculty members.
The faithful presence of our Dominican Sisters makes a profound difference in the lives of our students as they help our young people to become strong, faith-filled, and confident young women for today’s world. With a gentle spirit, the Dominican Sisters joyfully share the truth of the Gospel, bringing others closer to Christ. They radiate happiness and share their academic expertise with the entire MDSA community.
“As our daughters progressed through their years at Mount de Sales, they learned a lot in their classes, but they also learned a tremendous amount from the Sisters. They learned how to be strong young women of faith. But the Sisters taught more than just our daughters, they taught us. Through the Sisters’ example of dedication to the education of the whole person, and by their way of living each day so joyfully, we desire so much more for our own daughters and ourselves. We all know that as our children grow, the worries grow with them so I appreciate the ‘instruction’ I’ve gained by witnessing the Sisters. The Dominican Sisters will always hold a special place in our hearts not only because of the impact they have had on our daughters, but also because of the impact they have had on us.” - Karen, P’14 ’16 ’21
WHY ALL GIRLS?
• 96% of single-sex students said they receive more feedback on their course work.
• 95% feel supported by their teachers and 90% report feeling supported by other students.
• 87% of all-girls students say their opinion is respected at their school.
• 80% of all-girl students held leadership positions after graduating.
• 60% of single-sex graduates report higher self-esteem compared to their coed peers.
• All-girl graduates are 6 times more likely to pursue STEM Majors and 3 times more likely to consider engineering careers.
• 2/3 of all-girls students report that they expect to earn graduate or professional degrees.
Source: International Coalition of Girls’ Schools
“I cannot imagine a better educational experience for a young woman than the all-girls environment. Nothing else builds her confidence than the freedom to express herself in an accepting environment. As the Mount de Sales girl experiences that she is accepted and valued for her contributions, she becomes less afraid to volunteer an answer—and realizes that her questions are an important and valuable part of the learning environment.”
- Sister Albertine, O.P., MDSA Science Department Faculty Member
“Mount de Sales instills in you the true definition of loving your neighbor as yourself. The girls here exude that spirit every day. We are each other’s strength.”
– Abby D. ‘23
Learn about the Dominican Difference at MDSA
455 STUDENTS
46 FACULTY
10:1 Student to Teacher RATIO
16 AVERAGE CLASS SIZE
ACADEMICS
Four levels of classes are offered at Mount de Sales Academy:
College Preparatory Level 1: offered for those students needing skill development in English or Math as they build up to the Level 2 program.
College Preparatory Level 2: offered for those students performing at grade level in a college preparatory environment.
Honors: available for students performing above grade level who seek a greater level of challenge and a more demanding workload.
Advanced Placement: available for those junior and senior students who wish to undertake a rigorous college-level workload with the hope of gaining college credit. Students in AP courses are required to take examinations given by the College Board in the spring.
Honor Societies:
International Thespian Honor Society
National Art Honor Society
National English Honor Society
National French Honor Society
National History Honor Society
National Honor Society
National Honor Society for Dance Arts
National Latin Honor Society
National Mathematics Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
Science National Honor Society
Tri-M Music Honor Society
MDSA Graduation Requirements
English Credits 4
Religion Credits 4
Mathematics Credits 4
Lab Science Credits 3
Social Science Credits 3
Foreign Language Credits 2
Philosophy Credits 2
Elective Credits 2
Fine Arts Credit 1
Physical Education Credit 1
MDSA Grading Scale
F 64 and
ACADEMIC POINTS OF PRIDE
• MDSA course catalog includes 38 Honors classes and 14 AP courses as well as 20 Fine Arts opportunities.
• 41AP Scholars
• 87.5% of students who took AP exams scored 3 or higher (on at least 1 AP exam), exceeding the Maryland and global averages.
• 9 Knott Scholars
COURSES
ENGLISH
Literary Genre Survey I
Literary Genre Survey II
American Literature
AP English - Language & Composition
British Literature
AP English - Literature & Composition
Creative Writing: Various Genres
Study of the Holocaust
Survey of African American Literature
Faith and Culture Seminar
RELIGION
Scripture and Doctrine
Sacraments and Morality
Christology and Discipleship
Apologetics and the Call to Holiness
PHILOSOPHY
Philosophy of the Human Person
Introduction to Ethics
Applied Ethics
Philosophy Seminar
FOREIGN LANGUAGE
French I, II, III, IV
AP French
Latin I, II, III, IV, V
Spanish I, II, III, IV
AP Spanish
PHYSICAL EDUCATION
Physical Education
Health
Dance Fitness
Lifetime Fitness
Conditioning for Athletes
MATH
Algebra I
Honors Research in Science
STEM Explorations
Introduction to Computer Science
AP Computer Science A
FINE ARTS
Line and Color
Graphic Communications
Honors Portfolio
Honors Advanced Portfolio
Honors Independent Portfolio
Form and Sculpture
Fiber Arts
Yearbook
Acting 1
Honors Acting Ensemble
Theatre Arts
Chorus
Honors Concert Choir
Symphonic Orchestra
Honors Advanced Orchestra
Honors Chamber Ensemble
Dance Fundamentals
Ballet Technique
Honors Dance Company
SOCIAL SCIENCES
Western Civilization
American Government
United States History
AP United States History
Modern United States History
AP U.S. Government and Politics
AP World History
Geography and Global Issues
Psychology
AP Psychology
Introduction to Economics
“The qualities that Sailors exemplify are an ability to think for themselves and be inquisitive, a steady moral compass to act with integrity, and a genuine compassion for others. My students are intelligent, vibrant, curious, grounded, and caring young women. They have determination to learn and achieve their goals, passion for their faith, awareness of the true dignity of every human life, and a desire to serve others with a sincere heart.”
- Jessica Nyman ’01, MDSA Teacher
STUDENT SUPPORT
School and College Counseling are an integral part of every student’s experience at Mount de Sales. Counselors work with all students individually, in small groups, and in the classroom to support them in their academic, personal, social, and emotional growth and college/ career readiness. Counselors take a collaborative approach with school community members, creating programming that is developmentally appropriate and addresses students’ unique needs.
The Sacred Heart Program
The Sacred Heart Program provides academic support through small group and individualized instruction in executive skills to meet the needs of college-bound students with identified learning disabilities, such as dyslexia, dysgraphia, and ADHD.
The primary goals of the program are to enable each of our students to discover her learning strengths, build on these strengths, and become a strong advocate for her own education. Accommodations provided are individualized to the needs of each student in the program and based on a full educational-psychological evaluation.
SH students make up 13% of student body at MDSA
Average Seminar Class Size: 4-5 students
Percent of SH students who applied to four-year colleges accepted to at least one: 100% since 2017
College Counseling
College Counseling helps students to look within themselves for clues as to what will be important in the search for an appropriate post-high school experience. The objectives are to address individual college needs and ensure that each Mount de Sales student is an active, energetic and investigative participant in the process.
Starting in junior year, Mount de Sales students and their families will work with the college counselor to navigate the college process. This includes:
• Annual Mount de Sales Academy & Mount Saint Joseph College High School College Fair
• Junior College Visit Day
• Individual Meetings and Group Lessons with College Counselor
• College Essay & Application Workshops
• Use of Naviance Family Connection
• Visits & Presentations by College Representatives
• Financial Aid Night
• Informational Parent Coffees for Junior & Senior Parents
• Guidance on Choosing Best Plan for Standardized Testing
• Each family is given a handbook on the College Process at Mount de Sales.
ATTENDING COLLEGE APPLICATION AND acceptance 100%
scholarships total
MATRICULATING AT $ 17 MILLION DOLLARS
54 colleges and universities
10 ATHLETES playing at the collegiate level
10 Catholic universities
41 AP SCHOLARS
FAITH & SERVICE
Anchored in Faith
Learning and living the Catholic faith, and participating in its liturgical and sacramental life, is at the center of the mission lived out daily at Mount de Sales Academy.
Students have an open invitation to keep Our Lord at the center of their lives by visiting the Chapel of St. Francis de Sales, appropriately located in the heart of the school.
Service
Charity is the greatest of all virtues, and we encourage every Mount de Sales student to give of herself in order to draw closer to the heart of Christ. Students discover their gifts and the joy of giving as they practice the spiritual and corporal works of mercy within the Mount de Sales community, in the surrounding region, and even beyond our borders.
Religious and Service Opportunities Include
• First Friday All-School Masses
• Monthly Reconciliation and Adoration
• Vibrant Campus Ministry
• Daily Prayer
• Annual Retreats
• Canned Food Drives
• Adopting Families for Christmas
• Mercy Nights
• Pro-Life Marches
• Lenten Projects
• Bag Lunches for the Homeless
• Leadership Workshops
• Living Rosary
• Youth Conferences and Retreats
STUDENT LIFE
The school spirit at Mount de Sales Academy is evidenced by three characteristics: mutual respect, personal responsibility, and support for one another and for the school as a whole. These qualities help to build and nurture a sense of belonging for every Mount de Sales girl. Students have many opportunities to develop leadership skills and explore current and new interests. The school community bonds during annual treasured traditions such as Fall Festival, Big Sister and Little Sister lunches, and Spirit Day.
Examples of current clubs:
Academic
Architecture, Construction, Engineering
Art Club
Medical Club
Mock Trial
Newspaper/Publication Club
Robotics Club
Leadership
Academy Ambassadors
Dream Club
Guardians of Life
Sodality
Student Council
Enviromental Club
Special Interest:
Style Club
Dance Club
Drama Club
Support the Troops
Ultimate Frisbee
Wellies Club
FINE ARTS
Mount de Sales offers classes in visual arts, theatre, dance, choral music, instrumental music, and graphic communication. Sharing real-world experience and passion, the fine arts faculty encourages their students to identify and refine their talents.
Visual Arts
One goal with our visual arts students is to help them understand why their instinctive skills are able to create beautiful quality works and what concepts are at play when they create and design.
Mount de Sales graduates attend some of the nation’s most outstanding art institutions and have gone on to major in medical illustration, graphic design, animation, illustration, architecture and industrial design.
Theatre and Dramatic Arts
Housed in the campus’ stunning Center for Performing Arts and Student Life, drama classes provide opportunities to develop both performance technique and technical skills. The curriculum promotes self-awareness, confidence, and the use of careful analysis for expressive choices.
Music
Vocal and instrumental music courses cultivate appreciation for a wide variety of musical genres and traditions. Students work to advance the technical skills necessary to become proficient and confident performers while also reinforcing the tools necessary to read music effectively.
Dance
Dance students at Mount de Sales acquire technique skills through participation in a variety of classical and contemporary dance forms. Students have the opportunity to create dance by learning and applying current trends in composition.
Dance program alumnae have studied at prestigious college dance programs, such as University of the Arts and Towson University, as well as joined internationally renowned dance companies.
ATHLETICS
Mount de Sales believes fair play, good sportsmanship and teamwork are an important part of each student’s growth toward maturity. Athletics promotes school spirit and provides a unique opportunity to nurture respect for our athletes, opponents, fans and coaches — all of which are means of imitating Christ in our daily lives. The Sailors are charter members of the Interscholastic Athletic Association of Maryland (IAAM).
More than 50% of Mount de Sales students participate in the athletic program.
FALL SPORTS
Cheerleading (V)
Cross Country (V)
Field Hockey (JV & V)
Mountain Bike (V)
Soccer (JV & V)
Tennis (JV & V)
Volleyball (JV & V)
WINTER SPORTS
Basketball (JV & V)
Cheerleading (V)
Indoor Track & Field (V)
Swimming (V)
SPRING SPORTS
Golf (V)
Lacrosse (JV & V)
Outdoor Track & Field (V)
Softball (JV & V)
DISTANCE IS NO OBSTACLE.
BUS SERVICE
Mount de Sales partners with Mount Saint Joseph High School on bus services. Current routes service families in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, and Howard counties.
CARPOOLS
Mount de Sales helps enrolled families coordinate carpools by providing contact information upon request starting in the spring each year.
Our students come from:
127 PLACES OF WORSHIP
82 SCHOOLS
98 ZIP CODES
Typical Freshman Schedule
Literary Genre Survey I (English)
Western Civilization (Social Science)
Algebra I, Geometry, or Algebra II (Mathematics)
Biology (Science)
Spanish, French or Latin (Foreign Language)
Scripture and Doctrine (Religion)
Intro to Philosophy (Philosophy)
Fine Arts class or P.E./Health class (Elective)
ACADEMICALLY COMPETENT
She is academically prepared and proficient.
She can communicate effectively in oral and written format.
She is a life-long learner
PROFILE OF A GRADUATE
MORALLY GROUNDED
She is rooted in a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.
She is able to defend and live her faith in a joyful manner.
She knows how to apply moral principles based on a wellformed conscience.
She values the dignity of human life.
She is able to think for herself and to be a good decision maker.
She has a strong sense of social justice.
CIVICALLY RESPONSIBLE
She is a leader with a strong moral compass.
She is an active and responsible citizen.
She values loyalty to her faith, family, school and community.
MENTALLY AND PHYSICALLY BALANCED
She is able to balance commitments.
She values physical and emotional wellness.
She sets realistic goals and accepts challenges with confidence.
PERSONALLY AND SOCIALLY WELL
DEVELOPED
She is socially confident, poised, reliable and responsible.
She is self-motivated and generous of spirit.
She is empathetic and respectful.
She is committed to making a positive difference in the world.
FINANCIAL INFORMATION
TUITION
The Board of Trustees and Administration of Mount de Sales are committed to keeping Catholic education affordable. We offer need-based financial aid and a variety of scholarships to ensure our school remains accessible to young women everywhere. We also accept scholarships from third parties, such as parish organizations.
$18,375 Tuition for 2024-25
$4,820 Sacred Heart Program Fees for 2024-25
49% of Mount de Sales families are receiving financial aid during the 2024-25 school year
SCHOLARSHIPS FROM MDSA AND SPONSORED SCHOLARSHIPS
St. Francis de Sales Scholarship
St. Thomas Aquinas Scholarship
Anchor Scholarship
St. Cecilia Music Scholarship
Fra Angelico Art Scholarship
St. Martin de Porres Scholarship
Guardians of Life Scholarship
Semper Fi Scholarship
St. Elizabeth Ann Seton Grant
IND Alumnae Association Scholarship
APPLICATION PROCESS
• Fill out an inquiry form
•Schedule your Sailor Visit and Parent Tour
•Attend Open House on November 3, 2024
•Take High School Placement Test
•Submit admissions application and scholarship applications by December 20, 2024
•Complete FACTS application for tuition assistance by January 10, 2025
Mount de Sales Academy for Girls does not discriminate on the basis of race, color or national and ethnic origin in the administration of its educational policies, admissions policy, athletic or other school administered programs.
When applying, applicants “understand and acknowledge that receiving the application does not constitute a commitment by Mount de Sales Academy, and that Mount de Sales Academy may deny admission if they determine that enrollment of the Applicant in the Academy would not be appropriate.”
All acceptances are conditional upon the successful completion of eighth grade. All decisions regarding the acceptance of a student into Mount de Sales Academy are done with the highest emphasis placed on what is in the best interest of the individual girl.
MDSA Admissions Team
Mattie Wood '04
Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management mwood@mountdesales.org
410-744-8498 x270
Jen Blake '15
Assistant Director of Admissions & Enrollment Management jblake@mountdesales.org
410-744-8498 x276
