GREETINGS from the Principal

Dear Friends of Mount de Sales Academy,

There is something extraordinary about a Mount de Sales Academy education! I knew this arriving during the capital campaign as I learned first-hand the sacrificial giving of our generous community. Through COVID, I witnessed the commitment and trust between teachers and students. I continue to see in the faces of our students what an amazing education we offer our girls!

It is not unusual to hear alums describe how they are thriving. From the news about an English professor emailing a MDSA college freshman that her paper was of a higher quality than even some of his senior English majors to meeting an alum in the neighborhood who rushes to the sisters to say, “Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!” It is a delight beyond measure for us to hear such things, but not a surprise that they are learning the value of the education they received here. Mount de Sales is indeed an incredible place to be!

After our students participated in Mock Trial, one of the lawyers at the event shared that our students carried themselves with a poise distinct from other schools. The same week, a professor at The Catholic University encountered one of our sisters in D.C. and reflected that Mount de Sales students can be identified by their maturity, clarity of thought, and work ethic. The Baltimore Sun even highlighted our students twice this semester for their basketball games.

What is most gratifying for me is seeing grace work in the day-to-day lives of our students at Mount de Sales. I see glimpses of our mission, watching the girls grow intellectually and spiritually, take ownership of their faith, and branch out to take healthy risks in clubs, leadership opportunities, and new friendships. They flourish in this one-of-a-kind community.

Last year, we formed the 2022–2028 Strategic Plan. This plan focuses on investing in financial assistance for students, providing a robust student life, implementing a facility-condition assessment, and including more STEM offerings. While a strategic plan is a dream for the future, we are also garnering another school accreditation. This process is a check-up, ensuring we are who we say we are. In addition to Middle States Accreditation, we are now accredited by AIMS (Association of Independent Maryland & D.C. Schools).

We pray daily for all our students, parents, families, faculty, staff, alumnae, board members, and all who are connected to Mount de Sales Academy. May God continue to guide us, protect us, give His grace and blessing, and keep us faithful to our mission.

Sincerely in Christ,

Sister Mary Raymond, O.P. Principal