MOUNT DE SALES ACADEMY FOR GIRLS
Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition
QUICK FACTS
ABOUT MOUNT DE SALES
38 Honors Classes 15 AP Courses
30+ Student Led Clubs
6 Dominican Sisters in Administration & Faculty 100% College Application & Acceptance Rate
TOP 10 WAYS MDSA ELEVATES
CATHOLIC EDUCATION
THE DOMINICAN DIFFERENCE
The Dominican Sisters inspire with joyful service and faith.
ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE
Innovative Catholic education for lifelong success.
THE MOUNT DE SALES CONFIDENCE
Empowering girls as confident, compassionate leaders.
STRONG SISTERHOOD, TRADITIONS, AND VIBRANT HISTORY
Mount de Sales fosters lifelong bonds, promoting a supportive community.
DEVELOPMENT OF THE WHOLE PERSON
Mount de Sales nurtures holistic growth, shaping resilient, principled young women.
Accredited by Association of Independent Maryland and D.C. Schools (AIMS) and Middle States Association
LEADERSHIP, CHARACTER, AND SERVICE DEVELOPMENT
Mount de Sales nurtures holistic growth, shaping resilient, principled young women.
CARING AND COMMITTED FACULTY AND STAFF
Dedicated faculty fosters personalized learning in small classes..
FAITH-FILLED
AND DEDICATED COMMUNITY
Innovative Catholic education for lifelong success.
CHAPEL
AT THE CENTER OF THE SCHOOL
The chapel embodies our Catholic identity, nurturing community, belonging, and love.
BEAUTIFUL
AND HISTORIC CAMPUS
A historic campus enriches student experience with appreciation for history and culture.
LEARN ABOUT THE DOMINICAN DIFFERENCE AT MDSA
Benefits of a Liberal Arts Education
Over its 173-year history, Mount de Sales Academy has evolved to meet the challenges of the modern world while remaining rooted in the Catholic liberal arts tradition. Historically, the liberal arts approach emphasized a basis in grammar, logic, rhetoric, and general knowledge across disciplines. Modern American colleges echo this comprehensive knowledge by requiring core classes in each academic discipline before students narrow into a major.
MDSA’s curriculum infuses young women with a solid foundation in Catholic theology, mathematics, lab sciences, English, social sciences, philosophy, fine arts, health, and physical education. She has opportunities to complete 15 college-level AP courses, study computer science, compose college-level literary reviews, design and execute STEM-based research projects, and creatively express herself in advanced performing and visual arts courses. The Philosophy program complements the academic mission by training students to seek truth, pursue the good, appreciate what is beautiful, and engage in discourse. At the same time, that indelible yearning for God is nurtured through the exploration of Scripture and Sacred Tradition, growth in personal spirituality, and connection to the Sacraments.
A 2026 Sailor will leave MDSA college-ready and prepared to develop her God-given talents. Our alumnae are engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, doctors, writers, Olympians, astronauts, religious sisters, mothers, and laypersons. And in all places, they stand out for their minds, hearts, and actions. Sailors think well, read well, write well, speak well, and do well. That is a testament that we are proud to carry into future generations.
Summarized article from Laura O’Friel, VP of Academic Affairs
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
STUDENT
TREASURED MDSA TRADITIONS CLUBS
25+ ACADEMIC, LEADERSHIP, AND SPECIAL INTEREST CLUBS INCLUDE:
Academy Ambassadors
Big Sisters/Little Sisters
Freshman Medal Mass
Sophomore Pin Mass
Junior Ring Mass
Homecoming and Dances
Class Retreats
Spirit Days and Spirit Cup
Twisted Tunes
Senior Father-Daughter Dance
Senior Mother-Daughter Tea
May Procession
Baccalaureate Mass
Graduation
Art Club
Athletes Anchored in Faith
Drama Club
Dream Club
Medical Club
Mock Trial
Newspaper/Publication Club
Robotics Club
Sodality
TRAVEL
PROVIDING STUDENT TRAVEL OPPORTUNITIES IS AN IMPORTANT INITIATIVE AT MDSA. TRIPS HAVE INCLUDED:
Williamsburg
New York
Nashville Italy
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. Each student’s contribution is valued as important to passing on the spirit of Mount de Sales Academy.
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 sophomore, 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
ACADEMIC POINTS OF PRIDE
• MDSA course catalog includes 37 Honors classes and 15 AP courses as well as 18 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
Creative Writing: Various Genres
Study of the Holocaust
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
Geometry
Algebra II
Statistics
Precalculus Calculus AP Calculus
AP Calculus
AP Statistics
Personal Finance
History of Mathematics
College Algebra with Trigonometry
SCIENCE Biology
Biology Chemistry
Chemistry
Anatomy & Physiology
Environmental Science
Forensic Science Physics
Honors Research in STEM
STEM Explorations
Introduction to Computer Science
AP Computer Science A
FINE ARTS
Fundamentals of Art
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
Modern Dance
Honors Dance Company
AP Art & Design: Drawing
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
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 diagnosed mild 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 gifts, 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 educationalpsychological evaluation.
SH students make up 13% of student body at MDSA
Average Seminar Class Size: 4-6 students
Percent of SH students who applied to four-year colleges accepted to at least one: 100% since 2017
College Matriculation OF THE CLASS OF 2025
American University
Anne Arundel Community College
Auburn University
Baldwin Wallace University
Benedictine College
Binghamton University
Carnegie Mellon University
Clemson University
Coastal Carolina University
Community College of Baltimore County
DePaul University
Drexel University
Duquesne University
Emerson College
Franciscan University of Steubenville
Gettysburg College
Gordon College
Hood College
Howard Community College
James Madison University
Louisiana State University
Loyola University Maryland
McDaniel College
Mount St. Mary's University
Northeastern University
Pennsylvania State University
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Roanoke College
Saint Francis University
Saint Joseph’s University
Saint Vincent College
Salisbury University
St. Mary’s College of Maryland
Stevenson University
Texas Christian University
The Catholic University of America
The University of Alabama
The University of Tampa
Towson University
Tusculum University
United States Merchant
Marine Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of California-San Diego
University of Colorado Boulder
University of Dallas
University of Delaware
University of MarylandBaltimore County
University of MarylandCollege Park
University of North Carolina at Charlotte
University of Notre Dame
Virginia Tech
Wagner College
Washington College
West Chester University of Pennsylvania
West Virginia University
Xavier University
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.
FAITH
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.
RELIGIOUS OPPORTUNITIES INCLUDE:
• First Friday All-School Masses
• Monthly Reconciliation & Adoration
• Vibrant Campus Ministry
• Daily Prayer
• Annual Retreats
• Living Rosary
• Youth Conferences & Retreats
• Mercy Nights
• Pro-Life Marches
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.
Each student completes a minimum of 75 hours of person-to-person service to the underserved and underprivileged by the time of her graduation. The goal is to cultivate a lifelong commitment to Christian service in imitation of Jesus who went to the margins to serve the most poor and vulnerable. MDSA’s Campus Minister and Service Coordinator identify service opportunities throughout the year and work with students to ensure successful completion of service requirements.
SERVICE OPPORTUNITIES
INCLUDE:
• Playing games with the elderly at nursing homes
• Preparing meals for the homeless
• Adopting families for Christmas
• Organizing clothing and food donation drives
• Serving lunch and dinner at a soup kitchen
• Tutoring younger students
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)
BUS SERVICE
DISTANCE IS NO OBSTACLE!
Our students come from:
75
SCHOOLS
96 ZIP CODES
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.
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)
PROFILE OF A GRADUATE
ACADEMICALLY COMPETENT
She is academically prepared and proficient.
She can communicate effectively in oral and written format.
She is a life-long learner
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.
$19,850 Tuition for 2025-26
$4,950 Sacred Heart Program Fees for 2025-26
49% of Mount de Sales families are receiving financial aid during the 2025-26 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
APPLICATION TIMELINEADMISSIONS Important Dates
8TH GRADE SAILOR VISITS
September 22 - December 4
OPEN HOUSE
Sunday, November 2, 2025
APPLICATION DEADLINE
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
SCHOLARSHIP & FINANCIAL AID APPLICATION DEADLINE
Wednesday, December 10, 2025
APPLICANT INTERVIEWS
January 8-10, 2026
NOTIFICATION DAY
Thursday, February 19, 2026
ACCEPTED SAILORS NIGHT
Monday, March 2, 2026
REGISTRATION DEADLINE
Friday, March 6, 2026
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. admissions@mountdesales.org
