MOUNT DE SALES’ LIBERAL ARTS APPROACH

Modern American colleges echo this comprehensive knowledge by requiring core classes in each academic discipline before students narrow into a major. Steven Mintz of Higher Ed describes modern liberal arts programs as “an education that combines breadth and depth, that cultivates a capacity to engage rigorously and critically with the major issues of the day, appreciate culture in its multiple manifestations, and serve as the essential foundation for informed citizenship” (Mintz).

challenging coursework not only nurtured my passion but also prepared me to excel in my core science classes in college… which stood out when I applied to [Physician Assistant] schools. MDSA’s emphasis on academic excellence and exploration was pivotal in shaping my path toward becoming a physician assistant.

As Catholic educators, our mission goes a step further. In 2023, MDSA faculty welcomed Dr. Brett Salkeld, archdiocesan theologian for the Archdiocese of Regina in Canada, to help explore education from a Catholic liberal arts perspective. If people are made to know, love, and serve God, the goal of Catholic schools should be to develop persons with “the framework within which to put [her] knowledge to work, to make sense of the world, to set priorities, and to make decisions” (Salkeld 27).

A 2025 Sailor will leave MDSA college-ready and prepared to develop her God-given talents. Our core 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 14 collegelevel 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.

What are the fruits of a Mount de Sales education for our alumnae? Principal Sr. Mary Raymond, O.P. has often shared her thoughts on the essence of our liberal arts formation. Our alumnae are engineers, teachers, entrepreneurs, doctors, writers, Olympians, astronauts, religious sisters, mothers, and laywomen.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.

—Laura O’Friel ’06 Vice Principal of Academic Affairs

Sources:

Mintz, Steven. “Why Liberal Education Matters.” Inside Higher Ed, 22 Oct. 2022, https://www. insidehighered.com/blogs/higher-ed-gamma/whyliberal-education-matters. Accessed 11 Dec 2024.

Randt, Richard C. and Susan. An Academy of Every Virtue: A History of Mount de Sales Academy Catonsville, Maryland 1852-2002 Baltimore, Gateway Press, 2001.

Rotty, Derek. “The Liberal Arts Are the Foundation of Catholic Education.” National Catholic Register, 3 February 2023, https://www.ncregister. com/blog/liberal-arts-foundation-of-catholiceducation. Accessed 11 Dec 2024.

Salkeld, Brett. Educating for Eternity: A Teacher’s Companion for Making Every Class Catholic Huntington, Our Sunday Visitor, 2023.