Mount Saint Mary Academy | Testimonials myMSMA myMSMA About arrow School History Meet the Directress Administration Board of Trustees Faculty & Staff Mercy Identity Mission & Philosophy School Profile FAQ Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion arrow Multicultural Day Hispanic Heritage Month Native American Heritage Month Black History Month Mount Publications Campus Employment Contact & Directions Admissions arrow Admissions Admissions Process Meet the Office of Enrollment Management Inquiry Form Open House Virtual Tour Class of 2030 Information Transportation Testimonials Tuition, Merit Scholarships & Financial Aid Summer Academy 2026 arrow Enrichment Courses Sports Sessions Summer Academy Schedule Enrichment Test Prep Academics arrow Academics at the Mount Academic Departments One Schoolhouse Visual and Performing Arts arrow Mercy Hall & The S. Lisa D. 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Aashrita Banerjee '26 After coming from a large public school, choosing the Mount remains one of the best decisions I’ve ever made. I’ve been lucky enough to find a community where everyone is genuinely kind and people show up for one another, no matter what. My teachers are approachable, supportive, and truly engaging. As someone who thrives in small, collaborative spaces, I’ve felt seen, heard, and meaningfully challenged every day. I’m deeply grateful and incredibly proud to be part of a place as special as the Mount. Abigail Hanifin '27 Mount Saint Mary Academy is a haven for growth, both personally and academically. The teachers at Mount provide lessons that cannot be found in a textbook. I have been challenged here, and the strong support system of the Mount community, friends and faculty, has helped me become a better person and student. Going to Mount means being prepared for a future filled with success and opportunity, all while having fun. Alyson Twilley P'26, P'29 As my daughter, Katie, enters her final year at the Mount, I see a very different girl from the one who set foot on the campus three years ago. Over the last three years, she has grown into a strong, independent, faith-filled, and confident young woman. The teachers, administration, and coaches have shaped my daughter into the young woman she is becoming. Throughout her journey, she has encountered numerous teachers, coaches, and administrators who never hesitate to pause what they are doing to help her with a question about a topic within the classroom or to engage in conversations about what is happening in her world. The girls on the Mount not only support one another, but they also encourage one another to succeed. Brianna Marion '27 Being part of the Mount community is an amazing experience through the sisterhood that it fosters, community it builds, and academic opportunities that we have. In my experience, it has given a fun learning environment where I have made great friends and can work with great teachers. It has guided my values, giving me a strong foundation to build upon for the rest of my life and I am very grateful that I have had the opportunity to be here. Debbie (Guido) Scotillo '95, P'28 As a graduate, the Mount has played a significant role in my life. It gave me a solid foundation which has helped me be a positive member of my community and overcome life’s obstacles. I now have the privilege of sending my two daughters, Hailey ‘28 and Ella ‘28 , to a school that I know will enable them to reach their highest potential in large part due to our Directress Sister Lisa Gambacorto, RSM, Ed.S. and the fantastic teachers and staff. The Mount encourages young ladies to be strong leaders morally, academically, and spiritually while giving them the opportunity to share their gifts and talents with their peers.  I am confident that the Mount will have my daughters prepared for the next chapter and allow them to form life long friendships and cherished memories. It is with great pride to say I am a Mountie. Grace Johnson '28 Every day, I am grateful to be part of the Mount community. I love being surrounded by teachers who challenge me academically and friends who support me. As Class President, I’ve seen firsthand how much can be accomplished when classmates work together and how sisterhood is formed. The Mount empowers me to be the best version of myself every day. Marissa Lauredant '26 The Mount has helped me grow in ways I never imagined, not only academically, but personally. It’s where I discovered my voice and gained the confidence to truly express myself, especially through the support and inspiration of the incredible young women around me. At the Mount, everyone is truly supported and surrounded by a community that genuinely wants to see you succeed and become the best version of yourself. Being part of this environment has empowered me, encouraged me, and allowed me to be heard, every step of the way throughout all four years. Michaela Vendiola '28 Being a part of the Mount Saint Mary Academy school community is more than just participating in classes and school-wide events. It’s about the strong friendships I have built, the teachers who have believed in me, and the experiences that have helped shape the person I am becoming. Mount Saint Mary Academy is not just an excellent place for academic lessons, but life lessons and learning what it means to support, grow, and thrive as a community. In every class, whether it is a class of seven or twenty-five, my voice is heard, and I am proud to contribute to the supportive community that is Mount Saint Mary Academy. Teresita Walters P'28 All I ever wanted was a school that could provide my daughter with a strong academic foundation, yet keeping God at the center of everything. When we first considered the Mount, it felt like a dream that might not be possible. However, once we met the admissions team, everything changed. Not only did we find support, we found a new family of students, staff and parents. The Mount has exceeded every expectation. From the outstanding level of instruction to the advanced communication systems that keep us ahead, simply unmatched. But what means the most is that no matter what race or background the staff and teachers give their all. The Mount is more than a school, it’s a place that nurtures the mind, heart, spirit and makes the dream of quality education possible. Danielle Lovallo '05, English Teacher I've been teaching at the Mount for 13 years, in addition to my four years here as a student. There's nowhere quite like it: the community, the rigorous academics, and the supportive environment are truly unique. My goal is not to prepare students for next year or even for college: I want my students to understand how the skills they're mastering in my classroom translate to applications in the real world. I work to foster a lifelong love of learning in my students and challenge them to find, develop, and use their own unique voices. Dr. Dorothea Kominos, Science Department Chairperson My years at Mount Saint Mary Academy have been the most fulfilling in my career as an educator and scientist. I love seeing the moment a student learns a difficult lesson from experimentation. It amazes me how excited Mount students are about science and engineering here and I feel that I make an impact on their lives. Maggie Milej, Mathematics Teacher As a mathematics educator at Mount Saint Mary Academy, I have the opportunity to challenge my students everyday through problem solving, critical thinking, and collaboration. In addition, students are provided with foundational financial skills that are then applied to the real world for the rest of their lives. This is truly something I am passionate about and it gives me happiness to pass on my knowledge to the students. Mia Pafumi, Music Department Chairperson For me, being an educator at Mount Saint Mary Academy, has meant being a part of a community which fosters compassion, courage, and curiosity. It is here at Mount that every student is empowered to embrace their potential and encouraged to shine. I am honored and blessed to be a part of their journey. Nicole Doria '18, Italian Teacher As a Mount Saint Mary Academy alumna and educator, I am inspired by the Sisters of Mercy’s mission to foster compassion and leadership in young women. Now, as an Italian teacher, I witness the impact of a Mercy education in my students' lives every day. I am blessed to guide the next generation of strong, confident leaders. The Mount cultivates a supportive community where faith and learning intertwine, empowering young women to embrace their talents and create meaningful change in the world. Mount Saint Mary Academy 1645 US Highway 22 W Watchung, NJ 07069 908.757.0108 © Mount Saint Mary Academy