Curriculum -
Source: http://www.msdacademy.org/academics/curriculum
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:14
Curriculum -
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Curriculum
The Pursuit of Excellence
Study is a key component of the Dominican charism.
It is one of the four pillars at the heart of our mission. Our rigorous academic program combined with our community culture support students in their self-discovery and encourages them to take intellectual risks. Our college preparatory curriculum centers on the liberal arts, mathematics, and science, but does not stop there. We offer an extensive and exciting selection of electives, honors, and AP courses across the disciplines.
A yearly course selection process allows us to continuously evaluate our academic offerings and add creative and unconventional classes to the curriculum.
The result? Our students receive solid grounding in the fundamentals and are empowered to apply their academic experiences in authentic, “real world” contexts. They find the courage and inspiration to explore their unique talents and pursue their individual passions. They graduate with the conviction that learning is a lifelong endeavor. They are ready for college and beyond.
A robust course offering in each department enables students to explore their talents in specific subjects and inspires them to understand the power of interdisciplinary learning.
Program of Studies 2025-2026
Dual Enrollment with Seton Hall University - New for 2025-2026!
English
Flex Period- STEAM Programming - New for 2025-2026
History
Math
Physical Education, Health and Safety
Religious Studies
Science
Visual and Performing Arts
World Languages
Mount St. Dominic Academy has partnered with Seton Hall University to offer students the opportunity to earn college credits while taking high school courses, further enriching their academic experience. Seven courses have been approved for Dual Enrollment, with more to come:
Anatomy & Physiology
AP Biology
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP English Language and Composition
AP Environmental Science
AP Government
AP Language & Composition
AP Psychology
AP Spanish Language & Culture
AP Statistics
AP U.S. History
Pre-Calculus Honors
MSDA is actively working with Seton Hall University to expand Dual Enrollment options before the 2025-26 school year begins. The goal is to ensure that every academic department offers at least one Dual Enrollment course.
While AP courses remain an excellent way for students to demonstrate college-level rigor, some colleges do not grant credit for AP exams. Dual Enrollment takes that preparation a step further, allowing students to experience college coursework firsthand and earn actual college credits, which may transfer to their future university. With Seton Hall’s strong academic reputation, these credits have a higher likelihood of transferring to universities nationwide, though policies vary by institution.
Students enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses will take these classes with MSDA teachers during the regular school day, following the same curriculum as their peers. Those who opt in will also register for the corresponding Seton Hall University three-credit course, accumulating college credits along the way. By graduation, students could earn nine, twelve, or even more credits—reducing their future college course load and tuition costs.
Beyond earning credits, engaging in college-level coursework during high school helps students develop critical thinking, time management, and academic responsibility, easing the transition to full-time college studies.
This initiative reflects MSDA’s commitment to providing students with a top-tier education that prepares them not just for college, but for leadership in whatever field they choose
Devoted readers. Critical thinkers. Effective communicators. In English courses at the Mount, students develop their skills in analysis, writing, and public speaking. Through reading and writing - persuasive, analytical, creative - they learn to explore their own beliefs and articulate their ideas with confidence and competence.
Through comparative studies of literature, students come to understand the development of the literary canon across time, genre, culture and geography. Opportunities to explore the intersections of literature with history, philosophy, art and other subjects highlight the interconnected nature of our world and help students frame their roles within it.
The Mount is offering some updates to our curriculum for the 2025-26 school year!
Students will now have the option to attend
FLEX schedule classes
, offering select courses such as
Intro to Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Dance, Band, and Choir
for credit. These classes will be held from
7:45am to 8:30am
, followed by morning announcements at 8:30am, when we officially begin
Period 1
. Students can choose to arrive early for a FLEX class, enjoy breakfast, or meet with a teacher for extra help. This initiative further enhances our
STEAM program
.
In addition, we are thrilled to introduce
Creative Writing
as an elective for
11th and 12th-grade students
. Another major change next year is a transition away from the
One Schoolhouse
virtual learning platform. The Mount will now offer
French in person
, alongside
Spanish and Latin
, all taught by dedicated MSDA faculty members
Exciting enhancements are also coming to our
Capstone Program
. Currently available to
12th graders
, the program will expand to include
11th-grade students
and will feature a partnership with
Harvard University
. MSDA students will receive
virtual support from Harvard students, a certificate of completion, and the opportunity to be published
—an incredible asset for college applications!
Additionally, next year’s
10th graders
will still be required to complete
Financial Literacy
as part of their high school graduation requirements. However,
Digital Skills
will be replaced by
Maximizing Your Learning Style
, a cycle course designed to help students understand how their brains retain knowledge and develop effective study habits for
maximum academic growth
.
How did we get to where we are today, and where do we go from here? Studying the events of the past equips our students with an understanding of the political, geographic, social, and economic developments that have shaped our world. From the ancient to the modern, the international to the local, the universal to the personal - history enables our students to connect the dots.
In our history courses, students build skills in critical analysis and writing. They become sophisticated consumers of information, able to evaluate primary and secondary sources and draw an informed perspective on historic and contemporary events. They learn to identify bias in the historical record, sharpening their skills in inquiry-based learning and embodying the search for truth - the veritas - that lies at the root of the Mount.
Through history, our students learn to examine their own lives through the lens of world civilization. They grow into the knowledgeable and engaged leaders of the next generation - eager to carry forth their commitment to truth and prepared to be the positive change they wish to see in our world.
Fun, engaging and useful. Young learners may not typically associate these words with math, yet it is our duty - indeed, our great privilege - to transform such thinking through inspired instruction. Our math curriculum is designed to help our students recognize the power and potential of math in their lives.
In algebra, geometry and calculus, students develop skills in critical thinking and logic. They learn how to focus in on a problem, identify proper tools to approach and navigate their way to a solution. They study the foundational theories of math and apply those theories in real world contexts.
Collaborative learning allows students to engage in discussion and active learning, honing their communications skills. Independent learning fosters individual development and proficiency, propelling students towards the futures they envision for themselves, whether those include advanced-level degrees in math, careers in finance, data analysis or statistics, or simply the countless life experiences in which they will use math.
Our physical education, health and driver education courses are designed to help students develop positive self-esteem and body image, maintain healthy connections with family and peers and practice responsible decision- making. In physical education courses, team and individual sports foster collaboration, critical thinking and leadership skills. In the safe and supportive environment of our health courses, students explore and become comfortable discussing sexual development, reproductive decision-making, mental health and relationship-building. Our driver education course centers on the principles and practices fundamental to driver, passenger and pedestrian safety and prepares students to take the New Jersey state written exam
The Dominican Order was founded with the charge to "preach the Word of God through our lives of contemplative prayer, study and ministry in response to the needs of our time." In Religion classes at the Mount, students explore what it means to transform that charge into a life of faith in the 21st century. Our courses in social justice and spirituality galvanize students to be advocates for peace, justice and equality in the world and embody the veritas and caritas – the truth and love – that lie at the heart of the Mount.
Students learn about key moments in the development of the Catholic Church and other major religions in the context of world history. They study the Bible as critical readers and examine the work and impact of faith leaders over time. Through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, students grow in personal spirituality while learning about social justice around the globe. Research and analysis of historic and contemporary issues empowers students to question what they see in the world and identify ways that they can effect positive change.
A solution when one seems impossible: this is science at the Mount.
An adventure in research and discovery: this is science at the Mount. The foundation for a career in engineering, medicine and technology: this is science at the Mount.
We encourage our students to embrace our science curriculum as an opportunity for both personal growth and institutional change; we are driven by the belief that gender equality in STEM will make the world a better place. Motivated and empowered, our students dive into biology, chemistry and computer science. As they develop skills in inquiry, research and problem solving, their curiosities become passions, and their passions drive them to become the change needed in our world.
The Mount is an affiliate of
One Schoolhouse
, a national online educational consortium. A variety of courses are available as supplements to the Mount curriculum; enrollment requires an additional fee. One Schoolhouse is fully accredited with the
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
and is a member of both the
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
and the
International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS.)
The arts allow us to experience places and times apart from our own; they connect us to what came before and help us find commonality in our shared humanity. The arts offer a window into human emotions and are a vehicle for personal expression as well as social change.
By studying the theory and history of various visual and performing arts, students trace the development of different fields over time. They learn to engage with works of art and critically analyze their connection to other subjects, including world history, literature, math and science. Through studio courses, students practice creativity, experimentation, critical thinking, problem solving, communication and observational skills. They learn to communicate through various media and develop their unique artistic voices
Learning a second language unlocks doors. Immersive travel, professional opportunities and cross-cultural exchange are just some of the potential benefits that come with language studies. The Mount’s language curriculum prepares students to explore the world, inspires them to appreciate cultural and linguistic diversity, and empowers them to advocate for global understanding through communication.
In Latin and Spanish courses, our students develop the skills needed to succeed in both academic and authentic contexts. Study and practice in listening, reading, speaking and writing results in a comprehensive grasp on each modality. Advanced-level courses, available as electives, serve as the foundation for continued studies in college and beyond.
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Skip To Main Content
Curriculum
The Pursuit of Excellence
Study is a key component of the Dominican charism.
It is one of the four pillars at the heart of our mission. Our rigorous academic program combined with our community culture support students in their self-discovery and encourages them to take intellectual risks. Our college preparatory curriculum centers on the liberal arts, mathematics, and science, but does not stop there. We offer an extensive and exciting selection of electives, honors, and AP courses across the disciplines.
A yearly course selection process allows us to continuously evaluate our academic offerings and add creative and unconventional classes to the curriculum.
The result? Our students receive solid grounding in the fundamentals and are empowered to apply their academic experiences in authentic, “real world” contexts. They find the courage and inspiration to explore their unique talents and pursue their individual passions. They graduate with the conviction that learning is a lifelong endeavor. They are ready for college and beyond.
A robust course offering in each department enables students to explore their talents in specific subjects and inspires them to understand the power of interdisciplinary learning.
Program of Studies 2025-2026
Dual Enrollment with Seton Hall University - New for 2025-2026!
English
Flex Period- STEAM Programming - New for 2025-2026
History
Math
Physical Education, Health and Safety
Religious Studies
Science
Visual and Performing Arts
World Languages
Mount St. Dominic Academy has partnered with Seton Hall University to offer students the opportunity to earn college credits while taking high school courses, further enriching their academic experience. Seven courses have been approved for Dual Enrollment, with more to come:
Anatomy & Physiology
AP Biology
AP Calculus AB
AP Calculus BC
AP English Language and Composition
AP Environmental Science
AP Government
AP Language & Composition
AP Psychology
AP Spanish Language & Culture
AP Statistics
AP U.S. History
Pre-Calculus Honors
MSDA is actively working with Seton Hall University to expand Dual Enrollment options before the 2025-26 school year begins. The goal is to ensure that every academic department offers at least one Dual Enrollment course.
While AP courses remain an excellent way for students to demonstrate college-level rigor, some colleges do not grant credit for AP exams. Dual Enrollment takes that preparation a step further, allowing students to experience college coursework firsthand and earn actual college credits, which may transfer to their future university. With Seton Hall’s strong academic reputation, these credits have a higher likelihood of transferring to universities nationwide, though policies vary by institution.
Students enrolled in Dual Enrollment courses will take these classes with MSDA teachers during the regular school day, following the same curriculum as their peers. Those who opt in will also register for the corresponding Seton Hall University three-credit course, accumulating college credits along the way. By graduation, students could earn nine, twelve, or even more credits—reducing their future college course load and tuition costs.
Beyond earning credits, engaging in college-level coursework during high school helps students develop critical thinking, time management, and academic responsibility, easing the transition to full-time college studies.
This initiative reflects MSDA’s commitment to providing students with a top-tier education that prepares them not just for college, but for leadership in whatever field they choose
Devoted readers. Critical thinkers. Effective communicators. In English courses at the Mount, students develop their skills in analysis, writing, and public speaking. Through reading and writing - persuasive, analytical, creative - they learn to explore their own beliefs and articulate their ideas with confidence and competence.
Through comparative studies of literature, students come to understand the development of the literary canon across time, genre, culture and geography. Opportunities to explore the intersections of literature with history, philosophy, art and other subjects highlight the interconnected nature of our world and help students frame their roles within it.
The Mount is offering some updates to our curriculum for the 2025-26 school year!
Students will now have the option to attend
FLEX schedule classes
, offering select courses such as
Intro to Engineering, Artificial Intelligence, Dance, Band, and Choir
for credit. These classes will be held from
7:45am to 8:30am
, followed by morning announcements at 8:30am, when we officially begin
Period 1
. Students can choose to arrive early for a FLEX class, enjoy breakfast, or meet with a teacher for extra help. This initiative further enhances our
STEAM program
.
In addition, we are thrilled to introduce
Creative Writing
as an elective for
11th and 12th-grade students
. Another major change next year is a transition away from the
One Schoolhouse
virtual learning platform. The Mount will now offer
French in person
, alongside
Spanish and Latin
, all taught by dedicated MSDA faculty members
Exciting enhancements are also coming to our
Capstone Program
. Currently available to
12th graders
, the program will expand to include
11th-grade students
and will feature a partnership with
Harvard University
. MSDA students will receive
virtual support from Harvard students, a certificate of completion, and the opportunity to be published
—an incredible asset for college applications!
Additionally, next year’s
10th graders
will still be required to complete
Financial Literacy
as part of their high school graduation requirements. However,
Digital Skills
will be replaced by
Maximizing Your Learning Style
, a cycle course designed to help students understand how their brains retain knowledge and develop effective study habits for
maximum academic growth
.
How did we get to where we are today, and where do we go from here? Studying the events of the past equips our students with an understanding of the political, geographic, social, and economic developments that have shaped our world. From the ancient to the modern, the international to the local, the universal to the personal - history enables our students to connect the dots.
In our history courses, students build skills in critical analysis and writing. They become sophisticated consumers of information, able to evaluate primary and secondary sources and draw an informed perspective on historic and contemporary events. They learn to identify bias in the historical record, sharpening their skills in inquiry-based learning and embodying the search for truth - the veritas - that lies at the root of the Mount.
Through history, our students learn to examine their own lives through the lens of world civilization. They grow into the knowledgeable and engaged leaders of the next generation - eager to carry forth their commitment to truth and prepared to be the positive change they wish to see in our world.
Fun, engaging and useful. Young learners may not typically associate these words with math, yet it is our duty - indeed, our great privilege - to transform such thinking through inspired instruction. Our math curriculum is designed to help our students recognize the power and potential of math in their lives.
In algebra, geometry and calculus, students develop skills in critical thinking and logic. They learn how to focus in on a problem, identify proper tools to approach and navigate their way to a solution. They study the foundational theories of math and apply those theories in real world contexts.
Collaborative learning allows students to engage in discussion and active learning, honing their communications skills. Independent learning fosters individual development and proficiency, propelling students towards the futures they envision for themselves, whether those include advanced-level degrees in math, careers in finance, data analysis or statistics, or simply the countless life experiences in which they will use math.
Our physical education, health and driver education courses are designed to help students develop positive self-esteem and body image, maintain healthy connections with family and peers and practice responsible decision- making. In physical education courses, team and individual sports foster collaboration, critical thinking and leadership skills. In the safe and supportive environment of our health courses, students explore and become comfortable discussing sexual development, reproductive decision-making, mental health and relationship-building. Our driver education course centers on the principles and practices fundamental to driver, passenger and pedestrian safety and prepares students to take the New Jersey state written exam
The Dominican Order was founded with the charge to "preach the Word of God through our lives of contemplative prayer, study and ministry in response to the needs of our time." In Religion classes at the Mount, students explore what it means to transform that charge into a life of faith in the 21st century. Our courses in social justice and spirituality galvanize students to be advocates for peace, justice and equality in the world and embody the veritas and caritas – the truth and love – that lie at the heart of the Mount.
Students learn about key moments in the development of the Catholic Church and other major religions in the context of world history. They study the Bible as critical readers and examine the work and impact of faith leaders over time. Through the lens of Catholic Social Teaching, students grow in personal spirituality while learning about social justice around the globe. Research and analysis of historic and contemporary issues empowers students to question what they see in the world and identify ways that they can effect positive change.
A solution when one seems impossible: this is science at the Mount.
An adventure in research and discovery: this is science at the Mount. The foundation for a career in engineering, medicine and technology: this is science at the Mount.
We encourage our students to embrace our science curriculum as an opportunity for both personal growth and institutional change; we are driven by the belief that gender equality in STEM will make the world a better place. Motivated and empowered, our students dive into biology, chemistry and computer science. As they develop skills in inquiry, research and problem solving, their curiosities become passions, and their passions drive them to become the change needed in our world.
The Mount is an affiliate of
One Schoolhouse
, a national online educational consortium. A variety of courses are available as supplements to the Mount curriculum; enrollment requires an additional fee. One Schoolhouse is fully accredited with the
Middle States Association of Colleges and Schools
and is a member of both the
National Association of Independent Schools (NAIS)
and the
International Coalition of Girls’ Schools (ICGS.)
The arts allow us to experience places and times apart from our own; they connect us to what came before and help us find commonality in our shared humanity. The arts offer a window into human emotions and are a vehicle for personal expression as well as social change.
By studying the theory and history of various visual and performing arts, students trace the development of different fields over time. They learn to engage with works of art and critically analyze their connection to other subjects, including world history, literature, math and science. Through studio courses, students practice creativity, experimentation, critical thinking, problem solving, communication and observational skills. They learn to communicate through various media and develop their unique artistic voices
Learning a second language unlocks doors. Immersive travel, professional opportunities and cross-cultural exchange are just some of the potential benefits that come with language studies. The Mount’s language curriculum prepares students to explore the world, inspires them to appreciate cultural and linguistic diversity, and empowers them to advocate for global understanding through communication.
In Latin and Spanish courses, our students develop the skills needed to succeed in both academic and authentic contexts. Study and practice in listening, reading, speaking and writing results in a comprehensive grasp on each modality. Advanced-level courses, available as electives, serve as the foundation for continued studies in college and beyond.
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