Academics
Source: http://www.msdacademy.org/academics
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:15
Academics
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Academics
Using inquiry to support self-discovery and authentic learning is primary for the faculty and staff of Mount St. Dominic Academy. These experiences enrich the attributes of our talented young women and position them as agents of change. The world needs the women leaders we empower here every day, yet barriers still exist. At the Mount, we know it is necessary and recognize how our graduates' power will enhance and improve society.
Karen D'Avino,
Principal
Discovery through inquiry. Impact through engagement. Understanding through communication.
Partners in Learning
We are a family of learners.
We foster a community that motivates and supports one another throughout the high school experience. We prepare each other to see the
challenges of college
and beyond as tremendous opportunities.
Our students benefit from the instruction and resources needed to develop essential skills in critical analysis, independent inquiry and effective communication. A Mount education ignites a passion for social justice and civic engagement. The
curriculum
establishes the foundation for a lifetime of seeking truth through knowledge, dialogue and participation.
Students and teachers at the Mount are partners in learning. Small classes enable our teachers to provide flexible and individualized instruction while offering our students a safe and comfortable environment for academic and personal discovery. As educators, we cultivate a robust foundation through a purposeful blend of
academic rigor
,
intellectual exploration
and
comprehensive wellbeing
.
Dual Enrollment - New for 2025-2026!
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. The following 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
Motivated Mountie - STEAM Programming - New for 2025-2026!
The Mount is offering some updates to our curriculum for the 2025-26 school year!
Students will now have the option to attend
Motivated Mountie 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 Motivated Mountie 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
.
A Day in the Life
Our schedule is structured as a 7-day cycle which makes each week unique. Class lengths are roughly 60 minutes with the addition of the Common Academic Period, also known as CAP, built into the schedule daily.
MSDA Time Table
Motivated Mountie
07:45 am - 08:30 am
Period 1a
08:34 am- 09:04 am
Period
1b
09:04
am - 0
9:34 am
Locker Break
09:38 am
- 0
9:53 am
Period
2a
09:57
am -
10:27 am
Period
2b
10:27 am
-
10:5 7am
Period
3a
11:01 am - 11:31 am
Period
3b
11:35
am -
12:05 pm
Period
3c
12:09
pm -
12:39
pm
Period
3d
12:43
pm - 0
1:13
pm
CAP
01:17
pm - 0
1:42
pm
Period
4a
01:46
pm- 0
2:16
pm
Period
4b
02:16
pm - 0
2:46
pm
MSDA Sample Day Schedule
Motivated Mountie (Choir)
07:45 am - 08:30 am
AP US History
08:34 am - 09:34 am
Locker Break
09:38 am - 09:53 am
Precalculus Honors
09:57 am - 10:57 am
Seminar
11:01 am - 11:31 am
Lunch
11:35 am - 12:05 pm
Anatomy Honors
12:09 pm - 01:13 pm
CAP
01:17 pm - 01:42 pm
Creative Writing
01:46 pm - 02:46 pm
PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2025-2026
Academic and Personal Discovery
The Mount has developed special programs,
available to students with specific interests in STEM, studies in college thesis, leadership, entrepreneurship, and social justice. View program details:
Capstone with Harvard University
L.E.O. Entreprenuership Program
Social Justice
Concentration
Program
Health Science
Concentration
Program
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Skip To Main Content
Academics
Using inquiry to support self-discovery and authentic learning is primary for the faculty and staff of Mount St. Dominic Academy. These experiences enrich the attributes of our talented young women and position them as agents of change. The world needs the women leaders we empower here every day, yet barriers still exist. At the Mount, we know it is necessary and recognize how our graduates' power will enhance and improve society.
Karen D'Avino,
Principal
Discovery through inquiry. Impact through engagement. Understanding through communication.
Partners in Learning
We are a family of learners.
We foster a community that motivates and supports one another throughout the high school experience. We prepare each other to see the
challenges of college
and beyond as tremendous opportunities.
Our students benefit from the instruction and resources needed to develop essential skills in critical analysis, independent inquiry and effective communication. A Mount education ignites a passion for social justice and civic engagement. The
curriculum
establishes the foundation for a lifetime of seeking truth through knowledge, dialogue and participation.
Students and teachers at the Mount are partners in learning. Small classes enable our teachers to provide flexible and individualized instruction while offering our students a safe and comfortable environment for academic and personal discovery. As educators, we cultivate a robust foundation through a purposeful blend of
academic rigor
,
intellectual exploration
and
comprehensive wellbeing
.
Dual Enrollment - New for 2025-2026!
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. The following 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
Motivated Mountie - STEAM Programming - New for 2025-2026!
The Mount is offering some updates to our curriculum for the 2025-26 school year!
Students will now have the option to attend
Motivated Mountie 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 Motivated Mountie 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
.
A Day in the Life
Our schedule is structured as a 7-day cycle which makes each week unique. Class lengths are roughly 60 minutes with the addition of the Common Academic Period, also known as CAP, built into the schedule daily.
MSDA Time Table
Motivated Mountie
07:45 am - 08:30 am
Period 1a
08:34 am- 09:04 am
Period
1b
09:04
am - 0
9:34 am
Locker Break
09:38 am
- 0
9:53 am
Period
2a
09:57
am -
10:27 am
Period
2b
10:27 am
-
10:5 7am
Period
3a
11:01 am - 11:31 am
Period
3b
11:35
am -
12:05 pm
Period
3c
12:09
pm -
12:39
pm
Period
3d
12:43
pm - 0
1:13
pm
CAP
01:17
pm - 0
1:42
pm
Period
4a
01:46
pm- 0
2:16
pm
Period
4b
02:16
pm - 0
2:46
pm
MSDA Sample Day Schedule
Motivated Mountie (Choir)
07:45 am - 08:30 am
AP US History
08:34 am - 09:34 am
Locker Break
09:38 am - 09:53 am
Precalculus Honors
09:57 am - 10:57 am
Seminar
11:01 am - 11:31 am
Lunch
11:35 am - 12:05 pm
Anatomy Honors
12:09 pm - 01:13 pm
CAP
01:17 pm - 01:42 pm
Creative Writing
01:46 pm - 02:46 pm
PROGRAM OF STUDIES 2025-2026
Academic and Personal Discovery
The Mount has developed special programs,
available to students with specific interests in STEM, studies in college thesis, leadership, entrepreneurship, and social justice. View program details:
Capstone with Harvard University
L.E.O. Entreprenuership Program
Social Justice
Concentration
Program
Health Science
Concentration
Program
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