Why MDSA

List of 18 frequently asked questions.

• What makes MDSA special?

  The Mount de Sales journey provides a transformational experience that shapes the minds and spirits of our students. Here are the Top 10 Ways MDSA Elevates Catholic Education through a Journey of Heart, Soul, and Intellect:
  
  - The Dominican Difference
  - Academic Excellence
  - The Mount de Sales Confidence
  - Strong Sisterhood, Traditions, and Vibrant History
  - Development of the Whole Person
  - Leadership and Service Development
  - Caring Faculty and Staff
  - Chapel at the Center of the School
  - Beautiful and Historic Campus
  - Faith-Filled and Dedicated Community

• Where is Mount de Sales?

  700 Academy Road, Catonsville, MD 21228.

• Do you have busses or carpools?

  MDSA offers bus services in Anne Arundel, Baltimore, Carroll, and Howard counties. MDSA has an extensive carpool list and connects families in the same geographic area so they can coordinate carpools. MDSA Students come from 91 different zip codes. Click here for more information about transportation options.

• How much is tuition?

  Tuition for the 2024-25 school year is $18,375. Students in the Sacred Heart Program pay an additional $4,820 program tuition fee.

• Do you provide tuition assistance or scholarships?

  Yes! Families wishing to be considered for tuition assistance must annually submit an application to FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment. Click here for more information about tuition assistance. MDSA offers many scholarships from the school and from foundations and funds. Click here to learn more about scholarship opportunities.

• How big are your classes?

  MDSA's average class size is 16 and we have a 10:1 student to teacher ratio. For the 2024-2025 school year, MDSA has 455 total students across 9th-12th grades.

• What is the daily schedule like?

  MDSA opens at 7 a.m. when daily Mass is offered in the Chapel of St. Francis de Sales. Daily Mass is available to all MDSA students, families, faculty, and staff, as well as the local community.
  
  Classes begin at 8 a.m. and end at 2:40 p.m. Free aftercare is available until 5 p.m.
  
  MDSA's college preparatory curriculum features 75-minute classes in a block schedule format. For more information about our curriculum, click here.

• Do you offer Honors or AP classes?

  Yes! MDSA offers 38 Honors classes and 14 AP classes. Click here for more information.

• What arts offerings do you have?

  The Fine Arts Department offers classes in the Visual Arts, Music, Dance, and Theatre Arts. The Center for Performing Arts and Student Life, a 24,000-square foot building that opened in 2021, features:
  
  - Music and dance classrooms
  - Two dedicated practice rooms for student performers
  - Fully equipped scene shop and storage space for technical theatre students
  - 400-seat fixed lower-level orchestral section
  - 200-moveable seat upper-level multi-use space (flexible configuration options) 
  - Control room for audio, lighting, and visual equipment

• What clubs do you offer?

  We have over 30 clubs and activities for students to get involved in. Every student is encouraged to participate in one or more extracurricular activities. Mount de Sales Academy hosts a chapter of the National Honor Society, and a Student Council affiliated with the Maryland Association of Student Councils. Click here to learn more about MDSA's vibrant student life. 

• What sports do you offer?

  MDSA offers 14 sports and 21 total teams. 50% of students at MDSA participate in athletics. Follow us on Instagram for updates on MDSA athletics. 
  
  Fall: Cheerleading, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Mountain Biking, Soccer, Tennis, Volleyball
  
  Winter: Basketball, Cheerleading, Indoor Track & Field, Swimming
  
  Spring: Golf, Lacrosse, Outdoor Track & Field, Softball

• How many of your graduates go on to college?

  We have a 100% college application and acceptance rate annually. Between 90-94% of students attend four-year institutions after graduating from MDSA.
  
  The Class of 2024 was offered $17 million in scholarships, includes 10 athletes playing at the collegiate level, has 41 AP scholars and is matriculating at 54 colleges and universities, including 10 Catholic universities.

• Is service required of MDSA students?

  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. Click here for more information.

• Does the school provide computers for students?

  Incoming families are required to buy their own device based on the school’s criteria. However, there are no technology fees in addition to tuition. Students will have full access to Microsoft Office Suite and Office 365 online at no charge.

• How do I get added to your mailing list?

  Fill out an inquiry here. Submitting an inquiry form gives you access to the Sailor Portal, which includes you admissions checklist and resources page, adds you to our e-newsletter distribution list, and allows you to self-schedule visits at MDSA. 

• When can my daughter and/or family visit MDSA?

  We have many visit opportunities year-round. Click here to learn about upcoming events. We can't wait to see you on campus soon!

• What is the application process? When is the application deadline?

  Applications for eighth graders for Fall 2025 admissions are due on December 20, 2024. For more information about the application process and required application documents, click here.
  

• Do you accept transfers?

  Students are considered for transfer into Mount de Sales for grades 10 or 11 based on class availability. The timeline for transfer admissions decisions are dependent on when all application materials are received by MDSA and the candidate interview is complete. Click here for more information about transferring into Mount de Sales.