MSDA Academics

English Fine Arts Mathematics World Languages Physical Education

Religion Science Social Studies Technology Additional Opportunities

" We try to prepare our girls to think critically, to reason inductively and to maintain a critical moral eye on the role of science in their world."

Eileen Hirce, Teacher of Science for over 25 years

Our Core Curriculum enables our students to become well rounded individuals who excel in our classes and later on in college. On average, our classes have no more than 20 students; this guarantees that students receive personalized attention. Honors and AP courses are available for those students who qualify.

Class of 2011

Freshman Curriculum

The Class of 2011 will be taking the following major courses in their Freshman year:

Catholic Christianity

Types of Literature *

Algebra I */Geometry

World History *

World Language I (French or Spanish) *

Biology *

* Honors courses are available as part of the Aquinas Honors Program

In addition, they will take the following minor courses:

SAT Preparation - Verbal

SAT Preparation - Mathematics

Physical Education / Health I

Computer Applications I & II

Guidance I

Peer Leadership

Additional Changes in curriculum are as follows:

Sophomore English will be offered on three levels: College Prep, Honors and AP Language and Composition. The AP course will be a new offering for 2007-2008.
Advanced Biology will be changed to Anatomy & Physiology.
Beginning with the Class of 2011, all students will be required to take a Fine Arts elective equivalent to one full year. This can be done during Sophomore, Junior or Senior year.
Computer Applications will be completed during Freshman and Sophomore years so that all students are competent in this area by the end of their second year and can use their skills throughout their remaining two years.
Physical Education and Health will be combined into a comprehensive course.
Beginning with the Class of 2011, Sophomores will have one elective, Juniors will have three electives and Seniors will have five electives. Among these electives, they must take one year of Fine Arts and a second year of Science. We strongly recommend a fourth year of Mathematics, a third and fourth year of Science and a third year of World Language.
New electives will be offered for the 2008-2009 school year, expanding the possibilities for our students.

More details will be available on our website at a later date.

Click here for Teachers' Web Pages

Curriculum Guide 2006-2007

Student Handbook 2007-2008

Curriculum for 2007 - 2008 is listed below.

Freshman Curriculum

Religion

Types of Literature*

Algebra I*/Geometry
World History*
World Language I*

Biology*
Physical Education/Health
Computer Applications I/II

SAT Preparation
Guidance I

Sophomore Curriculum

Religion

American Literature*+

Geometry*/Algebra II
US History I*

World Language II*
Physical Education
Driver Education Theory
Computer Applications III/IV
SAT Preparation
Guidance II
One Elective

Junior Curriculum

Religion

British Literature*

Algebra II*/Pre Cal/Cal
US History II*+
Physical Education/Health
SAT Preparation

Guidance III

Three Electives

Senior Curriculum

Religion

World Literature*+
Physical Education/Health
Guidance IV
Five Electives

+ AP courses offered: Calculus AB/BC, Literature, Language and Composition, Biology, US History, Studio Art

*Honors courses offered as part of the Aquinas Honors Program

Electives include, but are not limited to the following: Chemistry, Modern European History Honors, Anatomy & Physiology, Physics, Forensic Science, Graphic Design, Pre-Calculus, Programming in Visual Basic, Creative Writing, Photography