Academics

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:

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

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.