Mount St. Dominic Academy in New York, New York

“MSDA slogan is empowering young women. But how can our daughters be empower if they are not given the chance to be empowered. My daughter started all CP's classes and her average at the end of the year was a 95 but MSDA wouldn't let her move up to honors but other girls who had an average of 90 got to move up. The guidance counselors are horrible, they tell our daughters that they have no hope for the future other than going to a community college Don't they know that their tuition is more expensive than some college tuitions. Beside have an expensive tuition they don't give you much financial aid help. That school is the worst investment any parent can make.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The Mount is an outstanding high school. The teachers are all very good and many are great. They seem to genuinely care about their students. Classes are small in size, but they seem to have all the resources they need. The seniors all go on to college and to good schools, often with some pretty big scholarships. I've met many of the other parents and they are really nice, too. This is the best thing we've ever done for her.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Not coming from a catholic background, I didn't know what to expect and an all girl school on top of that, we we're sure. My daughter is a freshman and I can't say enough about the school. The teachers are amazing. Caring and understanding. The academics are everything I was looking for and more. Plenty of sports, but if your daughter isn't into it like mine, their Arts Program is unbelievable. Acting, dancing, singing, in addition to the clubs, newspaper, magazine, etc. etc. We didn't know anyone coming in and we both have been treated like old friends. We are looking forward to these next four years.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Some teachers are good and others are down right unfair. Students are held responsible if they do not understand material ESPECIALLY in math courses. After school tutoring is treated as a burden for a teacher and it makes the student feel uncomfortable to ask for extra help. I would have to say the math program, freshman year, was a joke. I graduated from the mount and i can recall finding myself CRYING over my math grade. My parents had to pays hundreds of dollars for a tutor just so i can get a C+ in math! I didn't like most of the faculty. Detention slips are handed out like there's no tomorrow. IT'S CRAZY. The only thing I liked about the Mount was Homeroom and the student body, we became really close, like a family. And there was no help from teachers or anything there. MSDA NEEDS BETTER FACULTY.”
This review was posted by a student.

“My daughter recently graduated as a Bloustein scholar after 3 great years at the Mount. Unfortuatnely the 4th and last year revealed an unprofessional side I had not expected. There is a great deal of tunnel vision and a vapid lack of responsibility. This is evidenced by lack of return phone calls and ignoring of email directed to the appropriate dean. Dealing directly with a difficult situation proves to be an impossiblity. Action is rarely taken. Unfortuantley the last year left us so disheartened we tend to forget some of the truly great teachers. Academics are good, not great, but certainly worth considering if economics are a factor.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Mount Saint Dominic is a wonderful school. It provides a nice, SAFE learning enviornment filled with hard-working teachers. The girls that graduate go on to attend some of the finest colleges in america. Not only are the academics phenomenal, the mount has a great athletic program. Also, the mount has a varitey of extracurricular activities. Although, it is said that the mount is run like a catholic school in the 1950-1960's what did you expect when applying to the mount?? The mount has a strong and suitable disciplinary system. They are tough but FAIR. The mount is a great school and you should consider sending your daughters here.”
This review was posted by a other.

“The higher administation runs the school like catholic schools were run in the 1950-1960 era. They are never wrong and never accept blame for errors, instead blaming students or parents. The attitude message is one that says that they are the only school in essex county that is both safe and educational.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“As a graduate of the Mount, I could not have asked for a more incredible 4 years. In response to the whining of some parents - face it your daughters are in a competitive school. Sports - the best are needed to be at the top which is exactly where we are for the sports mentioned, basketball and softball. Academically, our girls are incredibly prepared for college and grad schools and help is always there if you choose to accept it. And as far as college planning - no other school offers the quality and quantity of our programs - but you have to want to take advantage. I urge parents and students considering the Mount to believe from an incredibly proud alum that it is truly a wonderful place to grow and learn - truly an extended family that will always be there for you. - Mountie for life <3”
This review was posted by a parent.

“I am a graduate of the Mount and it was one of the best experiences of my life. The teachers really care and want all students to excell. And if you are an AP student they will do everything in their power to make sure that you get 5s on all of the exams, even if it means they give up parts of their weekends or stay late.”
This review was posted by a student.

“Am sorely disappointed with the Mount. The faculty is apathetic especially where extra help or tutoring is concerened. In a school that prides itself on empowering young women, all they have done is frustrated and drove mine to tears. Administration blames the student or parent for a substandard grade, and reccomends hiring an outside tutor in a weak subject...all of this for about 15k a year.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“The quality of the academic programs is very high. The girls are definitely challenged. Mount Saint Dominic girls are well prepared for college. They offer a number of sports and extracurricular activities. There is something for everyone. Parental involvement is high.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Incoming Freshman feel that they get a lot of homework.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Academic program is changing for the 2006 incoming freshmen. Chemistry is optional and foreign language begins in soph year. A few good teachers. . . Spanish, Literature and Science programs are weak. Math is strong. College planning department - parents do all the work. Sports dominate in softball and basketball (see other parents review). Many clubs offered and good music program. Plans to build a new gym and change the existing gym into a performing arts center. Received a grant but still need to raise 2 million. Tuition will definitely increase! Parents are involved, but lots of red tape in the administration.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“This school has been a big disappointment. The teachers are wonderful, but if your child wants to be involved in sports, look for another school. The Athletic Department is very selective in the softball and basketball programs. Most freshmen take the spots of the upperclassmen, leaving them to move into a no cut sport, such as XCountry or Track & Field. Investigate the team rosters to see how many seniors or juniors are on the Varsity level. It's not because their not good enough, they've been mentally drained from the program. Coaches have taken the fun out of playing.”
This review was posted by a parent.

“Going to the Mount is like having an extended family. The kids are great...The teachers really care for the kids. I saw them in action during the funeral of one of the student's father. You caouldn't ask for more loving or caring teachers, both religious faculty and lay faculty.It is a great place for a young girl to 'grow' into a mature young woman.”
This review was posted by a parent.