Mount St. Mary Academy High School

I am a Mount alum and loved it there! I received an excellent education. The small class size gave each one of us a sense that we were a family. No one "fell through the cracks ". Same gender atmosphere also lends itself to a certain level of confidence that I know I wouldn't have received at a traditional co-Ed school. They have recently remodeled the science labs and cafeteria. The turf field is top notch for sports. Great swim team too! I would compare it against schools like Oak Knoll and Delbarton, academically speaking, but for a fraction of the cost! I have a daughter now, and would be proud to send her there! The administration is involved and caring. They are not "old school" at all. Quite the contrary! I am shocked that a prior post said otherwise! Attend the Open Houses in the Fall, and see it for yourself, you will fall in love with it!

Being a current student at MSMA, I am shocked reading these negative reviews! Attending school at the Mount has given me the oppurtunity of a lifetime, and I know I would not be able to grow so much if I were anywhere but at the Mount. Those who claim the Mount is outdated are MISINFORMED! MSMA offers state-of- the-art laptops to each student, making studying much easier. Being an all-girls school, Mount has allowed me to grow so much socially! Cattiness regularly seen in coeducational schools is rare at MSMA. The academics at the Mount are top-priority and challenging, more so than other area schools. Mount's excellent teachers have helped me learn. Also, no Mount student is ever bored- so many sports, clubs, and artistic electives are offered here. The guidance office is always quick to help with college decisions. Finally, I have grown so much spiritually at the Mount. mountsaintmary.org!!!
--Submitted by a student

On all levels Mount St. Mary's is a throwback to another era. The facility is outdated, the curiculum has not kept up with the times and it is a single sex school dominated by administrators who are aging members of a religious order. The school spirit is good, but the education does not compare on any level to that provided at many of the other Catholic high schools in New Jersey. Catholic secondary schools such as Delbarton, Christian Brothers Academy, Oak Knoll, Oratory Prep and Villa Walsh are easily far superior.
--Submitted by a parent

This is truly a wonderful school. I strongly disagree with the previous poster about the quality of the education. My daughter, who is an honor student, is constantly challenged academically. The education she is receiving far surpasses that of the local public school (which is highly rated). The teachers are very well qualified and committed to quality education. The culture is terrific at bringing out the best in each of the girls. Communication of daily events could be improved but overall this is a very well-run school.
--Submitted by a parent

Our two older daughters attended the Mount and we were generally happy with the school. Our youngest daughter is a freshman now and we are very disappointed at how the quality of the program has deteriorated over the past few years. Our daughter is getting straight A's, but doing work that she did in 7th and 8th grade. It is not a challenging educational environment the way it was when our older daughters went there. We are likely to move our daughter to a better school next fall.
--Submitted by a parent

This is a current student writing this review. It is an absolutely amazing school. The quality of the academic programs is top-notch. The faculty cares about the students and so the students thrive under their mentorship. The administration also plays a big role and are always there to help. They are not the distant disciplinarians like in many other schools, but are actually involved in your life in a positive way. There are so many things to do at school that it is almost impossible to not find something that interests you. Also, of course, if by chance there is not something a student likes, she may create one herself. Parents are also very involved in the school through the Mercy Guild (for moms) and the Father's Club. These two organizations are always helping the school and so there is always a parent or two in the hallways.
--Submitted by a student

An absolutely outstanding all-girls Catholic high school. The updated facilities offer state of the art computer systems, science labs and classrooms. My daughter is entering her sophomore year and loves everything about the school. Extracurricular sports activities include field hockey, basketball, tennis, cross country, volleyball, suimming, softball as well as science league, photography and many other after school clubs. Sister Lisa is an outstanding principal and the teachers are highly professional and dedicated. Parental involvement is very high and there is a very positive atmosphere at the school. Highlights include White Gown masses and the Christmas & Spring concerts. A school which will develop your daughter into an amazing young woman.
--Submitted by a parent