Designated Transportation & Dual Enrollment at Mount St. Dominic

Mount St. Dominic Academy (MSDA) is making it easier than ever for students to access exceptional educational opportunities in the 2025-2026 school year. With dedicated Essex and Morris County transportation routes and a Dual Enrollment program in partnership with Seton Hall University, MSDA is expanding accessibility and providing students with the resources they need to succeed.

Prospective students and their families are invited to learn more at MSDA’s Spring Open House on Wednesday, April 2, at 6:30pm. Held on the Mount’s scenic campus in Caldwell, NJ, this event welcomes 6th, 7th, and 8th-grade students—and prospective transfer students—for a personalized experience. Attendees will have the opportunity to meet faculty, staff, and current students while exploring the school’s academic programs, athletics, arts, service opportunities, and more. Register here.

Designated Transportation Options

Recognizing that transportation is often a key factor in school choice, MSDA is offering designated am routes for Essex and Morris counties for the 2025-2026 school year. These routes are designed to provide safe, reliable, and convenient commuting options, making it easier for more families to experience the Mount.

Pickup locations include:

• Montclair: NJ Transit Mountain Station
• South Orange: NJ Transit Station
• Parsippany: Troy Hills Shopping Center parking lot
• Pine Brook: Wood Stack parking lot

These locations offer strategic access points, ensuring that students from Essex and Morris counties can easily reach MSDA.

"We understand that transportation plays a crucial role in a family’s decision-making process," says Catherine Duran, Director of Admissions. "By offering these routes, we are making MSDA more accessible and welcoming to families who may not have previously considered us."

In addition to convenience, shared transportation fosters a sense of community. “Transportation is about more than just getting to school,” says Lynn Burek, Head of School. “It’s about making our exceptional education accessible to more families and reinforcing our commitment to students across the region. Distance should never be a barrier for any girl who dreams of attending MSDA.”

For more information about transportation options, contact the Admissions Office at 973-226-0660, Ext. 1114.

Dual Enrollment with Seton Hall University

MSDA is also partnering with Seton Hall University to offer a Dual Enrollment program, providing students with the opportunity to earn college credits while completing high school coursework. This initiative strengthens MSDA’s commitment to academic excellence and college readiness.

“We are very excited to start this relationship with Mount Saint Dominic Academy through our Dual Enrollment program here at Seton Hall,” says Francesca Phillippy, M.A., Associate Director, Project Acceleration and University Scholarships. “Academic opportunities like Project Acceleration allow students the intellectual freedom to earn college credits in the classroom, creating a more rigorous learning environment and preparing them for future success.”

Seven courses have already been approved for Dual Enrollment, including:

• Pre-Calculus Honors
• AP Statistics
• AP Calculus AB
• AP Calculus BC
• AP Psychology
• AP U.S. History
• AP Government

MSDA is working with Seton Hall to expand these offerings, aiming to have at least one Dual Enrollment course available in each department by the start of the 2025-2026 school year.
While Advanced Placement (AP) courses are a strong academic option, Dual Enrollment offers the added benefit of earning college credits that may transfer to universities nationwide. “This partnership with Seton Hall is a game-changer for our students,” says Dr. Karen D’Avino, Principal of MSDA. “They now have the chance to gain real college experience while still benefiting from the supportive environment at the Mount.”

Dual Enrollment students will take courses with MSDA teachers while registering for corresponding Seton Hall classes. By graduation, students could earn up to twelve college credits, reducing their future course load and tuition costs.

“In addition to earning credits, students develop critical college-readiness skills such as time management, academic responsibility, and critical thinking,” says Pauline Condon, Director of School and College Counseling. “Dual Enrollment helps them transition smoothly into college-level expectations.”

“We want our students to graduate with the confidence and skills to pursue their dreams,” says Lynn Burek. “The addition of Dual Enrollment aligns perfectly with our mission to challenge, inspire, and equip young women for success.”

Expanding Access and Opportunities at MSDA

Through expanded transportation services and the Dual Enrollment program, MSDA is furthering its commitment to providing students with exceptional educational opportunities. These initiatives are a testament to the school’s dedication to preparing young women not just for college, but for leadership and success in any field they choose.

For more information on these opportunities or to attend the Spring Open House, contact the Admissions Office at 973-226-0660, Ext. 1114, or register for the Open House here.

About Mount St. Dominic Academy

Mount St. Dominic Academy, founded in 1892 by the Sisters of St. Dominic, is an independent Catholic college preparatory school educating young women from diverse backgrounds.
MSDA offers signature programs such as the L.E.O. Entrepreneurship Program, Health Sciences and Social Justice Concentrations, and the Directed Research Senior Capstone, providing real-world experience for future success.

The Mount has earned top honors, including the 2024 College Board AP School Honor Roll “Gold with Access” and AP® Computer Science Female Diversity Awards for AP Computer Science A (2023) and AP Computer Science Principles (2023, 2024). It also received Gold Medals in the 2023 and 2024 Best of Essex contests for Best Private High School and an A+ rating on Niche’s 2024 Best Schools list, awarded to only 2.5% of US schools.

One hundred percent of graduates are accepted to four-year colleges. The 60 graduates of the Class of 2024 earned over $13 million in scholarships and merit awards.

Rolling Admissions for the Class of 2029 has begun! Private Family tours and “Mountie for a Day” visits are available to current 8th graders and transfer students in grades 9-11, or join us at our Spring Open House on April 2, 2025. Visit the Mount for more information.