Mount de Sales was founded for the education of young women by a group of Visitation nuns from Georgetown. The first Catholic institution in Baltimore County, Maryland to offer education to young women of all denominations, Mount de Sales’ earliest students represent nearly all states, as well as several European and Latin American countries. Mount de Sales gradually became more day than boarding school, and boarding was discontinued in 1932.

In 1979, the Visitation nuns could no longer continue at the school and the school remained open under the direction of a lay Board of Trustees. In 1985, the Dominican Sisters of the Saint Cecilia Congregation in Nashville, Tennessee responded to the need for sisters to administer the school.

Today enrollment is 465 eager and faithful students living out our vision of: " Academic Excellence in the Catholic Tradition."

At Mount de Sales we believe a High School Education is more than just taking classes. We believe that education is an experience that dramatically changes lives for the better. We have confidence that this is true because we see the transformations every day. They can and do happen.

There is a lot to discover in four years of a Mount de Sales education. There are opportunities for students in leadership, athletics, the arts, academic and student organizations. Students find many ways to express their skills and talents.

For more than 153 years, Mount de Sales has been helping students understand the connections that matter – connections between Faith and learning, Heritage and values, Knowledge and leadership, Community and service. Mount de Sales Academy is committed to providing the opportunity for personal and individual development anchored in faith.

Mount de Sales Academy has been recognized as one of the nations top 50 Catholic High Schools for 2005-2006, as well as the inaugural year list of 2004-2005. The ranking by the Catholic High School Honor Roll top 50 (a selection, conducted by a distinguished Advisory Board of leaders in Catholic education, the Acton Institute through www.chshonor.org) is based on academics, Catholic identity, and civic education.  In addition to being among the country’s top Catholic High Schools, Mount de Sales is also proud to listed among the top 20 in Catholic identity this year!

The young women of Mount de Sales have been both enthusiastic and devoted to the Catholic faith and the pro-life cause. The school uniform is not considered complete without the large Miraculous Medal which distinguishes it.

Over our 153 year history dozens of Mount de Sales alumnae have responded to religious vocations with a number of orders, especially St. Cecilia Congregation.