Philosophy
We emphasize the importance of academic excellence as one of the essential principles of a Mercy education along with compassion, service, justice, global awareness, and the dignity of each human being. Our faculty has the freedom to create a challenging curriculum that centers on five key indicators of highly engaging and relevant instruction:
- Active and collaborative learning
- Enriching educational experiences
- Appropriate academic challenges
- Supportive campus environment
- Interaction between faculty and students
Faculty work in grade level teams to plan interdisciplinary study, integrate essential 21st century skills, distribute writing and creative projects across core courses, and support students to work up to their highest potential.
Essential 21st Century Skills

Four skills have emerged as essential to prepare students for the challenges of life in the new millennium: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. We design each Upper School course – whether our bedrock core curriculum or rigorous Advancement Placement courses – so that students master content while also honing these skills. We use assessment results from the preliminary ACT (ASPIRE) and PSAT to adjust our curriculum and shape the Upper School academic experience to meet the needs of students.
Innovative Strategies
Robust and progressive use of technology enhances the Upper School experience. Upon enrollment, each student receives an iPad for personal use throughout the academic year. Using iPads in the classroom gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge creatively; this technology enhances but does not replace traditional methods of instruction that continue to serve students well as they matriculate through the Upper School program. Our facilities offer state-of-the-art computer labs, virtual labs, and other interactive technologies that enhance the learning experience.
Student-Centered
A seven-period schedule rotates each week to ensure that students have the opportunity to take courses at different points in the day within a seven-week cycle. A “flex period” occurs at the end of most regular school days to allow students time to meet with teachers individually for extra assistance.
Curriculum
Mount de Sales offers a rigorous college preparatory program with extensive honors and Advanced Placement courses in most subject areas. A broad range of elective courses across the curriculum enhances course offerings in eight academic areas: English, mathematics, world languages, social studies, theology, science, fine arts, and technology. Students can earn college credit through dual enrollment courses. Mount de Sales partners with Georgia Tech and Wesleyan College in dual enrollment.
Bedrock Academic Program
The Bedrock Academic Program links core courses together by grade level. Teachers who teach Bedrock courses common to a certain grade level meet bi-weekly to coordinate content, skills, and assessments. Teachers also work together to plan common projects and activities for students within a Bedrock team.
9th Grade: English I, Theology I, Physics or Physics (H), Latin I, Spanish I, French I, & Algebra I
10th Grade: English II, Theology II, Chemistry or Chemistry (H), World History, Geometry, & Digital Technology
11th Grade: American Literature, Social Justice, Faith & Reason, Biology or Biology (H), US History, & Algebra II
12th Grade: English IV, Theology Electives, US Government, Economics, & Advanced Algebra
Academic Rigor: Honors and Advanced Placement Electives
Honors: Physics, Chemistry, Biology, Latin IV, Spanish IV, French IV, Geometry, Algebra II, & Pre-Calculus/Trig, Organic Chemistry, Computer Programming
Advanced Placement: AP Physics I, AP Physics II, AP Chemistry, AP Biology, AP Environmental Science, AP Latin, AP Spanish, AP French, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Statistics, AP Computer Science Principles, AP English Language, AP English Literature, AP World History, AP US History, AP US Government, AP Macroeconomics, AP Psychology, AP Art History, AP Studio Art
Dual Enrollment: College Algebra, College Statistics; College English I, College English II; World Civ I, World Civ II
Academic Interest: General Elective Courses
General Electives: SAT Prep and Practice
Theology Electives: Holocaust Studies, World Religions, Advanced Social Justice & independent study in theological topics
Technology Electives: Digital Technology, App Development, Computer-Assisted Design & Computer Programming (Honors)
Science Electives: Anatomy and Physiology, Sociobiology, Forensic Science, Geology, Astronomy, Organic Chemistry
Fine Arts Electives:
Theater: Acting and Characterization, Technical Theater, Theater Performance/One Act; Speech; & Theater Design/Puppetry
Visual Arts: Art I, Advanced Art; Ceramic Design; Photography; Portfolio Development & AP Studio Art
Instrumental Music: Beginning Band, Advanced Band
Choral Music: Concert Choir & Chorale
AP Capstone Diploma Program, Senior Practicum, and the STEP Program
At Mount de Sales, students are able to chart an individualized academic path through a wide variety of engaging and relevant courses across all academic disciplines and levels of rigor. Additionally, students have two opportunities to tailor their learning to their personal interests. Through the AP Capstone and Senior Practicum experiences, students are able to let their intellectual curiosity guide their learning. Click here for a comparison of these two.
AP Capstone Diploma Program:
AP Capstone Diploma Program is for students who want to have a more research-based experience. Mount de Sales Academy is the only independent school in the region approved to implement this new College Board program. The innovative program allows students to develop the skills that matter most for college success, such as research, collaboration, and communication. Students will take AP Seminar their junior year and AP Research their senior year. Students may receive an official certificate or diploma from the College Board upon successful completion and based on AP scores requirements.
Senior Practicum:
Students who prefer practical experience can opt for the Senior Practicum program. Students shadow professionals to gain experience in the day-to-day routine in their field of interest and blog about their experience for the duration of the program. Students make a final presentation to teachers, administrators, and peers.
Senior Transition Experience Program (STEP):
Seniors who are particularly interested in exploring career options related to healthcare may apply and be accepted to the STEP program, in partnership with our neighbor, Navicent Health.
More information coming soon for 2021-2022.
Academic Recognition
Beta Club
National Honor Society
Cum Laude Society
French Honor Society
Spanish Honor Society
Latin Honor Society
Tri-M Music Honor Society
Thespian Society
Academic Letter Program
Excellence and Merit Lists
Clubs & Activities
At Mount de Sales, clubs and student activities represent an extension of our mission.
Poised to Discover: World Culture Club, Creative Writing Club, Chess Club, Thespian Society, Board Games Club, Business Leaders Club, Page Break Literary Magazine
Challenged to Innovate: Model United Nations, Gaming Club, LEGO Robotics, Academic Bowl, Math Team, National Latin Exam
Motivated to Serve: Student Council, Key Club, Beta Club, Mercy in Action Program, Environmental Club, Pep Club, Fellowship of Christian Athletes
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Poised
to
Discover
Discover [dis-ˈkə-vər] v.
Find unexpectedly or during a search.
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Challenged
to
Innovate
Innovate [ˈi-nə-ˌvāt] v.
Make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods or ideas.
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Motivated
to
Serve
Serve [ˈsərv] v.
Perform duties or services for another person.