Choosing between a public school and a private school can be a big decision, and it often comes down to one question: Where will my daughter be best prepared for her future?

At Mt. St. Mary Academy, we think the answer is an environment with an all-girls, Catholic education that’s intentionally designed to lift up young women in every way. We have some great public schools in Western New York, but we also believe there are powerful, real-world advantages your daughter will realize when she’s at the center of her education.

1. Confidence and Leadership: The All-Girls Edge

The biggest difference is empowerment. When girls are in an all-girls environment, their confidence soars. Research from the National Coalition of Girls’ Schools (NCGS) shows that 93% of girls’ school graduates report being offered more leadership opportunities than their coed peers, and 80% have held leadership positions since finishing high school.

At MSM, every single leader—from the Class President to the team captain—is a young woman. This means:

• She’ll find her voice: Students are more likely to speak up and jump into class debates without being interrupted.
• She’ll take risks: She’s more likely to enroll and do well in STEAM subjects like advanced Physics and Engineering, areas where girls can be overshadowed in coed settings.
• She’s the focus: Every resource, every club, and every lesson is designed specifically with her growth and learning style in mind.

2. A Focus on Safety and Wellness

A caring environment is essential for success in school. While safety is always a priority, studies have shown that the incidence of bullying for girls in single-sex schools is often significantly lower than for girls in co-educational settings. Our sisterhood creates a natural support system that focuses on mutual respect and positive social development, all guided by our Gospel values.

This safe space lets our students focus on their academic goals and personal growth, minimizing the social pressures that often pull focus away from learning in other environments.

3. Making Excellence Accessible

An MSM education is an investment, and we’re committed to making sure it’s an accessible one. We truly believe that every young woman who wants to become a Mountie should have the chance to do so.

We work with families everyday to make this educational experience more affordable through:

• Merit Scholarships: Awards based on academic success and entrance exam scores.
• Need-Based Financial Aid: We’re proud to award financial aid to a lot of our qualified families to help close the financial gap.
• Flexible Payment Plans: We offer different payment options to spread the cost over the year.

The value of an MSM education—the lasting confidence, the leadership skills, and the amazing sisterhood—pays off long after graduation. It’s an investment in the kind of woman she’ll become.

If you’re ready to learn more about how MSM can help your daughter grow and thrive, please get in touch with our Admission office today.