Mount St. Mary's Partnership

In the Spring of 2019, a unique partnership between Mount St. Mary’s University and Saint John’s Catholic Prep was announced for the first time in both the institution’s history. Beginning with the 2019-2020 school year, SJCP seniors have the opportunity to be both full-time college freshmen at Mount St. Mary’s University and high school seniors at Saint John's Catholic Prep. The Senior/Freshman Initiative promotes the two schools’ shared Catholic values and commitment to student success and academic achievement. The students were selected because their excellent academic achievements demonstrated they could excel at the college-level while participating in traditional high school activities like athletics, clubs, and service organizations. 

“Both the Mount and Saint John’s have long and historic histories of providing Catholic education in Frederick County. Having led both schools, this partnership just seemed logical as a way to strengthen our shared educational bond while providing an innovative experience for select seniors. Our students are fortunate to have this opportunity to start their degrees and save considerable financial resources. I know that our students will greatly benefit from their time at the Mount,” said Dr. Thomas Powell, president of Saint John’s Catholic Prep and Mount St. Mary’s University president emeritus.

SJCP and MSMU have a shared interest in partnership, which can be found in the schools’ missions. SJCP’s mission is to prepare their students to be leaders with good hearts and discerning spirits as they pursue truth, academic excellence and service to humanity. MSMU’s mission is to graduate ethical leaders who are inspired by a passion for learning and lead lives of significance in service to God and others.

The First Students to Participate in the Partnership Program