large group of students standing at the brick Mount St. Mary Academy sign and smiling

Welcome to Mount St. Mary Academy

About Us

Arkansas’ only Catholic, college-preparatory high school for young women

Founded in 1851, Mount St. Mary Academy is proud to be Arkansas’ oldest educational institution as well as the only all-girls school in the state. The supportive, yet challenging, all-girl learning environment provides a unique platform that helps young women build confidence while growing academically and spiritually. Blending faith and academic rigor in the spirit of the school’s Catholic founders, the Sisters of Mercy, Mount St. Mary Academy prepares girls for college and for life, and it equips them to be leaders in their families, churches, workplaces, and communities.

"Must be a Mount Girl!"

Mount Girls are known for being bright, inquisitive, team oriented and service driven. They can be seen voicing their opinions on college campuses, starting their own businesses or collecting cans at local food pantries. A Mount Girl is more than smart and accomplished; she is grounded in Mercy Values and guided by her faith. She loves learning and extends that passion to everything she does. She also recognizes her own intrinsic dignity and worth and respects that of others.

At Mount St. Mary Academy, each student is challenged, and remarkable things happen once she decides to accept that challenge. Increased academic performance, self-confidence, and leadership traits emerge in the four years leading up to graduation. Each year graduates maintain a 100% college acceptance rate with collective scholarship offerings surpassing $13 million. With a foundational base of knowledge, experience, and spirituality, our students are well equipped, empowered, and prepared for whatever the future holds. Must be Mount Girls!

 Are you a prospective family or student interested in Mount St. Mary Academy? Take a look at our Viewbook to learn more, or contact our Admissions team at (501) 664-8006 ext. 106 or admissions@mtstmary.edu to schedule a tour.

School Fast Facts and Accomplishments

  • A sponsored ministry of the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas and a member of Mercy Education

  • Founded in 1851, the oldest high school and the only all-girls school in Arkansas

  • Voted Best Private High School in Arkansas Democrat-Gazette’s “2023 and 2022 Best of the Best,” Little Rock Soirée's "Soirée Recommends 2024," and AY Magazine's "Best of 2023" readers' polls

  • Voted Best Private School in Arkansas Times’ “Best of Arkansas 2022” readers’ poll

  • 478 young women, grades 9-12

  • 70% Catholic, 30% other faiths

  • 13:1 student-faculty ratio

  • Average class size of 16

  • 24.3 ACT composite score (3-year average)

  • 26 AP courses, plus an AP Capstone Diploma Program and full-scale honors program

  • 43 hours of college credit available through concurrent credit program with UA Little Rock, plus online summer courses

  • Service Learning Program with students volunteering at 25 service sites in the Greater Little Rock community

  • 60+ clubs, organizations and sports teams

  • Alumnae network of nearly 9,000 strong

Class of 2023 Achievements

  • Awarded $15.7 million in college scholarships

  • Attending 35 different colleges across 16 states

  • Accepted to 90 different colleges

  • 14% enrolled in an Honors College program

  • 27 total AP scholars

  • Two National Merit Finalists

  • 5 student-athletes signed to play collegiate-level sports (across Divisions I, II & III)

  • More than 9,500 hours of community service completed during their junior and senior years

View a copy of our 2023-2024 School Profile here.