Dominican Academy


Dominican Academy is a Catholic college preparatory school for girls founded by the Dominican Sisters of St. Mary of the Springs. It is located on the Upper East Side of Manhattan.

44 East 68th Street

The Mansion at 44 East 68th Street was built in 1921 as the private residence of Colonel Michael Friedsam, the former president of the B. Altman and Company and one of the premier art collectors in America at that time. The five-story building fashioned in limestone was designed by Frederick Frost, with wrought ironwork by Samuel Yellin. Friedsam's collection contained numerous masterpieces by artists such as Vermeer, Rembrandt, Jan Van Eyck, and Botticelli. Many of the original architectural elements, including carved marble fireplaces, stained glass windows, and ornate woodwork, are still in place today creating a unique environment for learning.
Upon Friedsam's death, his collection, valued at a whopping $10,000,000, was split between the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Brooklyn Museum. The house itself went to Friedsam's close friend, Benjamin Altman of B. Altman and Co., under the provision that it be used for educational purposes. At that time, Altman sold the building to the Dominican Sisters for $1. At first, the only staircase in the building was the main red staircase. However, in 1956, the chapel was destroyed by a fire which led to the Dominican Sisters taking many more safety precautions and building an extra black staircase on the opposite side of the building. The Library, which previously held part of Colonel Friedsam’s extensive art collection, has over 7,000 books with special art, literature, and classics collections. The library subscribes to more than 60 magazines and newspapers.
The Science Lab was renovated over the summer of 2010, underwritten by the generosity of the Reunion Class of 1958 and the family of a beloved deceased alumna. Computers are readily available in the library, computer room and throughout the building for student use. Dominican Academy underwent a major renovation in the summers of 2017 and 2018 which included the addition of two full-sized classrooms, a reconfigured library commons and dedicated chapel space, and additional student and faculty spaces.

Accreditation and awards

Established in 1897, Dominican Academy is named for its founders, the Dominican Sisters. The Dominican Sisters of Peace continue to sponsor the school. The president of Dominican Academy is Sr. Margaret Ormond, O.P., former prioress of the Dominican Sisters of Peace, and a graduate of Dominican Academy.
Dominican Academy is accredited by Middle States, the New York State Board of Regents, and has been recognized twice with the Blue Ribbon School Award of Excellence by the United States Department of Education, the highest award an American school can receive.

Academics

As a private Catholic college preparatory school, all of Dominican Academy’s classes are either honors, advanced, or Advanced Placement level. One hundred percent of each graduating class attends accredited four-year colleges and universities. The 53 members of the Class of 2018 were awarded over $13.5 million in scholarships and had one National Merit Commended Scholars and one National Merit Semi-Finalist. The 53 members of the Class of 2017 were awarded over $10.5 million in college scholarships and grants. The 58 members of the Class of 2016 were awarded over $14.5 million in college scholarships and grants, and had 5 National Merit Commended Scholars and one National Merit Finalist. The 39 members of the Class of 2015 were awarded over $12 million in scholarships and grants. The 60 members of the Class of 2014 earned over $15 million in college scholarships and grants, and had four National Merit Commended Scholars.
Total enrollment is 225 young women. There are 26 faculty members. The Student:Teacher ratio is 8:1. Students complete a curriculum in subjects such as religious studies, English, history, mathematics, science, foreign language, technology, fine arts, and dance. Every student at Dominican Academy takes at least two years of Latin. Students must also study at least two years of French, Spanish, or Chinese. In total, every student must complete 5 years of foreign language. Electives available include Art History, ballroom dance, forensics, prophets of nonviolence, and psychology.

Admissions

Admission to Dominican Academy is based on the student’s Test for Admissions to Catholic High Schools score, grade school academic records, and her teachers’ recommendations.
Dominican Academy does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, creed, or ethnic origin.

Extracurricular activities

Some activities offered at Dominican Academy include: Art Club, Culture Club, Dance Club, Yearbook Club, Drama Club, Debate Club, French Club, Glee Club, Liturgical Ensemble, Latin Club, Mock Trial Team, Literary Journal, Science Club, The Student Prints, Shakespeare Club, Girls Who Code, and Women's Empowerment Club.
The athletic teams at Dominican Academy include Basketball, Cross-Country, Softball, Soccer, Swimming, Tennis, Indoor and Outdoor Track, and Volleyball.
Interested students in all grades have the opportunity to attend sketching classes taught by art professionals on-site at the Frick Collection. The Frick, located a mere two blocks from the school, is one of the pre-eminent art museums in the United States and houses paintings by world-renowned artists including El Greco, Rembrandt, van Dyck, and Vermeer. Student work is on display at the Frick at the end of the school year.

Service activities

Dominican Academy is committed to the Dominican pillars of prayer, study, community, and ministry. The school celebrates mass monthly, and each class has a yearly retreat. Additionally, juniors and seniors have a special retreat program.
Service activities at Dominican Academy include: a week-long service to the Oscar Romeo Center in Camden, New Jersey; a Summer service trip to Ecuador; New York Cares Day; and opportunities to volunteer at local soup kitchens, homeless shelters, nursing homes, and daycare facilities. Service organizations at Dominican Academy include Amnesty International, Campus Ministry, Liturgical Choir, Pro-Life Club, National Honor Society, SADD, Student Ambassadors, and Student Council. Dominican Academy requires each student to complete a certain number of service hours per year.

Notable alumnae