MERCY WCEA/WASC 2023 Accreditation Visit

Every six years schools take part in an accreditation process to affirm the great things they are doing and to identify an action plan that will help to guide the next six years. In March Mercy welcomed a Visiting Team of educators made up of a WCEA Commissioner and local educators from Cardinal Newman, ICA, Sacred Heart Cathedral, and St. Ignatius who immersed themselves into Mercy’s academic and student life programs. In their final report, the Visiting Team affirmed Mercy’s commitment to education and our forward-thinking program development stating that “Despite challenges, the school has demonstrated a high-level understanding of the work needed to ensure the continuation of Mercy High School and its high standard of educating women.” Among the many comments in their final report include:

Catholic Identity: Mercy High School’s Mission and Core Values are central to the decision-making process. Their spiritual dedication and formation is woven throughout their four year retreat program and service learning.

Teaching and Learning: Mercy provides a highly rigorous educational program with strengths in preparing collegeready students. Mercy High School faculty employ various instructional techniques to achieve student learning outcomes and maximize the learning experience for each student. The curriculum helps boost each student’s capacity for learning by providing a strong structure for increased knowledge.

Student Support: Leadership is highly encouraged, and leadership development is integrated across curricular and co-curricular programs. Student support services have been strengthened, with additional staff hired to support the AMES Program and the Counseling Department.

Organizational Efficacy: Students' dignity and concerns are at the forefront of decision-making. Mercy High School’s Educational Core Values are central to daily operations and are integrated throughout campus activities. The school’s Administration has provided quality leadership to faculty and staff both in personnel management and operations with strong guidance in religious and educational objectives.

Material Stewardship: The Mansion, the grounds, and the campus are stunning and well-maintained. The new Wellness Center, the beautiful LEAD (Center) and campus ministry spaces, the well-used library and AMES spaces demonstrate a quality house fit for its students. It is said that a budget is a moral document and can show what an institution truly values. It is immensely clear that Mercy’s mission is lived out in each spreadsheet.