Merion Mercy Academy Viewbook

YOUR STORY @ Independent Catholic College-Preparatory School for Girls Grades 9–12

Every Girl’s story is important.

In our four years at Merion Mercy Academy, we write a very important chapter in our lives—one that is unique to each of us, always evolving, and downright impressive. At Merion, we f ind our voice, discover talents, explore our faith, lead with integrity, aspire, achieve, share our stories with others, and learn from theirs in return.

It’s been like this at MMA since the beginning. Nearly 200 years ago, Sisters of Mercy foundress, Catherine McAuley, realized that education was the key to enabling all girls to grow into women who make a dif ference in the world. And, we do—with passion and purpose.

When we graduate, we take the values and friendships we’ve developed with us, ready to succeed in college, in varied careers, and in our personal lives... ready to write our next chapter.

Why Merion Mercy? Our answer is simple:

Because a confident woman can accomplish anything.

Write yours at MMA.

Come As You Are

When you arrive at Merion Mercy, you enter not just a school, but a community, one that is inclusive, positive, and authentic. You’ll see it in the doors we hold for one another and the respect we pass along.

We may wear the same uniform, but we are not the same. Diverse geographically, socioeconomically, and ethnically, our students come from throughout the Delaware Valley and as far away as Egypt and Vietnam.

A third receive financial assistance. Our differences make Merion reflective of the world, and we value what each girl brings.

But we are also united—by our love for learning, for Merion, for our faith, and for each other. Being in an all-girls environment empowers us, and we grow confident that we can reach our goals, both individually and together.

While we write our own stories, we are also supporting (and supportive) characters in the stories of our friends. We form bonds that transcend our time here and that link us to the legacy that is Merion Mercy.

Leave As You Are Meant to Be

To me, the Mercy Spirit is wearing ribbons at Mercy Day Mass, rocking out with my friends at dances and mixers, singing our alma mater loud and clear, and always saying ‘hi’ to a friend in the hallway.

A Mercy Girl is every girl, no matter where you come from, and she is someone who embraces the spirit, service, and excitement of the Merion community.

−Devyn, student

Lockers and Cupcakes...

Lots and Lots of Cupcakes “Welcome to the sisterhood,” says a note on a junior’s locker after she returns from her Kairos Retreat. Affirmations appear on every locker, because for us they are not just places to store coats and books.

They are extensions of our hearts, places to spread the joy of being a Merion girl.

We decorate them for special occasions and regularly leave messages of congratulation and encouragement. And when words are not enough, we say “We are so glad you’re here!” in a language everyone understands—cupcakes.

An Education with Each Girl in Mind

From Biotechnology and Bioethics to Contemporary Christian Women, AP Computer Science to Gothic Literature, Merion Mercy students enjoy plentiful academic options, including core, elective, AP, online, and local college courses.

Challenged and supported, we find fun and fulfillment in doing our best. We make connections through collaborative and experiential learning and by using integrated technology like iPads, 3D printers, Mac labs, and the tools in our Innovation Room. No wonder we are primed to succeed in top colleges and varied careers.

What makes a Merion education exceptional, though, is individualization. Even before our first day, we have a discovery interview to personalize our roster, and the hybrid eight-day schedule lets us further customize our MMA experience. One girl may take multiple languages or sciences, while another pursues a three-year art major. Amazing teachers provide the mentoring, differentiated instruction, and inspiration—the editing that helps us hone our unique stories.

A Merion education meets us where we are and takes us where we want to go.

Our School 1884 YEAR FOUNDED

All girls GRADES 9–12

36 acres

Our Students 10:1 STUDENT-FACULTY RATIO

16 AVG. CLASS SIZE

110+ schools FROM WHICH OUR STUDENTS COME

100% SMART, COMPASSIONATE, ENTHUSIASTIC, AND COLLEGE BOUND

Beyond Effective Writing When alumna Krista got to Saint Joseph’s University, she was such a good writer that friends would ask for her help on papers. She had already honed her craft at Merion. This comes as no surprise to our teachers, who hear this from graduates year after year.

The art of communication is integral to the curriculum. Every girl takes Effective Writing, a class that teaches exactly that, but because communicating well is essential in any career and throughout life, communication skills are taught in all academic disciplines and through oral as well as written presentations.

Merion girls gain the tools and the confidence to express themselves in whatever they do.

Today, Krista is a medical editor and a published author. “The abundance of writing-focused classes prepared me for college and instilled a deep love for writing and editing,” she says. “I needed a strong education to equip me to succeed in a competitive and fast-paced field. Merion gave me that.” She went to college ready not just to demonstrate her talents, but to share them.

Merion provided a strong academic program, which thoroughly prepared my three daughters for college.

The investment I made in sending my girls to Merion rewarded them not only with academic scholarships but also the confidence to successfully reach their dreams. −Betsy, parent

Our Academics

3 course levels 17 APs 35 advanced courses 11 online courses 51 electives 9 honor societies

Dozens of awards earned by students annually—from art to underwater robotics, including an average of 12 students per year recognized by National Merit Scholarship Corporation.

Our Graduation Outcomes 85% of seniors earn academic scholarships for college

$15–$20 million in merit scholarships earned annually

150+ colleges to which our students are accepted, with 585 letters of acceptance (avg.)

ELISE

MICHELINE Medford, NJ

Jenkintown, PA

STEAM Club, Multicultural Club

Swim Team, Community Service Corps

Image Explosion, Merion Mercy Music Theater

Philadelphia, PA

MADDIE

AT MERION MERCY,

Girls

TAYLOR Wayne, PA

Crew Team, National Art Honor Society

WITH DREAMS..

MAISIE

Wallingford, PA Orchestra, Golf Team

KYMORA

MADISON

Bryn Mawr, PA

Philadelphia, PA

Havertown, PA

Soccer Team, Ministry Team

Dance Troupe, Mathletes

Softball Team, Mercy Volunteer Program

TERESA

KRISTEN ISKANDRIAN ’95

CAITE SOPER HAFENSTEINER ’09

JANTE SANTOS-TURNER ’95

College of the Holy Cross | University of Georgia Prize-winning Author Aspiring bookstore owner | Sound of Music aficionado

University of San Diego U.S. Navy Helicopter Pilot Enjoys rock climbing, biking, and surfing

Harvard University | Georgetown University Associate General Counsel, FINRA Avid Boyz II Men enthusiast | Dedicated world traveler

BECOME

Women RHONDA GRAVES ACHOLONU ’93 Georgetown University | MCP Hahnemann School of Medicine Vice Chair for Education, Children’s Hospital at Montefiore Amateur foodie | Traveled to Lesotho for a rotation in pediatrics

OF PURPOSE

KELLY MCKELVEY ’04 Fordham University Producer, The Today Show | Three-time Emmy Award winner Hobbies include kickball and Zumba

KRISTEN KEATING WEEKS ’02

JENNIFER HOUSER WEGNER ’87

KRISTIN CAM MISSMAR ’98

Harvard University | Columbia Business School Director of Corporate Strategy, Accolade, Inc. Mom and six sisters also alums, all field hockey players

University of Pennsylvania | Yale University Associate Curator, Penn Museum | Adjunct Assistant Professor Loves to travel to Egypt for field work

Georgetown University | Jefferson Medical College Pediatric Dermatologist Homelessness Outreach volunteer | Enjoys cycling and reading

Don’t Just Write Your Story...

Each girl’s story has many plotlines. Thanks to MMA’s dynamic school life, we can explore countless paths, growing academically, artistically, physically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

The rotating schedule creates a wealth of possibilities. Each day is different and fun, and extended-period days let us dive deep. Because of built-in cocurricular periods, we don’t have to pick between a club and a sport, though choosing among all of the options, including leadership opportunities, can be challenging. But, we’re always up for a challenge.

At Merion we are encouraged to try and do. Serious about sports, we are also serious about everyone getting to participate. Because of our size, there are rarely team cuts, and athletes are often seen on stage as well as on field or court. Opportunities to travel include cultural immersion trips to Italy, Ireland, Spain, and England, as well as service trips to Kentucky and West Virginia. And then there are our beloved traditions, from Advent Angels and Harvest Moon Dance to Mercy Day and our perennial favorite—Weenie Roast.

So much to do and just four years at MMA to enjoy it all!

Dance it, Code it, Cheer it, Play it, Sing it, Lead it, Give it,

LIVE IT!

So MMAny Options!

With more than 70 clubs, teams, and organizations from A Cappella to the Zen Zone, we don’t have room to list them all. Here are just the ones that begin with “M”: Mathletes, Mercy Volunteer Program, Mercy Works, Meriannal (yearbook), Merion Mercy Music Theater, Ministry Team, Mock Trial, Model UN, and Multicultural Club. No existing group for a particular interest? Why not launch one!

We’re sure you’ll f ind an activity— make that many activities—

to ignite your passions at Merion Mercy.

Mercy in Motion

If our last name, “Academy,” says what we do, our middle name, “Mercy,” describes how we do it. Here Mercy is a verb. It is kindness in action. As a Catholic community, we are rooted in Gospel values and not only study our faith but live it.

MMA fuels the soul as well as the mind, welcoming students of different religious traditions to shape their own spiritual identity. In our theology courses, which range from Sacraments and Scriptures to Morality and Social Justice, we are encouraged to explore, ponder, and grow.

Guided by the values of Mercy spirituality, global awareness, and social responsibility, we don’t need a service requirement to engage in outreach.

It’s in our fiber. With countless opportunities to serve, everyone gets involved—in our own backyard and around the world.

When girls leave Merion Mercy, they are eager to lead values-centered lives. Our graduates do more than make their mark in the world. They change it for the better.

Mercy Me! With “Live Mercy, Seek Justice,” as our mantra, it is no surprise that service is a big part of the MMA experience. Here you can lead and serve locally in a host of activities, most coordinated by our Community Service Corps. One girl may join the March for Life or an AIDS walk while others play bingo with a retired Sister of Mercy (in the convent on our campus), tutor a child, or feed those in need. Ways to serve are as different as the girls themselves.

And the whole school gets involved in the Mercy Girl Effect, a fundraising initiative to improve education for girls in impoverished countries, coordinated with other Mercy schools.

The common denominator is the chance to hear and help shape other people’s stories while adding richness to your own.

It is pure joy to watch these inspiring teenage girls—who are so bright and capable and fun-loving—go into the world each day and help others. They tutor, cook for the hungry, deliver food...it is so special and it’s ours. We are part of this incredible legacy of women with the courage to dare and do. −Angela, teacher and alumna

We should be shining lamps, giving light to all around us. −Catherine McAuley, Sisters of Mercy foundress

You can get here from (just about) anywhere!

Map reflects towns where many of our students live.

Our first name, “Merion,” is important, too. Our prime location makes us easy to access from throughout the Delaware Valley. Plentiful transportation options—from free township busing to deeply discounted SEPTA rates for students to the St. Joseph’s Prep bus—extend across the entire area, allowing girls to lead full lives at Merion whether they live in Chestnut Hill or Cherry Hill, on the Main Line or in Center City.

Our location also enables students to take advantage of what the Philadelphia area has to offer. Seniors can take courses at nearby universities, such as Villanova.

Our physiology class views surgery at Lankenau Medical Center, and our language

Collegeville

students participate in the Penn International Relations Conference at the University

Blue Bell

of Pennsylvania. After school, you may find our crew team hopping over to Boathouse Lafayette Hill

Phoenixville

Row or a service group heading to Kensington.

Conshohocken

Sc

hu

yl

k il

Devon

PA

Villanova

Wayne Malvern

CHESTER COUNTY

iv e

r

476

Berwyn

MONTGOMERY COUNTY lR

Abington

Northeast Phila.

Chestnut Hill/ Mount Airy

76 Roxborough/ East Falls

Bryn Mawr

Bala Cynwyd

Ardmore

95 Riverton

PHILADELPHIA COUNTY

Hainesport Cinnaminson

Narberth

Lumberton

Newtown Square Moorestown

Havertown West Chester

Merion Station

NJ

Media Upper Darby

Collingswood

Lansdowne

DELAWARE COUNTY

DE

476

Cherry Hill

Center City

Drexel Hill

Springfield

295 Marlton Medford

South Phila.

Haddonfield

Glenolden

Haddon Heights

95

re R wa a l De

Mount Laurel

r ive Woodbury

GLOUCESTER COUNTY Wenonah

Sewell

Blackwood

CAMDEN COUNTY

BURLINGTON COUNTY

Want to learn more about MMA? We encourage you to check out our website and to see us in person.

Contact our Admissions Office to set up a visit.

MERION MERCY ACADEMY 511 Montgomery Avenue • Merion Station, PA 19066 610-664-6655 ext. 166 admissions@merion-mercy.com

www.merion-mercy.com

We hope this is the start of

Design: Proof Design Studios

Text: Andrea Lehman

Photography: Michael Branscom

Your Merion Mercy Story.

Merion Mercy Academy admits young women regardless of disability, race, color, creed, ethnic, or national origin who possess the motivation, ability, and character which would enable them to succeed in our school community to the rights, privileges, programs, and activities generally accorded or made available to students, and does not discriminate on the basis of disability, race, color, creed, sexual orientation, ethnic or national origin in the administration of its educational policies, admission policies, scholarship and aid programs, athletic, and other schooladministered programs.

www.merion-mercy.com