The Journey: Merion Mercy's Blog

At Merion Mercy Academy, students live their faith through service, embodying the school’s mission to “lead, learn, and serve.” Each summer, rising seniors participate in Mercy Immersion experiences—from Appalachia to Philadelphia to the Texas border—where they work alongside communities, deepen their understanding of justice, and encounter Christ in others. These experiences transform students, teaching them that true service is both an act of mercy and a way of life.

Senior Emma McCullagh reflects on Mercy as seen through the lens of her immerson experience this summer in McAllen, Texas.

This post explores the importance of body confidence for teen girls—why it matters, how media pressures can undermine it, and practical ways parents and educators can help. It highlights how Merion Mercy Academy’s all-girls environment, faith-based values, and Healthy Living curriculum empower students to value their bodies for what they can do, not just how they look—building lifelong self-worth through mind, body, and soul.

Pope Leo XIV has many ties to Mercy through his family and his ministries. Perhaps most importantly is his link to the mission of Mercy schools: forming students in faith, compassion and justice.

Want to feel happier? Start with kindness. That’s the takeaway from a Gallup article—and it’s a truth we live by every day at Merion Mercy Academy. Learn how!

Gratitude is an extraordinary practice that, when cultivated, can transform our hearts and minds. For parents raising teen girls, this practice is not only an individual journey but also an invaluable lesson to share. Learn how to teach and model gratitude, one of the greatest gifts we can give ourselves and our families.

If you’re someone who reads parenting articles or follows educational channels, you may have come across the term “lighthouse parenting.”  This balanced approach is known to develop emotionally healthy adolescents, who often form lifelong bonds with their parents based on trust, mutual respect, and open communication. At Merion Mercy Academy, we believe in coming alongside parents as they nurture these qualities in their daughters. Learn how.

Led by Catherine McAuley's example, junior Isabelle Duley has learned to be kind and non-judgmental, even when encountering those whose lives were very different from hers. 

The 2024 Paris Olympics were a celebration of the athletic prowess of U.S. women who took home more than half of the country's medals. As the Olympics ended, Merion Mercy Academy students began pre-season, looking to distinguish themselves this fall on the field and court. Learn more about the benefits of sports for young women.

Is your daughter a perfectionist? Does she exhibit traits that you find both exasperating and admirable? If so, you may have reason to be concerned. Researchers are finding perfectionist traits are on the rise and so are the risks for anxiety and depression. The good news is there are ways to support the perfectionist in your life. 

International travel is one of the unique learning opportunities available to students at Merion Mercy Academy. These experiences are invaluable for education and personal development. The benefits of exploring new cultures, languages, and perspectives extend far beyond the excitement of discovering new places. International travel provides girls with opportunities to broaden their horizons, enhance their self-confidence, and cultivate a global mindset.

Merion Mercy Academy's mission, tradition, core values and critical concerns are grounded in the Mercy charism, which is authentically Catholic and focused on living out the values and teachings of the Gospel. Discover what this means for our school.

While Tik Tok has facilitated conversations around mental health and helped destigmatize the struggle, it has also had some concerning impacts, most notably, on self diagnoses of mental health conditions. 

In today's rapidly evolving world, parents are constantly seeking ways to equip their daughters with the skills and confidence needed to thrive in an increasingly competitive landscape. This is where an all-girls education has proven to be extremely effective.

Competition would seem to be part of life in the real world, particularly in the United States where motivation and a drive to excel are valued qualities. But we can just as easily live an existence defined more by collaborative and self-referential goals than by competition with others. This is particularly true in an academic setting where the drawbacks to a highly competitive environment can be significant.

As we enter another election season, we face the reality of the underrepresentation of women in politics. Yet, there's a beacon of hope. Graduates of girls' schools are defying the odds and carving out their space in the political arena. 

This season of Lent, challenge yourself to love others and demonstrate that love with acts of kindness. 

In a world saturated with unrealistic beauty standards, embracing body positivity becomes a crucial aspect of cultivating a healthy self-esteem in teen girls. 

During Catholic Schools Week (February 28-March 3), Merion Mercy Academy—an independent Catholic school in the Mercy tradition—celebrates the distinctive aspects of a Catholic school education that contribute to the formation of well-rounded and exceptional young women.

Our Profile of the Graduate outlines how students come to manifest and embody our core values. Throughout the student’s journey, this blueprint defines the attributes they’re expected to acquire and the steps they’ll take to gain them. With the Profile of the Graduate, every experience and academic opportunity is linked to and aligned with our core values. 

There are myriad summer options for high school students: pre-college summer enrichment programs, independent research, paid summer work and family obligations. The best way to spend your summer depends on several factors as explained in this post.

Many people view the new year as a time to get on a path to self-improvement often bolstered by resolutions to lose weight or exercise more. But what if people took this same view and applied it to religious resolutions with the aim to be more spiritually fit?

Despite the buzz to the contrary, for high school seniors, college is about so much more than just "getting in." Merion Mercy Academy college counselors Lauren Plaxa and Allison Hoffmann provide insight into what really matters—preparing students for success wherever they go.

We interviewed Merion Mercy Academy's new college counselors Allison Hoffmann and Lauren Plaxa about their professional journeys, why they chose college counseling, and how they define success in the college admissions process. 

Christmas gifts recommended by Merion Mercy alumna Anna O'Brien '21 celebrate girlhood.

As Merion Mercy Academy’s Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, Philip Vinogradov equips faculty with the tools they need to remain on the cutting edge of education, including the use of artificial intelligence in the classroom. In response, theology department chair Marianne Rule has reimagined the writing process by creating resources and strategies to support this work in her classes.

Having the opportunity to play a varsity sport in college is not an easy feat. It is one that requires a combination of talent, hard work, dedication, and the ability to navigate the college recruitment process. In addition to the student's role in her personal development, there are advantages offered by a school like Merion Mercy Academy.

It's that age old question: When can you start putting up Christmas decorations? As the holiday season approaches, this contentious debate resurfaces like clockwork, sparking arguments, eye rolls, and passionate discussions among friends, families, and neighbors. Buckle up, dear readers, because we're diving headfirst into the tangled tinsel of this festive feud!

Affinity groups are spaces created for people to connect based on shared identities, ideologies, or interests. The creation of these spaces are important in cultivating community and belonging. At Merion Mercy Academy, affinity groups began in 2021. Today, there are several such affinity groups that provide safe spaces for our students.

A private school is an investment in a child's future. Among the benefits: academic excellence, smaller class sizes, individualized attention, character development, unique extracurricular opportunities and a sense of community or sisterhood. Learn more about how prioritizing the holistic development of each child prepares them not only for academic success but also for a fulfilling and ethical life.

Women's professional sports are finally starting to get the recognition it deserves with increased viewship and funding. At Merion Mercy, athletics are part of our commitment to the whole student—mind, body, and soul. Read about the many benefits of sports for young women.

On August 22, 1861, the Sisters of Mercy arrived in Philadelphia led by 26-year-old Patricia Waldron. They carried no worldly possessions; only a dream for Mercy. This is their story.

In his message for World Youth Day, Pope Francis told those gathered that God has called each one of them by name. Referencing social media, he reminded young people to not be distracted by the negativity. His message resonates with Merion Mercy's commitment to the Catholic faith in the Mercy tradition.

Friendships are an integral part of human connection, enriching our lives in countless ways. While we often find comfort in bonding with peers who share our interests and experiences, there is something truly extraordinary about the magic that occurs when generations collide in friendship. Intergenerational friendships, those spanning significant age differences, can be a source of profound joy, wisdom, and growth.

Catholic education has long been revered for its holistic approach to nurturing young minds and fostering character development. Within the context of a Sisters of Mercy school, this educational experience takes on a unique dimension. As young women embark on their teenage years, a school like Merion Mercy Academy offers them a transformative journey that encompasses academic excellence, spiritual growth, social justice advocacy, and the empowerment to become compassionate leaders in their communities.

In today's fast-paced digital world, encouraging teens to read for pleasure may seem like an uphill battle. However, nurturing a love for reading in teens is essential for their personal growth, cognitive development, and overall well-being. At Merion Mercy, faculty are making the experience of reading impactful and memorable by choosing books with a variety of relevant and relatable topics along with the works of culturally diverse authors.

In today's world, self-confidence is essential for teenage girls to navigate challenges and embrace their unique identities. Building self-confidence is a journey that requires self-awareness, self-acceptance, and a positive mindset—qualities fostered in an all-girls school environment like Merion Mercy Academy. Here are five empowering tips that can help girls cultivate their self-confidence. 

The summer break is the perfect time for teens to focus on their well-being and indulge in some much-needed self-care. Here are five tips and ideas to help you unwind, rejuvenate, and nurture your mind, body, and soul during the summer months. From creating a self-care routine to exploring new hobbies, let's embark on a journey of self-discovery and well-being this summer!

Much has been in the news recently about the mental health crisis among teens and young adults. Now, the surgeon general has identified social media—whose use is nearly universal among teens—as one area to place blame. Learn the harmful effects of social media and strategies for protecting our teen girls. 

With the joy of the approaching end of the school year comes the often dreaded exam week. Test taking is rarely an enjoyable experience, but it can be all the more daunting when your exam covers everything you’ve learned over the past semester. 

With the help of Merion Mercy Learning Specialist Mrs. Alison Kelly, we’ve created this list of the top 10 tips for preparing for exam week. 

Sisterhood is defined as “the affection and loyalty that women feel for other women who they have something in common with.” At an all-girls high school, sisterhood is more than just a buzzword. It is a fundamental aspect of the school culture, and it shapes the experiences and relationships of every girl who attends. Sisterhood teaches girls to be strong, compassionate, and supportive towards each other, and it lays the foundation for a lifetime of meaningful relationships and connections.

Receiving an acceptance letter is only the beginning of your college journey. The summer before provides ample time to organize your life—and alter expectations—to thrive during your first semester away from home. Here are several pieces of advice from Annie O'Brien '21, a current college student, who shares from both positive things she did and negative experiences you should avoid.

Beyond being fun and fulfilling, the performing arts offer a number of benefits that can help students both in and outside of school. Friendships, teamwork, self-esteem, empathy and understanding are just a few of the advantages.

Several of Merion Mercy's faculty and staff members reached the same conclusions as a Harvard University study on what drives happiness, health and longevity. Think you know the answer? Read on!

Girls' schools provide a unique environment that can inspire and encourage young women to pursue leadership roles. Postive role models, a focus on women's issues, empowerment, and leadership opportunities all help to develop young women of passion and purpose.

For many students, reading the classics is not the arduous task others believe it to be. Alumna Annie O'Brien '21 recalls her favorite high school reads. Which titles would you add to the list?

Traditions imbue us with a sense of identity and belonging and help us create a shared sense of purpose and values. This is true in families and cultures, and also in schools like Merion Mercy Academy where traditions are among the most memorable and beloved school experiences. 

The summer months offer an opportunity for work or educational enrichment. Consider the pros and cons of each and choose what's right for you! 

The number of students pursuing degrees in the humanities has taken a significant downturn over the past couple decades. Is it time to reconsider what they have to offer today's students? Merion Mercy faculty and students weigh in.

March is Women's History Month, but at Merion Mercy Academy, every day is a celebration of women and an opportunity to reflect on the countless ways women have made an impact on our world. Learn more about one of our greatest sources of inspiration: Sisters of Mercy Foundress Catherine McAuley.

Rebekah Adens, Merion Mercy's Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, finds a balance between the celebratory nature of Black History Month and the knowledge gleaned from the deep philosophy of the Black American experience.

English teacher Mrs. Katie Cho shares her reflections on love and relationships during one's high school years. 

Latin teacher Suzanne Walker is regularly asked, "What is the point of learning Latin?" See how she responds to these inquiries, sharing her passion for her subject area.

Women have made tremendous strides in the world of sports and they've gained equally important benefits through participation. 

Sister Danielle Gagnon, Director of Mission and Ministry, discusses the relationship between mission and diversity, equity, inclusion and belonging, with DEIB Director Rebekah Adens.

ChatGPT, an AI-assisted writing platform, presents opportunities and challenges for educators. Learn how Merion Mercy teachers are responding to this emerging technology.

When you want to see immediate results, it can be a challenge to create healthy new habits.  Discover strategies to set you on the path to success.

From fashion and skincare to rollerskates and luggage, here is a top 10 Christmas gift list for the teen girl in your life.

Excellent schools help pupils realize their potential and equip them for success and fulfilment. Girls’ schools are founded on the principle that these aims are best achieved by educating girls separately.

One piece of advice for a more enjoyable holiday season with your senior high school student? Don't ask about their college plans.

Careful thought is put into technology integration in schools, leading to transformative intentional use that benefits today's students.

As our children get older, they seem to need less assistance from mom and dad. When it comes to high school, however, there are still many ways to support them.