Program of Studies
Educational Excellence
We pride ourselves on providing a college preparatory curriculum for grades 9-12 that promotes self-confidence and challenges your student to reach her potential, while instilling a love of learning. We aim to develop her unique strengths and talents in appreciation for who she is and who she hopes to become.
Your daughter's progress and growth is evaluated every year, and adjustments and recommendations are made by her teachers as well as the Assistant Head of School for Academics, in order to ensure that she is on her own path for success.
Signature Program: Diploma with Distinction
The Diploma with Distinction supports and recognizes transformative, personalized learning. Students pursue their passion, intentionally integrating:
- Specific courses
- Co-curricular activities
- Community service
- A capstone project or internship
- Participation in our Mercy in Action symposium
The program allows your daughter to bridge classroom learning with authentic, purposeful actions within Merion and as part of our larger community as she personifies the mission of the school: living mercy and seeking justice as a young person who creates change in our school and the world.
Your daughter may apply to pursue a Diploma with Distinction in the following areas, participating in monthly mentorship meetings throughout her junior and senior years:
- Sustainability
- Leadership and Communication
- Law and Justice
- Arts and Culture
- Health Sciences
The Diploma with Distinction culminates with the curation of a digital portfolio and is recognized on the student's diploma and transcript. Please visit the Diploma with Distinction website for more information.
Graduation Requirements
Your student is required to earn 24 credits for graduation. Our academic year is divided into two semesters, with one unit of credit given for a year-long course, and a half credit offered for semester-long courses.
Prior to starting freshman year, your daughter will meet with the Assistant Head of School for Academics to determine her electives, from which our team will design her personalized curriculum.
Theology: 4 credits
English: 4 credits
Social Studies: 3 credits
Math: 4 credits (for the Class of 2028 and beyond, the Math requirement is 3 credits)
Science: 3 credits
World Language: 2 credits (for the Class of 2028 and beyond, the World Language requirement is 3 credits)
Effective Writing: 0.5 credit
Fine Arts or Performing Arts: 0.5 credit
Physical Education/Health: 1 credit
Electives: 2 credits
Merion Mercy Academy is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools, which governs our curriculum structure.
Course Levels
Level College Preparatory: All of our standard courses are college preparatory.
Level AP: These are Advanced Placement courses for which college credit may be received. Students are expected to take the AP exam at the end of the course, with the AP exam fee added to her tuition bill.
Level Honors: Advanced courses. Qualifying marks and department approval are prerequisites for most of these courses.
Online Courses: Students may take AP or other courses not offered at Merion Mercy Academy through a variety of online schools. There is an additional cost for online classes. In the past five years, students have taken or are currently taking: AP Art History, AP Macroeconomics, AP Microeconomics, AP European History.
Students need the following skills to be successful in an online course: ability to organize, study, and learn in an independent environment; ability to work with others; effective written communication skills; technical capacity; critical thinking; demonstration of patience; and commitment to learning.
Students who are considering enrolling in an online course must receive permission from the Assistant Head of School for Academics.