Student Support

A community of care for every stage of her journey.

The transition to high school is filled with both excitement and understandable apprehension. Will I fit in? Can I manage the workload? Will I succeed? At Merion Mercy Academy, we recognize these concerns—and we respond with intention, care, and a comprehensive network of support designed to help every student thrive.

Our approach is grounded in a simple belief: When students feel known, supported, and confident, they are free to grow academically, socially, emotionally, and spiritually.

The Student Support Team (SST)

At Merion Mercy Academy, support is not a program—it is a promise. From the first moments of ninth grade through graduation day, your daughter will be surrounded by adults—a Student Support Team—who see her potential, believe in her growth, and walk alongside her with compassion, expertise, and care.

This team, composed of the Dean of Academics, Learning Specialist, and School Counselor, meets regularly to review student progress, identify learning differences, and create individualized support plans. They manage student accommodations, offer social-emotional support, and provide direct interventions.

Our Holistic Approach

The Freshman Experience

Support at Merion Mercy begins even before a student’s first day of classes. Our Student Support Team takes time to get to know each incoming freshman through academic placement testing and information shared during the admissions process. This early understanding allows us to place students in courses where they will be appropriately challenged and well positioned for success from the very beginning.

The first year of high school sets the tone for everything that follows. That’s why we proactively reach out to every freshman to ensure she is becoming fully integrated into the Merion Mercy experience—academically, socially, and personally. No student has to wonder where to turn or whether she belongs; we make sure she knows she does.

Academic Support

We meet students where they are by offering a range of academic supports designed to strengthen skills and build confidence:

Math Lab for targeted assistance
MCIU support services, including math and reading specialists
Peer tutoring from National Honor Society students
Accessible teachers through regular office hours
Small class sizes that foster strong relationships and individualized attention

Psychological Well-Being

We recognize that today’s young people face unprecedented mental, emotional, and technological pressures. With this reality in mind, we are intentional about equipping students with the tools they need to manage stress, build resilience, set healthy boundaries, and navigate the challenges of modern adolescence.

Our support includes access to a licensed professional counselor, available each school day on a drop-in basis or by appointment, as well as guidance from our Diversity, Equity, Inclusion, and Belonging Coordinator, who is available to support students navigating personal concerns or challenges related to identity and belonging.

Spiritual Care

A True Partnership with Families

We believe the most effective support happens when school and home work together. We partner closely with families through open communication, meetings to address concerns, shared strategies, and clear expectations. Transparency and collaboration allow us to support students consistently and compassionately, both in school and beyond.

“The most special thing about attending Merion is the constant support from everyone. As I walk through the halls each day, I love knowing that I will pass by various teachers and classmates who have helped me at my worst, and celebrated me at my best.” —McKenna Foody '23, Springfield, PA