FAQs

Getting here is easy! There are lots of ways to get to MMA: by foot, on a school district or SEPTA bus, by car, train, van, the Manayunk and Roxborough shuttle, or on the Merion Mercy New Jersey/Philadelphia bus. Learn more about the options.

Surveys show that girls tend to feel more respected, supported, are more engaged, and have higher aspirations than in co-­ed environments.

Girls’ high schools teach young women that regardless of what they want to pursue, there’s nothing that can stand in their way. That message provides powerful, relevant advantages. From politics and passion for a cause to pursuing leadership opportunities or a STEM major in college, research has found multiple ways in which young women who attend girls’ schools are more likely to stand out. 

Some helpful question to ask when considering a co-ed school include:

• Are girls really on the front lines of leadership? 

• Are girls actively called upon and encouraged to participate in class?

• Are there fewer girls than boys in the upper level science and math classes?

• Are girls’ athletic teams valued as much as the boys’ teams? Are budgets, staff and facilities equal?

You can find further information on the benefits of all-girls education here.

At Merion, we foster a welcoming and inclusive community, where students build friendships with girls from throughout the Delaware Valley, including South Jersey; all with varied cultures and backgrounds. We believe that in order to succeed, students should expand their world and understand and respect other people's stories, while shaping their own.

MMA's student population is diverse, not only ethnically but also geographically, socio-economically and academically. The school is a very open and welcoming environment where it is easy for new students to find their place. Our students refer to the school culture as a “sisterhood,” where all feel accepted and valued.

Mercy means loving kindness in action and it empowers us to Seek Justice; leading change to better our world, standing up for the right thing, and serving those less fortunate.

Following the teachings of Jesus, Sisters of Mercy foundress Catherine McAuley recognized the dignity of all people, believed that communities should be full of compassion and hospitality, and proclaimed that no person need be excluded from life-giving opportunities.

Merion Mercy strives to strengthen our community and broaden our vision and understanding of living mercy and seeking justice to build a truly authentic and inclusive community. You can read about our commitment to DEI here, along with our specific plans of action.

In freshman and sophomore years, most classes average 18 to 22 students; in junior and senior years, most classes range in size between 10 and 18 students. Some classes are smaller than these numbers. 

Six Sisters of Mercy serve in the school. We have two faculty members and four volunteers.

MMA has 12 sports and plays a very competitive schedule. You can view the list here.
 

As a member of PIAA (Pennsylvania Interscholastic Athletic Association), Merion must abide by strict guidelines in regard to recruiting and financially rewarding athletic ability. This means that all students are accepted based on their academic ability, and as such we are unable to offer athletic scholarships. Students who have financial need are able to apply for financial assistance.

Yes. We offer a strong college prep curriculum in both areas. Students majoring in either art or music partake in these areas as part of a three-year program, beginning in the sophomore year. Students may also opt to take electives in both of these areas beginning in ninth grade.

You can find a step-by-step breakdown of our application process here.

To be considered for one of our scholarships, all forms, recommendations, and fees are due November 3. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis after this date.

Our decision on which students to accept is made following the scholarship and entrance exams, which are offered twice in the fall. We start making acceptance decisions after the first exam, but do ensure that all applicants are given equal consideration. Students who take the exam earlier do not receive priority.

There are five sections on the High School Placement Test (HSPT), that cover word usage, math logic, reading, math computation and language arts.

While it is a major factor in the decision-making process, it is not the only criteria used to determine acceptance. Teacher recommendations, seventh and eighth grade marks, other standardized tests such as the Terra Nova, and the activities and interests of the applicant are seriously considered.

Yes, you can find details of our financial aid here.

We have tuition payment plans available. Tuition can be paid in full, two payments, four payments or ten payments over ten months.

Absolutely! We encourage all applicants to visit our school for an entire school day, if possible. Visitation days for eighth graders are  offered most Mondays, Tuesdays and Fridays, October through December. Personal visits can be arranged any time of the year by contacting admissions@merion-mercy.com.

The test results are usually sent to each student around the second week of November.

We aim to have a class size of approximately 100 students.

Formal acceptances are delivered to students in the first week of December.

There is no official affiliation with any of the all-male private high schools in the area. We have very good working and social relations with a number of private boys schools including St. Joseph's Prep, LaSalle College High School, Malvern Prep and Devon Prep.