Program of Studies
Educational Excellence
As one of our main core values, Merion Mercy provides a college preparatory curriculum that promotes self-confidence and challenges students to reach their potential, while instilling a love of learning. We aim to develop each young lady's unique strengths and talents in appreciation for who she is and who she hopes to become.
While our coursework is challenging, our students are not "tracked."
Each girl's progress and growth is evaluated every year, and adjustments and recommendations are made by both teachers as well as the Assistant Head of School for Academic Affairs, in order to ensure that she is on her own path for success.
Graduation Requirements
Merion Mercy Academy is accredited by the Pennsylvania Association of Independent Schools. The academic year is divided into two semesters. One unit of credit is given for a year-long course and a half credit offered for semester-long courses. Students are required to earn 24 credits for graduation.
Graduation requirements for the Class of 2022 and 2023
Theology: 4 credits
English: 4 credits
Social Studies: 3 credits
Math: 3 credits
Science: 3 credits
World Language: 2 credits
Effective Writing: 0.5 credit
Physical Education/Health: 1 credit
Electives: 3.5 credits
Graduation requirements for the Class of 2024 and 2025
Theology: 4 credits
English: 4 credits
Social Studies: 3 credits
Math: 4 credits
Science: 3 credits
World Language: 2 credits
Effective Writing: 0.5 credit
Fine Arts or Performing Arts: 0.5 credit
Physical Education/Health: 1 credit
Electives: 2 credits
Course Levels
Level AP: Advanced Placement courses for which college credit may be received. Students are expected to take the AP exam at the end of the course. The AP exam fee will be added to the tuition bill.
Level A: Advanced courses. Qualifying marks and department approval are prerequisites for most of these courses.
Level CP: All other courses are standard college preparatory courses.
Grading System
| Grade Grade | Range | Points (GP) |
| A+ | 97 – 100 | 4.3 |
| A | 93 – 96 | 4 |
| A- | 90 – 92 | 3.7 |
| B+ | 87 – 89 | 3.3 |
| B | 83 – 86 | 3 |
| B- | 80 – 82 | 2.7 |
| C+ | 77 – 79 | 2.3 |
| C | 73 – 76 | 2 |
| C- | 70 – 72 | 1.7 |
| D+ | 68 – 69 | 1.3 |
| D | 66 – 67 | 1.0 |
| D- | 65 | 0.7 |
| F | 64 & below | 0 |
Grade Point Average
Grade point average is calculated by dividing the sum of the grade points by the number of credits. Courses that use an evaluation system of satisfactory or unsatisfactory do not enter into the calculation of the GPA nor do chorale and applied music courses. Students receive a .25 bump in their GPA for each Honors-level course successfully completed and a .5 for each AP class.
Honors Distinction
Distinguished Honors is awarded at the end of the semester to students who have a GPA of 4.0 with no subject grade point below 3.3, who carry at least six credits and earned satisfactory grades in every minor subject. The Honors distinction is awarded at the end of the semester to students who have a GPA of 3.3 with no subject grade point below 3.0, who carry at least six credits and earned satisfactory grades in every minor subject.