Merion Mercy Academy has grown from its beginnings in 1884 as a small village school rooted in Catholic values to a transformative, independent Catholic educational institution for girls in grades 9-12. We offer a personalized, holistic education tailored to each student’s learning while furthering her emotional, creative and physical growth. We pride ourselves on our nurturing environment—our Merion Mercy sisterhood sits in high renown—and place our focus on educating the leaders of tomorrow.
Merion Mercy Academy’s 86 faculty and staff members personify the school’s commitment to academic excellence and personalized learning within a community of faith. The faculty—80 percent of whom hold an advanced degree—teach students critical thinking, collaboration, a global vision and sense of responsibility. The student-to-faculty ratio is 10:1, which allows teachers to go above and beyond the classroom to build transformative relationships with students. Our average tenure of more than 7.5 years demonstrates how faculty members embrace the school’s mission and appreciate Merion Mercy’s welcoming and collegial atmosphere.
New faculty at Merion Mercy Academy are guided, supported, and encouraged by mentors while new teacher meetings provide a space for learning.
In the dynamic world of education, our teachers and school administrators are always seeking opportunities to enhance their skills and knowledge. Professional Learning Communities are just one example of how Merion Mercy accomplishes this goal. Led by our Director of Innovation, Teaching and Learning, timely conversations on topics like generative artificial intelligence are another important aspect of ensuring MMA remains on the cutting edge of education.
Merion Mercy Academy, an independent Catholic, college preparatory school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, empowers young women to lead, learn, and serve through an education grounded in spiritual development and academic and personal excellence.
Our graduates are living examples of our Mercy core values:
Merion Mercy Academy has one of the most geographically, culturally, and socioeconomically diverse student bodies among independent schools in the Philadelphia region. Our commitment to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging is rooted in the Gospel, Catholic Social Teaching, and Mercy tradition. Our central value to live mercy and seek justice begins by building an authentic and inclusive community with our students, staff, parents, alumnae and larger Merion community.
Led by Maya Johnson ‘12, Director of Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging, our DEIB Student Leadership Team is dedicated to fostering a culture where every student feels valued and supported. Through collaborative efforts, we strive to empower individuals, celebrate differences and create an environment that promotes equality and belonging for all members of our school community.
Merion Mercy offers a generous, comprehensive benefits package. Eligible faculty and staff may choose from two medical plans and two dental plans. Eligible employees may participate in a 403 (b) retirement plan and the school will match a percentage of the employee’s contribution. Other benefits include: flexible spending accounts, vision, prescription drug plan, life insurance, long term disbility, and free lunch each day in the Servery. Paid time off is detetmined by employment status and length of service. Employees receive a Macbook computer for school use.
Situated just 1.5 miles from Philadelphia in Merion Station, PA, Merion Mercy Academy sits on a beautiful 12-acre campus equipped with extensive classroom facilities as well as spaces dedicated to the arts, sciences, technology, and athletics. The area is home to many excellent colleges and universities and Merion Mercy has formed relationships with several of them, including Villanova University, St. Joseph’s University, West Chester University, Chestnut Hill College, and the University of Delaware.
Philadelphia—the nation’s sixth-largest city and hub of the northeast corridor—offers a diverse population, vibrant cultural life, top-notch entertainment, major league sports, rich history, and abundant opportunities for MMA students and employees.
Merion girls are curious, confident, competent and compassionate. Through a curriculum that is at once challenging, stimulating, and personalized, our students learn who they are and how to be “shining lamps,” giving light to all around them. Every day, Merion girls lean in to becoming the best version of themselves.
Warm, welcoming, supportive, and vibrant are just a few words that describe the Merion Mercy community. Here, educators and staff thrive in an environment that values diversity, fosters collaboration, and celebrates individuality. We take pride in cultivating a culture of support, where everyone's unique talents and perspectives are embraced and respected. Join our team and discover the joy of working in a place where every voice is heard, every idea is valued, and every member is appreciated. Together, we create an environment where both students and staff flourish.