Why Choose Gwynedd-Mercy Academy for Your Child?

• Gwynedd-Mercy Academy's ongoing commitment to academic excellence and love of learning is reflected in the many accomplishments of our students in all areas of school life.
• The U.S. Department of Education named Gwynedd-Mercy Academy a 2007 Nationally Acclaimed Blue Ribbon School. One of only 13 schools in Pennsylvania and one of only 287 in the country, Gwynedd-Mercy Academy was one of the select K-8 private schools to be chosen for this award of merit.
• The Center for Talented Youth at Johns Hopkins University named GMA one of the top ten schools in the state, stating, “Gwynedd-Mercy Academy is a 'Top 10 School' for the state of Pennsylvania in the 2009 Johns Hopkins University Center for Talented Youth Talent Search. We hope this achievement will be a source of pride for you, your staff, students and families. We’re very thankful for your participation, of course, but we are also mindful of what this award says about your school. It means your academic program is producing a high number of high-achieving students. It also indicates that you look out for your students’ best interests by recommending other resources (like CTY) for them and their families to investigate.”
• Developing the faith life of the school community is paramount at GMA. Participation in the Community of Caring, based on the Olweus Anti-Bullying Program, supports our religion curriculum. Students at every grade level are afforded opportunities to participate in numerous outreach activities. These many opportunities strengthen students' awareness of their Mercy commitment to share their gifts and resources with those in need.
• "Private schools benefit students by fostering academic excellence and high achievement, educating the whole child within a values-based setting, and preparing youngsters for success in life. If you want a caring, challenging, nurturing, safe and secure environment for your child-a place where he/she can learn and succeed-consider a private school." (Council for Private Education - http://www.capenet.org/benefits.html).
• Academic excellence is reflected in the outstanding achievements of our students in many areas, including the following:
  • TerraNova standardized test scores reflect placement in the top 10% of schools nationwide on a consistent basis.
  • Almost half of seventh and eighth grade students qualify to participate in the Johns Hopkins Center for Talented Youth each year.  Historically, a good percentage of our students receive awards of Distinction for both their verbal and math performances.
  • Traditionally, 8th grade students are considered strong applicants to local private high schools, with academic and/or fine arts scholarships awarded to a number of students.
  • Students receive recognition for outstanding performance at various local, state, and national competitions, such as spelling bees, music competitions, science fairs, and National History Day.
• Gwynedd-Mercy Academy is committed to providing the best possible learning environment for our students with an average class size of 18 and 3 homeroom classes per grade.  In this way, children can realize the best of both worlds:  small class sizes that are part of a larger school community, maximizing academic and social opportunities.