Merion-Mercy Academy

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Merion Mercy Academy is a female, private, independent, Catholic, college preparatory school, teaching grades 9 through 12, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy located in Merion, Pennsylvania, just outside Philadelphia within the Archdiocese of Philadelphia. Known by the Latin name "Mater Misericordiae Academy" prior to 1968, the school curriculum has traditionally emphasized mercy spirituality, global awareness, and social responsibility. A dedication to service of the poor and unfortunate, in the spirit of Catherine McAuley, the foundress of the Sisters of Mercy, continues today.HistorySignificant changes have taken place from 1987 to the present. Recent events include the merger of the lower school with Waldron Academy for Boys next door in 1987, thereby giving the entire 72000sqft Merion Mercy building, built in 1954, to the education of high school girls. The new grade school was named Waldron Mercy Academy. Academically, the school earned a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence Award in 1996 as recognition from the United States Department of Education.A 27000sqft addition to the MMA building in 2003 added a new chapel, administrative offices, classrooms and meeting rooms, new athletic facilities, and a study center for students. Some other significant renovations took place in the summer of 2004. The school's principal since 2007 is Sister Barbara Buckley, who is also an alumna. Recently, Merion-Mercy won the 92.5 WXTU radio station contest in each of two consecutive years. On December 19, 2007, country artist Kellie Pickler performed for the student body, and on December 2, 2008, Dancing with the Stars' winner Julianna Hough performed on the school's stage.