Merion-Mercy Academy

Merion ReviewnEntering Merion as a freshman, to say I was thrilled was an understatement. I fell in love with Merion through the school’s advertising such as at the Open House events, freshman information nights, and shadow days. As a nervous 8th grader looking at high schools, I was immediately comforted by the Merion students when they stated that they found such ease in making friends at Merion and to not feel anxious about the friend making process when coming to school. One thing that Merion highly prides themselves on is the sisterhood, however, I was saddened to see that the sisterhood dream that I was excited to experience was going to be my worst nightmare. I entered Merion on August 26th with high spirits that were immediately diminished when I found that I was sitting alone at freshman orientation while girls at another table chatted. I attributed it to the fact that they might know each other and were simply staying together for comfort. However, as the school year progressed I found that day after day I was still alone. Girls would often ignore me when I attempted to speak to them. One prominent event during my year was the freshman retreat which was supposed to be an enjoyable day away from the classroom where we could further bond with our “sisters”. Throughout the course of the day I was alone and was left staring at the other girls chat. Once we returned to school, the guidance counselor found me looking upset and immediately took me into her office where I began to explain my troubles that I was having throughout my year. The feedback given was that I needed to join more activities and further pursue trying to engage in conversation with the girls. I was frustrated but thought that with mock trial coming up, I would have an opportunity to make friends. However, during my first mock trial Saturday spent at school I found that when giving my views of the case girls would often speak over me or not give any recognition at all to my thoughts. Merion often promoted inclusivity and promised that every girl would find their spot, so I found it very uncomfortable when I was found sitting alone in the cafeteria after the only other girl at the table left following me sitting there. I truly began to wonder, is this my spot, do I belong alone, what is wrong with me? Day by day I witnessed upperclassmen whispering when I walked by, students leaving the bathroom when I walked in, and having to deal with the comments made about the neighborhood where I was from. My mom saw my personality begin to deteriorate, so felt that is was best to contact the head of school. Several points that the head of school provided my mom with during the phone call is that she does not see the lack of sisterhood or unity among the girls, and denied the points that my mom made. Upset and frustrated I began to think that transferring and removing myself from the situation was the only available option. Following handing in my transcript request forms, I received an email saying that the admissions team wanted to meet with me. I believed that it was best for the front lines to hear my story and discussed with them a few of the details from my year. They apologized that I had to go through all of this, but questioned whether I made it seem that I wanted things to work with the girls at school. Merion may be an exceptional school in the academic field, but the cold and non inclusive culture among the students is devastating to one’s mental health.

We are so happy our daughter choose Merion Mercy for high school. From the supportive teachers, caring counselors, rigorous curriculum and outstanding leadership, Merion is a wonderful place for any girl. Merion promotes a culture of service for others, while also providing excellent music, theater and sports programs.

It is a great school

I amazing

Excellent experience speaking with them! Summer camps here we come!