Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School

Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School is a private, Roman Catholic, all-girls high school in Gwynedd Valley, Pennsylvania. It is located in the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Philadelphia. The tuition is approximately $13,000 per year.

Background

Gwynedd Mercy Academy was established as the Academy of the Sisters of Mercy in 1861 by the Sisters of Mercy. The school shares a campus with Gwynedd Mercy College. In 1861, the sisters of Mercy established the Academy of the Sisters of Mercy in Philadelphia.

The Academy began in Assumption Parish and later changed location to a residence at Broad Street and Columbia Avenue in Philadelphia. By August 1863, there were 28 students. Over the years the Academy experienced many changes and eventually moved to the Taylor Estate in Gwynedd Valley, where the Sisters converted stables and erected a science building to serve the Academy and College from 1947 to 1955. In April 1955, construction of the building for the elementary and secondary schools was completed and the Academy of Mercy became Gwynedd Mercy Academy.

Enrollment continued to increase and in 1982, the Sisters of Mercy purchased the Spring House Public School to house the elementary division. The high school remained in the facility that was built in 1955.

Over the years, Gwynedd Mercy Academy has evolved its programs in response to changing needs. In Montgomery County there was a great need for specialized classrooms for Art and Music and for a Performing Arts Center. The first phase of construction was completed in August 1999. A new library, Art and Music rooms, music practice rooms, a writing lab and a tiered lecture hall, as well as new tennis courts and a track were included in this first phase.

Enrollment increases and student talents highlighted the need for continued development of a Performing Arts Center. The Renaissance Campaign was organized to finance the second phase which was completed in March 2004. This area encompasses the main entrance and lobby, a chapel with movable seats to accommodate 50 persons, and an auditorium which seats 525. Also included in that phase are storage areas, a dressing room and a TV studio.

Today GMA has an enrollment of 408 girls in grades 9-12 and continues to respond in all areas to the needs of the times. cite web|url=http://www.gmaelem.org/education/components/scrapbook/default.php?sectiondetailid=1285&sc_id=1184742856&PHPSESSID=86b5f9f1cf8fa6548895e09165c42ecc|title=The History of Gwynedd Mercy Academy|accessdate=2007-05-11|publisher=High School website|author=GMAHS]

Graduate Profile

A competent and compassionate woman of Faith, who chooses to live her life rooted in Gospel values.A woman of Mercy, who in the tradition of Catherine McAuley, responds generously to the needs of the poor and alienated persons of society.

A woman who is well prepared for the challenges of a college experience.

A woman who actively engages in the learning process and is committed to the continual development of her unique gifts, talents and abilities.

A woman of integrity who fosters right relationships and justice for all persons.

A woman who communicates effectively and uses her influence to bring about social change.

A woman who demonstrates critical thinking and problem-solving skills, technological competence, flexibility, and an appreciation of diversity - ingredients for success in her future endeavors.

A woman who demonstrates respect for herself and others; makes wise choices and accepts responsibility for her actions.

A woman who appreciates creativity and beauty in their myriad forms of expression.

A woman who is empowered to become an authentic witness of Mercy in the global community of the 21st Century.

Notable Aluma

Kate Harper '74 - Pennsylvania State Representative http://www.kateharper.net/

Jillian Mele '01 Local News Anchor, NBC 10

Anita Luff Smith ’76 - president and CEO of Capital Blue Cross

External links

* [http://www.gmahs.org/ School Website]

Notes and references