Founded in 1893 in southern Pennsylvania, Mercersburg Academy gives students in grades 9-12 and postgraduates the opportunity to live and learn with fellow young adults from 32 states and 46 countries.
Mercersburg students benefit from a 300-acre campus, a 4:1 student-to-faculty ratio, 160 academic courses, 27 varsity sports teams, a robust performing and fine arts program, a robotics program, an outdoor education program, dozens of clubs and student organizations, global travel opportunities, and $9 million in annual financial aid.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 446 students
- Yearly Tuition: $66,900
- Acceptance rate: 28%
- Average class size: 12 students
- Application Deadline: Jan. 31
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Mercersburg Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
SAT Score
ACT Score
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Resources
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Offers Post-Graduate Year
Yes
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Year Founded
1893
School Calendar
Student Body
Total Students
446 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
12%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
53 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
8:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
75%
Average Class Size
12 students
List of Courses Offered
Average SAT score
1380
(Out of 1600)
Average ACT score
32
(Out of 36)
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Restrictions apply for standard dress
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 31
Yearly Tuition Cost
$66,900
Tuition Notes
This is for boarding tuition. Day tuition is $39,650.
% on Financial Aid
46%
Average Financial Aid Grant
$42,913
Acceptance Rate
28%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Zach Swope
Endowment Size
$362 million
Sports
Total Sports Offered
24 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
49 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Asian Student Union, Baking Club, Black Student Union, Blue Key Society (tour guides), Book Club, Chess Club, Computer Science Club, Debate Club, Digital Entertainment Development Club, Equestrian Club, French Club, Gamers Club, German Club, Green Team, Humans of Mercersburg Club, Irving Literary Society, Jewish Club, Marshall Literary Society, Meditation Club, Mercersburg Inclusion Alliance, Mercersburg Jr. Classical League (Latin Club), Model United Nations, Photography Club, Rainbow Alliance, Science Club, Sixth Man Club, Spanish Club, Student Activities Committee, Student Alumni Association, Student Athlete Advisory Council, The Fifteen, The Hungry Philosophers Guild, The Mercersburg News, Voices 4 Justice, Women's Activist Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Blue Review (literary magazine), Chapel Choir, Guitar Club, Jazz Band, Karux (yearbook), Magalia (female a cappella vocal group), Octet (male a cappella vocal group), Stony Batter Players (theatre)
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Badminton Club, Flag Football Club, Four-on-the-Floor, Skateboard Club, Ski Club
Asian Student Union, Baking Club, Black Student Union, Blue Key Society (tour guides), Book Club, Chess Club, Computer Science Club, Debate Club, Digital Entertainment Development Club, Equestrian Club, French Club, Gamers Club, German Club, Green Team, Humans of Mercersburg Club, Irving Literary Society, Jewish Club, Marshall Literary Society, Meditation Club, Mercersburg Inclusion Alliance, Mercersburg Jr. Classical League (Latin Club), Model United Nations, Photography Club, Rainbow Alliance, Science Club, Sixth Man Club, Spanish Club, Student Activities Committee, Student Alumni Association, Student Athlete Advisory Council, The Fifteen, The Hungry Philosophers Guild, The Mercersburg News, Voices 4 Justice, Women's Activist Club
Arts and Music Programs:
Art Club, Blue Review (literary magazine), Chapel Choir, Guitar Club, Jazz Band, Karux (yearbook), Magalia (female a cappella vocal group), Octet (male a cappella vocal group), Stony Batter Players (theatre)
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Badminton Club, Flag Football Club, Four-on-the-Floor, Skateboard Club, Ski Club
School Notes
- Founded in 1893, Mercersburg Academy is an environment that allows young people to navigate their teenage years unfettered but supported and supervised. Mercersburg has nearly 130 years of perfecting what it means to be a proving ground for college and life. With students from 32 states and 46 countries, Mercersburg is a microcosm of our global community. We offer a beautiful 300-acre campus with impressive facilities, 160 academic courses, 27 varsity sports teams, nine music, dance, and theatre ensembles, 50+ student clubs, an outdoor education program, a global travel program, and other offerings. Relationships developed here are authentic and lifelong. Our faculty have dedicated their professional careers to working with teens, and our students define themselves here and graduate inspired to change the world.
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Jimmy Stewart '28 - Academy Award-winning actor
- Benicio Del Toro '85 - Academy Award- and Golden Globe Award-winning actor
- Melvin Stewart '88 - Olympic Gold Medal swimmer
- Michael Davies '85 - Emmy Award-winning producer, Who Wants to Be a Millionaire?
- Rebecca Lowe '99 - NBC sportscaster; former ESPN UK and BBC sports journalist
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Mercersburg Academy cost?
Mercersburg Academy's tuition is approximately $66,900 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Mercersburg Academy?
The acceptance rate of Mercersburg Academy is 28%, which is lower than the national average of 87%. Mercersburg Academy's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Pennsylvania with low acceptance rates.
Who are famous alumni from Mercersburg Academy?
Mercersburg Academy famous alumni include: Jimmy Stewart '28, Benicio Del Toro '85, Melvin Stewart '88, Michael Davies '85 and Rebecca Lowe '99.
What sports does Mercersburg Academy offer?
Mercersburg Academy offers 24 interscholastic sports: Alpine Skiing, Ballet, Baseball, Basketball, Climbing, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering, Rock Climbing, Soccer, Softball, Squash, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Mercersburg Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
What is Mercersburg Academy's ranking?
Mercersburg Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Highest average SAT score, Highest average ACT score, Lowest average acceptance rates, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.
When is the application deadline for Mercersburg Academy?
The application deadline for Mercersburg Academy is Jan. 31.
School Reviews
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