Mercyhurst Preparatory School

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Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo #1 - MPS students can participate in studio arts, dance, music, photography, and theater. Mercyhurst Prep offers 49 courses in the performing and visual arts, and the arts faculty is comprised of active award-winning artists who are regularly engaged in exhibiting, performing, and teaching in the community.
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Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo #1 - MPS students can participate in studio arts, dance, music, photography, and theater. Mercyhurst Prep offers 49 courses in the performing and visual arts, and the arts faculty is comprised of active award-winning artists who are regularly engaged in exhibiting, performing, and teaching in the community.
Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo #2 - Sitting atop the hill on a sprawling 7.25 acre campus, Erie's only co-educational Catholic high school and with Northwest Pennsylvania's only International Baccalaureate program, Mercyhurst Preparatory School offers a destination for students from across the region and around the world that is unmatched in Erie.
Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo #3 - With full time faculty members experienced in instrumental and vocal music, theatre, and dance, students have the opportunity to explore all facets of performing during their high school careers. Mercyhurst Prep involves students in three main-stage theatre productions, two dance recitals, two choral concerts, two show choir performances, and two orchestral performances annually.
Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo #4 - Rowing offers MPS Laker men and women the opportunity to compete on our beautiful bay and Lake Erie, as well as waterways across the United States and Canada. Weekend regattas are the proving grounds for this extremely rigorous, prestigious and tradition-laden sport.
Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo #5 - Swimming is a competitive sport at Mercyhurst Prep with Laker swimmers earning medals at the district, state and national levels. MPS has five state championships in the last decade. Both the boys and the girls swimming and diving teams will make another huge splash this year by earning numerous medals as they have every year.
Mercyhurst Preparatory School Photo #6 - The IB Program at Mercyhurst Prep provides Lakers with a worldview education that encourages an understanding and appreciation of other cultures, languages and points of view. This philosophy of education leads to inquiring, knowledgeable and caring young people who create a better and more peaceful world through intercultural understanding and respect.
Mercyhurst Preparatory School is a four year co-educational Catholic secondary school founded by the Sisters of Mercy to prepare students from all religious and ethnic backgrounds for a successful, productive, and compassionate life in an ever-changing and interdependent world.
Mercyhurst Prep education is based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ and a modeling of Judeo-Christian values; excellence in academic and co-curricular programs, service to our local and global communities, and the dedication and active support of the students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni of the Mercyhurst community.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked PA School
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 497 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $11,365
  • Acceptance rate: 99%
  • Average class size: 23 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 9 / Jan. 4 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Mercyhurst Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:

Category
Attribute
Sports offered
School History

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 8-12
Year Founded
1926
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Awards
 Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 1993, 1998

Student Body

Total Students
497 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
26%
State avg.: 26%
Students by Grade
Mercyhurst Preparatory School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Average Class Size
23 students
List of Courses Offered
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Grey skirt/slacks and white polo shirt

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Nov. 9 / Jan. 4 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
This is tuition for the 2023-2024 school year. This includes a $250 technology fee, $75 iPad insurance, a $300 fundraiser, and a $40 activity fee.
Acceptance Rate
99%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Allison Orlando
Admissions Associate
Michelle Intrieri

Sports

Extracurriculars

Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
34 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Baking Club, Calamari's Thanksgiving Dinner for the Homeless, Chrysalis, Critical Concerns, DIY Club, Fashion Club, Feed the Hungry, Fitness Center, French Club, Junior Achievement, Math Club, Mercy Service Project, Minecraft, Model United Nations, National Art Honor Society, National Honor Society, Reading Club, Robotics and Technology Club, Serteens, Ski Club, Spanish Club, Speech and Debate, Spirit Club, Student Council/Student Government, The Joseph of Arimathea Society, The Ophelia Club, Travel Club, Ultimate Frisbee Club, Women in Motion

Arts and Music Programs:
Concert Choir, Dance Company, International Thespian Society, Orchestra Ensemble, Show Choir

School Notes

MISSION STATEMENT: Mercyhurst Preparatory School is a four year co-educational Catholic secondary school founded by the Sisters of Mercy to prepare students from all religious and ethnic backgrounds for a successful, productive, and compassionate life in an ever-changing and interdependent world. A Mercyhurst Prep education is based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ, the charism of Mercy, and a modeling of Judeo-Christian values. We strive for excellence in academic and co-curricular programs, we promote service to our local and global communities, and we foster the dedication and active support of the students, parents, faculty, staff, and alumni of the Mercyhurst community.

THE MERCY CHARISM CORE VALUES: compassionate presence, justice, service, hospitality, and concern for the dignity of all persons.

BELIEF STATEMENTS:

We believe that:
  • God is the center of our existence and Christ is our model for truth and compassion.
  • Compassionate presence, justice, service, and concern for the dignity of all persons (the charism of our foundress, Catherine McAuley) are the foundation of our school and of a moral and enlightened society.
  • Positive moral and religious values lived out inethical conduct and service are fundamental to an interdependent society.
  • All children can succeed in a positive educational environment.
  • Everyone has an obligation to offer his or her gifts in service to others.
  • Education is the responsibility of the entire community.
  • The dignity and worth of each individual must be recognized and valued.
  • The family is the most significant institution in society.
  • Understanding and appreciation of cultural diversity are critical to world peace and global harmony.
  • Lifelong learning is essential to fulfillment of one`s potential in a changing, interdependent world.
  • Individual actions influence the world and its people.
  • Each person must assume stewardship of this planet.
  • Appreciation of the arts enlightens the human mind and spirit.Intellectual honesty is the cornerstone of the academic community.
  • Those who have much are obliged to share their resources with those who have less.
  • The active pursuit of wellness enhances one`s quality of life.
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Mercyhurst Preparatory School cost?
Mercyhurst Preparatory School's tuition is approximately $11,365 for private students.
What schools are Mercyhurst Preparatory School often compared to?
Mercyhurst Preparatory Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Cathedral Preparatory School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Mercyhurst Preparatory School?
The acceptance rate of Mercyhurst Preparatory School is 99%, which is higher than the national average of 86%.
Does Mercyhurst Preparatory School offer a summer program?
Yes, Mercyhurst Preparatory School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Mercyhurst Preparatory School offer?
Mercyhurst Preparatory School offers 15 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Bowling, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Diving, Football, Golf, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field and Volleyball. Mercyhurst Preparatory School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
What is Mercyhurst Preparatory School's ranking?
Mercyhurst Preparatory School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Mercyhurst Preparatory School?
The application deadline for Mercyhurst Preparatory School is Nov. 9 / Jan. 4 / rolling (applications are due on Nov. 9 / Jan. 4 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).

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Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked PA School
  • Grades: 8-12
  • Enrollment: 497 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $11,365
  • Acceptance rate: 99%
  • Average class size: 23 students
  • Application Deadline: Nov. 9 / Jan. 4 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Erie County, PA is $5,694 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

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