Mercyhurst Preparatory School is a four year co-ed 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. The school was founded in the 1920s when Mother M. Borgia Egan purchased 75 acres of farmland in remote southeast Erie to grow the presence of Catholic education in the region. Today, the school boasts more than 8,000 alumni who've been grounded in an education based upon the teachings of Jesus Christ, the charism of Mercy, and a modeling of Judeo-Christian values. The school strives for excellence in academic and co-curricular programs, and promotes service to the local and global communities. It is accredited by the Middle States Association.

Learn more about the school by visiting its website and following it on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter. Watch this great video presentation of the Mercyhurst mission statement created by members of the Student Accreditation Advisory Board. View the school's publications page to keep up to date.

 

 

As a college preparatory school, the Mercyhurst Prep curriculum is rigorous, and 98% of the students attend a post-secondary institution. The school offers a wide range of courses at the college prep, honors, and International Baccalaureate (IB) levels. Visit this page to view the school's extensive course selection catalog. The IB program is based on the concept that general education at the upper secondary level should promote the development of the lifelong skills of critical thinking, communication, and integration of the information through an in depth study of the major areas of knowledge. Successful completion of the program earns for the student a diploma recognized for university admission and for course credit at many colleges and universities throughout the world. The IB’s greatest value, however, lies in its worth as a challenge and a symbol of the greater achievement to which the student has aspired. Mercyhurst Prep is northwestern Pennsylvania’s only secondary International Baccalaureate (IB) school. The school's arts and athletic programs are also world-class and beloved in the region.

 

 

Mercyhurst has a proud tradition of service and giving. Compassionate presence, justice, service, and concern for the dignity of all persons (the charism of our foundress, Catherine McAuley) are the foundation of the school. Service hours are a requirement for all students.

Last year, more than $800,000 was raised for student scholarships and financial aid by its broad giving community, including families, alumni and local organizations. The school is also embarking on a capital campaign to improve its performing arts space and strengthen school security. Read more about the work of the school's advancement team in the most recent version of its annual report.

A group of 27 students from Mercyhurst participated in March for Our Lives after raising more than $1,175 for the trip through a GoFundMe campaign and by designing "Enough" sweatshirts that they sold to students, their families and alumni. Their representation at the March followed the schoolwide participation in National Walkout Day, which was organized by student members of the Critical Concerns Club.