She is the Future.
CORE VALUES
The Hallmark of a Mercy Educaton Compelled by Mercy
Mercy students, in the spirit of our founder Catherine McAuley, are steadfastly determined to take Mercy into an interconnected world. Our shared sense of social consciousness is fortified by universal empathy and a conviction that all are worthy of God’s mercy. This deep awareness and compassion move us to take principled action and serve the needs of others.
Educational Courage
Mercy students welcome the challenge of pursuing their full potential in a culture of excellence, critical thinking and curiosity. Their multifaceted journey builds character while it builds essential skills. Our holistic program expects engagement, a thirst for knowledge and personal responsibility, while preparing students to thrive for a lifetime.
Inspired by Faith
Principled Leadership
A Voice for Dignity and Respect
Mercy students become living models of faith and forceful advocates for Gospel values. Grounded in our Catholic identity in the Mercy tradition, we welcome all faiths and are strengthened and shaped by these relationships. As we pursue a personal relationship with God, we strenuously follow Jesus Christ’s example of social justice, love and service.
Mercy students are poised to lead with their unique gifts. Prepared with an ethical and moral compass, we put Mercy values into action and work assertively for what is right. We’re equipped to make difficult choices, learn from our mistakes and develop high emotional intelligence. As an international community, we’re confident in our ability to make a positive difference and push for systemic change.
Mercy students honor the intrinsic value of the individual and recognize God’s presence in each person. We embrace a global vision and value differences of opinion, and are unafraid to confront hostile or hurtful attitudes. By standing up for those who can’t, we go beyond acceptance to help make sure everyone feels recognized and heard.
Rooted in the Catholic faith and charism of Mercy, Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School educates, inspires, and empowers young women to be merciful in spirit, innovative in thought, and courageous in leadership.
FOR 160 YEARS, GWYNEDD MERCY ACADEMY HIGH SCHOOL HAS
educated, inspired, and empowered GENERATIONS OF WOMEN LEADERS.
As the world changes and evolves at an increasingly faster pace, our commitment to the education of young women is more important than ever. They are the future, and our future is in their hands.
TABLE OF CONTENTS 2 Top 10 Benefits of an All-Girls School 4 Academics 5 Counseling 6 Learn. Educate. Achieve. Develop. (L.E.A.D.) 7 She Belongs Here 8 Wellness 9 Ministry and Service 10 Student Life 11 Athletics 12 Visual and Performing Arts Back Cover: • Investing in Her Future • Getting to Gwynedd • Steps to Becoming a Gwynedd Girl
Top 10 Benefits OF AN ALL-GIRLS SCHOOL
1
Inspirational Environment
2 3 95
4
Builds Self-Confidence
Academic Achievement
%
99%
Excellent Mentoring
of all-girls school grads report higher self-confidence over their coed peers (54%) ii
90% 83%
5 95% feel supported by their teachers (84% of girls at coed schools), 90% feel supported by other students (73% of girls at coed schools), 83% feel supported by their school administrators (63% of girls at coed schools).i 2
Science, Technology, Engineering & Math (STEM)
6 times
All-girls school grads are more likely to consider majoring in math, science, and technology compared to girls who attended coed schools. iii
6
Higher Aspirations
99%
9
Develops Leadership Skills
of students at all-girls schools expect to earn a four-year degree. More than 2/3 expect to earn a graduate or professional degree. iv
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Prepares Girls for the Real World
87%
Nearly of all-girls’ school students feel their opinions are respected at their school
compared to 58% of girls at coed schools. v
8
Developing Her Voice
93% of all-girls school grads say they were offered greater leadership opportunities than peers at coed schools.vi
10
Increases Civic Engagement
Sources: i, iv, v. Dr. Richard A. Holmgren, Allegheny College, Steeped in Learning: The Student Experience at All-Girls Schools ii. Dr. Linda Sax, UCLA, Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences in their Characteristics and the Transition to College iii, vi. Goodman Research Group, The Girls’ School Experience: A Survey of Young Alumnae of Single-Sex Schools
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Academics Welcome to Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. Here, you can experience a 360° curriculum that will challenge you academically, engage you physically, nourish you spiritually, and welcome you into a unique community of strong, supportive women who will begin as friends, then grow into a network of sisterhood, colleagues, and resources for life.
THE SCHEDULE
COURSES • • • • • • • • • • • •
Art Business Engineering English Languages Mathematics Music Science Social Sciences Social Studies Technology Theology
50
AP and Honors courses offered
85
National Honor Society members
The “Monarchs in Motion” academic schedule is a new approach to how our students will structure their school days. A departure from traditional schedules, this researchbased academic schedule includes 60-minute classes, a rotating schedule so that classes are attended at different times of day to enhance attention and learning, additional meeting time with teachers and counselors, as well as more time during the school day to complete independent work and assignments. With this structure, students have added time for social development, emotional engagement, and co-curricular activities.
THE CATHERINE LEARNING PROGRAM The Catherine Learning Program of Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School is an academic support service for a unique group of college-bound students with documented learning differences in reading, writing, and math, and/ or attention issues, organizational difficulties, or memory processing problems. This specialized program, designed to address a range of student needs, and named for Mercy foundress, Catherine McAuley, incorporates key ingredients to assist a student in reaching her full potential. The students have a scheduled period each day during which they develop individualized strategies for academic success.
Highlights include: • National Merit Scholars • Honors Societies • Technology/ Office 365
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1:10
teacher to student ratio
gmahs.org/CLP
• Student Publications: Mercy Magnet (Student Newspaper) Imagination Collaboration (Literary Magazine) The Patrician (Yearbook)
Counseling The goal of the Counseling Center is to advance the spiritual, academic, emotional, and social development of each student. The GMAHS Counseling Center is comprised of two departments:
A sample of the colleges and universities Gwynedd Girls have been accepted to over the past 5 years
The School Counseling program seeks to foster each student’s personal growth and development by working with students and families to provide academic coaching, emotional support, goal setting, and problemsolving strategies. Staff meet regularly with students individually, through group settings, and in consultation with faculty and parents. Areas of focus which counselors work with students throughout their four years: • Freshman: Orientation to high school, social and emotional learning, study skills, academic strategies, seminar class, peer advisory league (PAL) • Sophomores: Career exploration, academic strategies, social and emotional learning, course advising, seminar class • Juniors: Financial literacy, social and emotional learning, course advising, seminar class • Seniors: Preparing for college, financial literacy, social and emotional learning, seminar class
100%
college acceptance into 4 year colleges
The College Counseling team is comprised of two full-time, experienced counselors, dedicated to preparing Gwynedd students for the entire college application process. The college counselors begin working with students as they enter Gwynedd as freshmen, providing a four-year guided, strategic process that aids them in identifying and applying to colleges and universities that best fit their pursuits.
More than
28 million
$
in scholarships earned by the class of 2021 5
LEARN. EDUCATE. ACHIEVE. DEVELOP.
L.E.A.D.
Unstoppable Women Start Here
Gwynedd Mercy provides each student individualized opportunities to recognize and develop her leadership potential through experiential learning, guided instruction, and self-discovery.
Inspired by the legacy of our foundress, Catherine McAuley, and traditions of Mercy, our leadership program is known as L.E.A.D. ( Learn, Educate, Achieve and Develop.) Rooted in the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy—earth, immigration, nonviolence, racism, and women—Gwynedd Mercy educates and empowers young women to become prudent, ethical leaders of action and conviction. The L.E.A.D. department utilizes the Gardner Carney Leadership Lab method, developed by the Gardner Carney Leadership Institute (gcLi) in collaboration with the Graduate School of Education of the University of Pennsylvania. Led by 3 institute-certified faculty and staff, the gcLi method combines brain science, social and emotional intelligence, leadership studies, cultural competency, and developmental psychology. In our L.E.A.D. programs, students’ study, articulate, and learn practices and habits through teachable moments. This style of learning empowers Gwynedd women to become capable citizens and agents of change in the world. Leadership is a life skill that is becoming the core of education for our young women. It is a practice that is intentionally developed and learned. Program Benefits • Specialized curriculum • Speaker opportunities • Student summits • National and international conferences • Compensated internships • Professional externships
THE LEADERSHIP COMMITTEE:
An advisory committee of Gwynedd Mercy alumnae who work in an array of professions and industries work with the program’s students to provide real-world insights, guidance, and mentorship.
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gmahs.org/Leadership
INTERNSHIPS • Advancement • Athletics • Counseling • Culinary • DEIJ • Leadership • Marketing and Communications • Performing Arts • Science • Strategic Planning • Technology
EXTERNSHIPS Partnering with local companies in varied industries, Gwynedd students are invited to participate in professional externship opportunities to explore potential career paths.
Belonging At Gwynedd,
She belongs here.
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, INCLUSION and JUSTICE are synonymous with belonging.
Virtual MLK Day of Service: “Respect the Dot” campaign in support of the non-profit, No More Secrets
We strive to create a space in which differences in culture, ethnicity, race and other aspects of identity and opinion can be safely and authentically represented and celebrated. We work to ensure that every student is visible — seen and valued for their unique and special contributions to our shared community. We believe in maintaining equal yet equitable space — removing barriers and safeguarding the ability for any student to access and engage in our traditions, programs, curricula and athletics. We value fairness and justice as demonstrated by our policies and desire to engage in restorative justice practices. At Gwynedd we educate, inspire and empower women to be their best selves — to lead with compassion and kindness as they prepare to enter life after Gwynedd as strong, merciful global leaders.
THE CRITICAL CONCERNS OF THE SISTERS OF MERCY — earth,
immigration, nonviolence, racism and women — serve as the moral framework for our diversity, equity, inclusion and justice focus at Gwynedd. Every year a critical concern is specifically highlighted within the Gwynedd community. With intentional focus, that critical concern becomes even more pronounced within our curricula, programmatic activities, policy evaluation and school practices. Students have opportunities to dive deeper into the critical concerns, expanding their awareness, deepening their understanding and inspiring them to think critically about how this issue impacts women, people experiencing poverty, people of color and members of other marginalized communities. As a result, Gwynedd Girls participate in customized diversity, equity and inclusion programming, engage in courageous peer and/or faculty led conversations, hear diverse speakers, explore social justice issues in the classroom and engage in service projects. We believe in building the cultural competency of our entire school community so that we can all serve as change agents, capable of discussing and addressing the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy. In this way, diversity, equity, inclusion and justice is interwoven into the very fabric of who we are and strive to be. gmahs.org/DEIJ
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Wellness Mind • Body • Spirit Gwynedd’s Wellness Program is a collaboration between multiple departments including School Counseling, College Counseling, Minstry & Service, L.E.A.D., DEIJ, Alumnae Engagement, and Physical Education. The goal of this collaboration is to implement class year specific programming goals that meet the holistic needs of GMAHS students. The Wellness Curriculum at Gwynedd seeks to fulfill our goal of educating, inspiring, and empowering leaders for college and beyond. Each class year has unique needs so programming reflects the theme of each grade level. 9th Grade 10th Grade 11th Grade 12th Grade
Exploring the Gwynedd Community Engaging in the Gwynedd Community Leading the Gwynedd Community Launching from the Gwynedd Community
The Gwynedd Wellness Wheel
Concentration is on 8 domains of wellness
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Ministry and Service
What makes a Mercy Girl? 85+
Service Opportunities locally, nationally, and globally
The spirit of a Mercy Girl is rooted in service. We show love and compassion to all those around us in an attempt to make the world a better place than how we found it. Although Gwynedd does not have a service requirement, there are over 900 acts of service completed each year by the students, faculty, and staff which amass over 4,300 hours of service! Gwynedd Girls do not serve out of obligation — we serve because it is who we are! The Sisters of Mercy focus on five “Critical Concerns”: Earth, Immigration, Nonviolence, Racism, Women. Each year, Gwynedd spotlights one Critical Concern as the theme of the academic year, and throughout the academic curriculum all five concerns are addressed and reflected upon through study, project-based work, analysis, and action. From our front lobby to our classrooms to our Monarch Butterfly Garden, Gwynedd students grow to understand why their leadership is needed in the world, are educated to meet future challenges, and are guided toward becoming empowered female leaders.
Kyffin Grove • Mercy Effect • Project Linus Project Mercy • St. John’s Hospice • Women of Hope
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Student Life Gwynedd Girls describe life at Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School as an experience unlike any other. Instead of going to a school every day, they feel like the red and gold corridors of Gwynedd are their second home.
70
The list of Gwynedd’s clubs and activities reflect interests of the student body which can vary each year. Clubs and activities are tiered based on levels of time commitment and activity anticipated for participants. If you don’t see a club that suits your interests, you can start your own! Here is a sampling of this year’s array! Clubs, activities, and teams
The rotating structure of our
MONARCHS IN MOTION SCHEDULE
provides students with added time for social development, emotional engagement, and co-curricular activities. 2020 National Speech & Debate Tournament Pictured: Sahiba Tandon ’21, National Champion in Expository Speaking; Kathryn Tereshko ’20, 2nd Place in Expository Speaking
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• • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • •
Academic Bowl Alchemy Club Animation Club Art Club Baking Club Dance Club Diversity Club Drama Club Environmental Club Flag Football Girls Who Code Girls with Guitars Glee Club GMA-TV Health Careers Club Herstory (History Club) Imagination Collaboration (Literary Magazine) Lights & Sound Knit & Crochet Mathletes Meditation & Mindfulness Mock Trial Monarch Multimedia Productions Pottery Robotics Sew Much to Give Sign Language Club Speech & Debate Stage Crew Stocks Club Student Council Technology Club Women Empowerment Yearbook
Athletics The Gwynedd Athletics Department believes that athletics are educational opportunities that contribute to the physical, personal, social, and spiritual growth of each student-athlete. Athletics develop the unique talents and abilities of student-athletes so they can become competent and compassionate Christian women.
268
Student Athletes
13
Teams
10
College Signings 2020-21 Division I – 4 Division III – 6
FALL Crew Cross Country Field Hockey (V/JV) Golf Soccer (V/JV) Tennis Volleyball (V/JV)
MULTI-SPORT TURF COMPLEX: Gwynedd’s state-of-the-art synthetic turf field provides a consistent, year-round, all-weather playing and running surface, improving student-athlete safety and enabling improved athletic performances.
WINTER Basketball (V/JV) Indoor Track Swimming & Diving SPRING Crew Lacrosse (V/JV) Softball (V/JV) Track & Field
gmahs.org/athletics
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Visual and Performing Arts Whether you come alive on stage, love the magic of a photography darkroom, or need music to fuel your soul, you’ll find a warm and encouraging environment for artistic expression at Gwynedd. Award-winning visual and performing arts departments offer a Gwynedd student exceptional opportunities to find her creative voice, showcase her talent, and develop her full artistic potential, whether she is in pursuit of the arts in view of a career, as a passion, or just as a pastime. In the studio, on the stage, and behind the scenes, Gwynedd girls are creative and love to learn about the world through the arts.
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Clubs and activities focused on Music and the Arts
Art Club
Through music, theater, dance, and visual arts, our girls explore their imaginations by collaborating with faculty members who are also practicing artists and musicians.
Chorale Dance Club Drama Club Girls with Guitars PMEA & All-Catholic Festivals
Glee Club Jazz Band Liturgical Music Mercy Melismatics (a cappella) Orchestra Photography Club Pottery Club School Musical Stage Crew, Lights & Sound String Ensemble Tri-M Music Honor Society
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Investing in Her Future Families of Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School value education as a powerful investment in their daughters’ academic and personal development, an investment that grows in value throughout their lifetime. We recognize the considerable financial commitment required, and we work with families to ease tuition payment whenever possible. Gwynedd Mercy Academy 2021-2022 TUITION High School AND FEES is committed Tuition $20,900 to making Fees* $450 a Gwynedd Books** $270 education Uniforms** $360 accessible to Athletic Fee Tiered students from First sport: $175; Second a range of sport: $150; Third sport: $125. socio-economic The exception to the Athletic backgrounds. Fees is swimming, which will Tuition be $250. assistance is available. * Expenses such as the purchase of a device and consumable/ Awards are digital textbooks are not included based on in tuition and fees demonstrated ** Approximate costs need and are revised on an annual basis. FINANCIAL AID Gwynedd Mercy is committed to providing a quality education for young women of all economic backgrounds. All financial aid awards are need-based. SCHOLARSHIPS Applicants who show significant strength in their 7th and 8th grade transcripts, on their Entrance-Scholarship exam, and music or art may be considered for academic and/or fine arts scholarships. • Academic • Music • Art • Legacy
65
schools
17 56
school districts
zip codes
5
counties
2
states (PA and NJ)
Getting to Gwynedd It’s easier than ever to get to Gwynedd.... By Train
Gwynedd Valley Train Station and a shuttle to school
By Shuttle
From the Chestnut-Hill area
By Car
Juniors and Seniors may register for parking pass
School District Busing Free District Busing provided by a number of school districts
Visit gmahs.org/transportation for complete details!
e Educat Inspire er Empow
Next Steps GRADES 6 AND 7
ACCELERATED SCHOLARS PROGRAM (ASP) CLASS OF 2027
Contact Admissions today! Admissions Office admissionsdept@gmahs.org (215) 646-8815, option 3 Mrs. Kimberly Dunphy Scott ’84, P’16, ’16 Director of Enrollment Management (267) 946-0978 kscott@gmahs.org
The Accelerated Scholars Program provides high achieving 7th graders the opportunity for early admittance —apply, be accepted, and enroll—before the start of 8th grade. Students who take our 7th Grade Practice Test, who score in the top 10%, and show a strong desire in attending Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School will be invited to participate. The ASP will also offer academic scholarships.
GWYNEDD SUMMIT— CLASS OF 2027 Gwynedd’s annual two-day empowerment conference is open to all 7th grade students who take the Gwynedd Practice Test in the spring and who are interested in attending Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School. The event allows students to connect with accomplished Gwynedd alumnae, participate in hands-on activities, and learn about various career paths.
CLASS OF 2028 & BEYOND
• Attend a tour • Spend the day at Gwynedd • Connect with Gwynedd Parent Ambassadors • Follow us on social media
GWYNEDD PARENT AMBASSADOR (GPAs) Our GPAs assist prospective and current families in learning about the admissions process, GMAHS programs, and parent and community involvement opportunities.
STEPS TO BECOMING A
Gwynedd Girl CLASS OF 2026
SPRING 2022
September High School Nights (Check your school and parish for more info)
February-April Morning and Evening Tours
8th Grade Visitations Begin
#
CLASS OF 2027
FALL 2021
Apply for Financial Aid TEAR AND SAVE!
She is the future.
October Oct. 1 Extended-Time Testing Documentation Due Oct. 3 Open House 11 am – 2 pm Oct. 7 Art Portfolios and Music Video Auditions due on portal Oct. 7 Catherine Learning Program Application Due Oct. 9 and 10 Entrance Exam Mid-October Art Portfolio and Final Music Auditions for Scholarships Due
Half-Day Visits April 23 and 24 6th and 7th Grade Practice Test
SUMMER 2022 June-August Summer Camps July Gwynedd Summit August Online Admissions portal opens– Application and Visitation Day forms available for Class of 2027 applicants
November Acceptance letters mailed January 2022 Jan 4 Deposits Deadline
* Dates and times are subject to change. Refer to gmahs.org/admissions for additional details.
1 GET ON CAMPUS
2 APPLY
3 TEST
www.gmahs.org/admissions
Visit gmahs.org for more school information and all the latest news! Subscribe to the Monarch News to be the first to know about all things Admissions! There is so much happening @GMAHighSchool! Connect with us on social media!
/gwynedd-mercy-academy-high-school /gmahs1861
gmahs.org/admissions 1345 Sumneytown Pike P.O. Box 902 Gwynedd Valley, PA 19437 (215) 646-8815
Recognized as a School of Excellence by the U.S. Department of Education
