Our Lady of Mercy Academy

After going to a public school for eight years and going into Mercy for high school, I did not know what to expect. I did not get what I wished I had out of it. As for teachers: some were better than others, and some were not good teachers at all. I enjoyed having God in my daily life and loved the spiritual aspect of my education. Being an athlete, there were costs for everything: uniforms, a fee for actually playing the sport, transportation fees, etc. My parents spent a lot of money on my high school between all the fees, whatever fee you can think of, Mercy charges you for it! The school is limited on course offerings: my senior year was the first year they offered a psychology and sociology course. I would have liked to see more diverse offerings to give the girls a chance to figure out what they would like to do with their lives. Mercy never gave me the sense of reassuring what my career could potentially be. I went to Nassau my first two years of college and got much more out of it then I did from Mercy. I wish I had stayed in public school for high school because I would have gotten a much more promising education than what Mercy gave me.
—Submitted by a student

I have been going to various (ivy) college informational sessions and so far Mercy is right on the money with curriculum. As with any school, it must be the right fit for your child.
—Submitted by a parent

As a parent I feel as though I have failed. OLMA is not the school I had hoped for. Academically, it's OK....lots of work...but is the work beneficial?? Religious Education: none. Her freshman and sophomore relgion was just wasted time. Other classes were fine. I expected more from the school. I thought my sending my daughter to a all girls school run by women she would witness strong leadership from woman, she did not. The administration just leaves everything 'status quo'. Leaders Club is supposed to be an 'elite' club: nonsense, it is totally arbitrary. The Athlectic Department: embarrassing. It is embarrassing for the girls to wear the Mercy uniforms. I feel I sent my daughter down the wrong path and feel very bad about it. These are years she can't do over....fortunately, she has met wonderful friends. I am grateful for that.
—Submitted by a parent

The cost is expensive,especially if you are not loaded. During open house administration gives the tuition cost, not including the $100 athletic fee + uniform costs+athletic wear +additional fee + fee...=10,000.it all adds up fast! i see girls leave because they can't afford the cost. The girls aren't given many volunteer opportunities and everything revolves around the white sweater club ('leaders' club) and student council; if a girl dosen't get into these clubs they are rejected from most opportunities. Although the course load can be quite overbearing i find that the girls do well on the regents (above national average), the teachers are extremely dedicated and they are all always available for help. mercy is a great school and I've made some great memories and been on some awesome trips-broadway show, albany-visit state senators, etc. Advice: when choosing a highschool look at three you can picture yourself at, shadow, then choose
—Submitted by a student

My daughter began attending this school in September 2009. The teachers are dedicated and very good. The campus setting of rolling hills and beautiful trees is wonderful. The students are some of the nicest girls from all over Long Island. The school is teaching important values free of the distractions and political correctness of a typical co-ed public high school. I highly recommend this school to any parent that wants their daughter to be in a safe, nurturing, yet competitive environment where life long friendships are created and our future leaders are developed.
—Submitted by a parent

Our Lady of Mercy Academy did not offer my daughter a good education. Any student could complete the tough curriculum, after putting in hours of effort, and still not get accepted to their ideal colleges. You are better off doing all college apps on your own because the guidance department is incompetent and extremely unhelpful. Do not send your daughter to this school because it will just end up hurting her in the end.
—Submitted by a parent

This school may have a good curriculum and offer a lot of benefits, but is severely lacking in college appeal. The school just does not offer enough diversity to college admissions. Most girls would be better off in a public school.
—Submitted by a student

Mercy is a great school that provides a wonderful education for exemplary students. While the course work is very difficult and much homework is given it is worth it when the students do very well on regents exams and SATs. Students are able to participate in various activities while at the same time succeeding academically. The girls can grow spiritually as well as physically through their years at Mercy. Sports Night is a unifying event that every Mercy students should participate in. These three nights allow the students to showcase their routines that they have been practicing for months. Teachers and staff are very kind and willing to help. If you are willing to put in the time and effort, Mercy is a great opportunity for you.
—Submitted by a student

Mercy is a good school. It offers many programs, extracurriculars, Honors/AP courses and much more. As a small school, it is very personal.
—Submitted by a student

Mercy is a very special school with a wonderful spirit. At Mercy, the girls form close bonds with each other and develop their spirituality. Academically, Mercy is very tough. The amount of studying time and homework time is much more than other highschools. There are various clubs and sports at the school. Some clubs include: art , photography, school paper, literary magazine, chorus, band, Mock Trial, yearbook, volunteer work, and many more. Although this is a small school, the athletics program is very competitive. Art and music programs are developing more and more every year. Parents can be as involved as much or as little as they please. They can chaperone dances, work and run fundraisers, become the class parent for their daughter's homeroom. It is guarenteed that you will see your daughter grow into a well rounded, well educated women after graduating Mercy.
—Submitted by a student