Mercy Academy history

With great faith and effort, the Sisters opened a new Academy building at 1176 East Broadway in 1901, where it was to remain for 106 years.

Mount Mercy Academy was founded by the Sisters of Mercy in 1904 and proudly celebrates the achievements and contributions of more than 12,000 graduates, as it continues its educational mission to the community.

The Mercy Ring, a rite of passage and responsibility, was first worn in 1916.

In 1947, the Sisters of Mercy purchased the Taylor Estate on Sumneytown Pike in Gwynedd Valley.

In 1954, the present school building was opened for girls in grades K through 12.

1955 – In April 1955, the elementary and secondary schools moved into the newly completed academy building, located on the current site of Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School.

Founded and operated by the Daughters of Our Lady of Mercy, Our Lady of Mercy Academy (OLMA) opened in September 1962 to 52 young women, embodying the first freshman and sophomore classes.

1963 – The Academy of the Sisters of Mercy became known as Gwynedd Mercy Academy.

In the spring of 1965, 23 young women departed OLMA as its first graduates.

In 1968, the school’s name was changed from Latin to English, and Merion Mercy Academy garnered greater name recognition throughout the Philadelphia region.

1981 – Tremendous growth of all Gwynedd Mercy branches—the college, the high school, and the elementary school—required the need for additional space.

In order to accommodate the tremendous growth of the Gwynedd-Mercy Family in all levels of education: elementary, high school, and college, the Spring House public school was purchased in the spring of 1982.

In 1986 a decision was made to merge girls in grades K through 8 with boys from Waldron and this is now known as Waldron Mercy Academy, which has operated as a separate entity from Merion Mercy for many years.

In September 1987, Waldron Academy for Boys and the Merion Mercy Academy for Girls lower school officially merged and reopened as Waldron Mercy Academy.

2002 – The first Board of Trustees was formed to govern Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School

In 2003, Merion Mercy built a 27,000 foot addition that included a school chapel, administrative offices, student center, indoor track, dance studio and athletic training facilities.

In recent years, two major additions have been made to the building, a 22,000 square foot project including a multi-purpose gymnasium/auditorium, a library, and computer room and a 2004 addition housing our middle school wing, enhanced science lab, and fine arts areas.

2005 – The Fourth Institutional Chapter of the Sisters of Mercy developed the five Critical Concerns to address the most vital needs of our time, encouraging our response:

With great faith and courage, the Sisters approved the acquisition of land and the development of a new campus for the Academy, which opened on 24 acres at 5801 Fegenbush Lane in 2007.

In July 2016, the school began a 15-month re-build project known as the Upward & Onward Campaign.

2017 – The Board of Trustees approved the appointment of the first President and lay leader of Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School

2018 – Construction of a multi-sport complex—with a synthetic turf field, expanded track & field facilities, and a natural grass field—launch of a Rowing program, and creation of internship programs expand academic, athletic, scholarship, and professional opportunities for students.

Our newly expanded OLMA Cafe opened for business in September 2020.