Mercy Re-Accredited by New England Association of Schools / Colleges

Director of the Commission on Independent School for the New England Association of Schools and Colleges has voted to grant Mercy High School continued accreditation by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges.

In reaching its decision at the Board of Trustees of the Association's Dec. 4 meeting, the commission reviewed the self-study and Visiting Committee Report.  The Visiting Committee Report identified many areas for commendation.  

The commission particularly commends the entire school community for the highly dedicated administration, faculty, and staff who go above and beyond in providing a safe, nurturing environment thus ensuring a successful student experience.  

The commission commends the strength and vitality of both the academic and co-curricular programs that foster academic excellence and prepare young women for higher education as well as roles of leadership and service.  In addition, the Commission commended Mercy for conducting a highly collaborative and dynamic self-study.

In the normal course of events, Mercy’s next regularly scheduled evaluation visit will be in 2023. Mercy’s Administration will be expected to file a Two-Year Interim Evaluation Report and a Five-Year Report in 2018 at  which times the school’s accreditation will be reviewed.  

The reports will provide basic information related to staff, programs, and finances, and report on Part ll of the Self-Study: Reflection, Recommendations, and Issues for Further Discussion.  

Specific responses to the Visiting Committee recommendations will be addressed at this time. Mercy will report on the recommendation that the school prioritize securing and allocating funds for facility improvements such as the cafeteria expansion and music program.  

Another recommendation addresses athletic field improvements which will be attended to in the coming years.   

An important area that Mercy will concentrate on is an updated technology plan with the input of all academic departments. This plan may include departmental guidelines for the use of technology in the classroom and by students, as well as resources, training and professional development required for its implementation.  

This recommendation addresses the next stage in Mercy’s current technology plan as the school is in process of studying which common device will best serve students and faculty.  

This school year saw the activation of their “bring your own device” policy.  During the summer major infrastructure updates were completed at the school.

The certificate of continued accreditation is available in the school’s Main Office.