Upper School
Philosophy
We emphasize the importance of academic excellence as one of the essential principles of a Mercy education along with compassion, service, justice, global awareness, and the dignity of each human being. Our faculty has the freedom to create a challenging curriculum that centers on five key indicators of highly engaging and relevant instruction:
- Active and collaborative learning
- Enriching educational experiences
- Appropriate academic challenges
- Supportive campus environment
- Interaction between faculty and students
Faculty work in grade level teams to plan interdisciplinary study, integrate essential 21st century skills, distribute writing and creative projects across core courses, and support students to work up to their highest potential.
Essential 21st Century Skills
Four skills have emerged as essential to prepare students for the challenges of life in the new millennium: creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication. We design each Upper School course – whether our bedrock core curriculum or rigorous Advancement Placement courses – so that students master content while also honing these skills. We assess students’ acquisition of skills such as critical thinking through formal assessments in the ninth and eleventh grades.
Innovative Strategies
Robust and progressive use of technology enhances all upper school courses. Each student receives an iPad, and our facilities offer state-of-the-art computer labs and interactive whiteboards. Using iPads in the classroom is an innovative approach that gives students the opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge creatively; this technology enhances but does not replace tried-and-true methods of instruction that continue to serve students well as they matriculate through the upper school program.
Student-Centered
A seven-period schedule rotates each week to ensure that students have the opportunity to take courses at different points in the day within a seven-week cycle. A “flex period” occurs at the end of the regular school day to allow students time to meet with teachers individually for extra assistance.
Curriculum
We offer a rigorous college preparatory program with extensive honors and Advanced Placement courses in most subject areas and a broad range of elective courses across the curriculum. Students can earn college credit through dual enrollment courses with Georgia Tech, Mercer University, and Middle Georgia College & State University.
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Poised
to
Discover
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Challenged
to
Innovate
Innovate [ˈi-nə-ˌvāt] v.
Make changes in something established, especially by introducing new methods or ideas.
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Motivated
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Serve