Mercersburg Academy Viewbook
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Transcript of Mercersburg Academy Viewbook
define yourself. here.
define yourself. here.M
ercersburg academ
y
1
Mercersburg will not tell you who you should be.
[ instead... ] we will ask you to
define your best self, your genuine self, the self you want to be.
On a beautiful, storied campus where a Nobel laureate,
Academy Award winners, and Olympians were once just
high school students with dreams who lived in dorms,
hung out in the student center, went to dances, walked to
the Nolde Athletic Center at sunrise, and defended the Blue
and White – you will have the time and the mentors and the
friends to figure out who you want to be.
How will you define yourself because of your Mercersburg years?
There’s only one way to find out.
Be in the middle
of everything
“ For me, it’s working out in the morning, running on the track. It’s just so quiet and really relaxing.”
“ The athletic center, where you can go play basketball, lift, play lacrosse.”
One of the truly exceptional characteristics
of Mercersburg is that everyone – New Englander,
Southerner, Midwesterner, West Coaster, small-town guy
or girl, international cosmopolitan city dweller, or
suburbanite – feels comfortable here.
We are firmly planted in the Mid-Atlantic at a crossroads
of East, South, Midwest, and Northeast that makes us a
great place for cultures and customs, interests and ideas,
styles and backgrounds to mix.
We are designed as a true boarding school in a beautiful
location away from urban distractions but with plenty of
access to five of the greatest Eastern cities of the United
States – Baltimore, New York City, Philadelphia, Pittsburgh,
and Washington, D.C.
We are also close to two international airports, Dulles
International and Baltimore/Washington International,
which makes it easy for students from all over the country
and the world to attend Mercersburg.
And when you’re on campus, every incredible resource at
Mercersburg is yours. Here are some favorite student spots.
Be in the middle
of everything
“ For me, it’s working out in the morning, running on the track. It’s just so quiet and really relaxing.”
“ The athletic center, where you can go play basketball, lift, play lacrosse.”
Be in the middle
of everything
Lenfest Library “The table near the copier on the fourth floor of Lenfest is a great place to get group work done. The chapel room is perfect for solo studying. Not only do you have a great view of the chapel, but every Karux [yearbook] and Blue review [art/literary journal] is housed there.”
“ The soccer field, 10 minutes before practice, just by myself, kicking the ball at the net. It’s very beautiful, especially when it’s later in the wintertime and the sun’s a little lower going through the trees.”
“ The student center is the best place to hang out with friends, play pool and ping-pong, and just chill.”
“ The front steps of Swank Hall because it’s a great meeting place.”
“ I find it really peaceful at the astronomy observatory, especially where Mercersburg is located, to just be able to look up and see all the stars.”
“ The turf on the weekends to play soccer and Frisbee.”
Be in the middle
of everything
Lenfest Library “The table near the copier on the fourth floor of Lenfest is a great place to get group work done. The chapel room is perfect for solo studying. Not only do you have a great view of the chapel, but every Karux [yearbook] and Blue review [art/literary journal] is housed there.”
“ The soccer field, 10 minutes before practice, just by myself, kicking the ball at the net. It’s very beautiful, especially when it’s later in the wintertime and the sun’s a little lower going through the trees.”
“ The student center is the best place to hang out with friends, play pool and ping-pong, and just chill.”
“ The front steps of Swank Hall because it’s a great meeting place.”
“ I find it really peaceful at the astronomy observatory, especially where Mercersburg is located, to just be able to look up and see all the stars.”
“ The turf on the weekends to play soccer and Frisbee.”
The Chapel “I love to take in all of the history, listen to the Carillon. It’s just a great spot that’s always there, out of the corner of your eye. The artwork and masonry are really gorgeous. Throughout the day, walking around, you hear bells playing.”
The Burgin Center “It is a huge deal, just an awesome place. I have acting and painting classes there. My swing club meets there” ... “I go to the Burgin every study hall to use the computer art lab. It’s just great.”
“ The barn has an amazing climbing wall.”
“ The dance studio is a great place to take dance classes with friends, or just put on some music and start creating something.”
“ In the biology labs we have such a hands-on experience. If we’re doing an experiment, we don’t have to watch it on a video, we can actually do it.”
“ Tippetts Beach to socialize and tan.”
Choosing to go to boarding school is a tradition for some
and a totally new concept for others. We think it should
be a life-changing adventure for everyone. Here’s a taste
of that adventure via Vivi, Johnny, Michaella, Caitlin,
and Jack, on one spring day not so long ago.
One spring day at
Mercersburg.
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vivi:definedHoMeTowN: Lubbock, Texas
“ I’m a writer, an athlete, a performer,
an enthusiast. I’m creative, outgoing,
inquisitive, I’m IRVING! Mercersburg
has encouraged me to become all these
things and more, from its welcoming
atmosphere to its brilliant faculty and
staff. I’m proud to say I can be defined
by every aspect of the ’Burg. The
traditions, the people, the classes,
the opportunities have all contributed
to the joy I find at the end of the
summer, posing for pictures on the
steps of Main Hall.”
7
English “ My favorite classes in my time here have been my English courses, not only because I’m typically assigned to do what I love—write—but also because of the atmosphere of class discussion. Everyone is expected and encouraged to contribute freely, and with these equal expectations comes equal respect for everyone involved.”
music “ I go to the Burgin for the music, but even after Chorale and Magalia rehearsals are over, the building stays alive with dozens of visual and performing arts venues.”
student center“The student center is always
a good place to unwind with a game of pool or the
occasional dance on a weekend
night.”
history “One of my favorite assignments included a
historical visit to Gettysburg, with all of the other U.S. History students. We had been learning
about the Civil War and we were told to research a specific soldier and write a letter from his point of view. We submitted the same assignment for our history and for our 11th grade English classes, for a research grade
and a creative writing grade.”
athletics “ At the end of the school day, I love supporting my friends by attending athletic events and, of course, playing in my own.”
8
classes“My favorite class is definitely physics. It was a jump for me
to take it as a sophomore, but I decided I could handle the
workload. I love being able to use all the physical resources
located in the classrooms and not just being taught on a
blackboard. The physical part of the work is tremendous due to the amount of resources the
school has for students.”
friends“ I find it great to be able to go to classes and hang out with my friends all day and then get homework help from teachers at night. I am a social person so being with my friends is a necessity for me. That is my favorite part about Mercersburg, being able to have fun with my friends all the time.”
sports practice“Mercersburg has all the
components you need: tremendous athletic programs
and dynamic teachers and classes. The school is well
rounded. The student body is very diverse and you get to meet
so many students from around the U.S. and the world.”
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johnny:definedHoMeTowN: Hanover, Pennsylvania
“ I’ve defined myself at Mercersburg
more than I had previously thought
possible. I’ve discovered a bunch of
new things that I am interested in
and I have learned a lot of great social
skills as well. How would I describe
myself now? In a few words: athlete,
student, and a good friend, outgoing
and affable.”
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michaella:definedHoMeTowN: Gibson Island, Maryland
“ Students are really comfortable asking
for extra help when they need it –
I am a proud user of the Writing
Center. You can also get help with
science, math, and languages – there
are great resources for each specific
area or if that’s your expertise you can
help other students.”
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history“Mercersburg’s nurturing and hardworking
atmosphere has developed me into a student who loves to go to school. I look forward to
what students say and how we all respond to the information we are taught, especially in
my history courses. Because Mercersburg is an international school, you’re in the mix of student
opinions from all over the world – Asia, the Middle East, Europe, Africa. I love to hear everything everyone has to say.”
athletics“Playing on the tennis team every fall has given me something to look forward to at the start of the school year. My coach, my teammates, the
traveling and the bonding we have on the team, like every other team at Mercersburg, has created a second family outside of my schoolwork. School
spirit is very important to me and defines a part both Mercersburg and I play. We are certainly
proud to be the Blue and White.”
the arts“ Dance practice is another favorite part of my day. The beautiful Burgin Center has amazing facilities and each individual artist, dancer, actor, and singer expresses his or her talents. I love to watch the creations students make.”
dining hall“ The dining hall not only has great food but really shows the sense of community here. We eat family style but every two weeks you switch tables (on Wednesdays and Fridays you can sit with whomever you want). The casual table conversation builds friendly relationships for students and faculty. Tables are all-inclusive rather than separated
only by ‘friend groups’.”
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the arts“I plan on pursuing a career in
theatre and Ms. Mufson has helped me to find summer programs that will
help me. I was accepted and attended an elite summer music program at Carnegie Mellon.
Ms. Mufson is serious about her students; she treats us like professionals and has helped me really go forward
with my plans for the future. She believes in me.”
friends“ At the end of the day there is no place in the world I would rather be than Mercersburg. I feel at home here. I have my friends and teachers who are like parents to me at times.”
academics“Everybody at Mercersburg wants you to succeed.
If you are having issues in class, you and your adviser not only identify the problem but you also come
up with solutions. It’s nice to know that you have such a great support system behind you. Mercersburg
is the perfect size; everybody knows everyone. It’s a tight-knit community.”
think globally“ Mercersburg has so many different people from all sorts of places around the world that it’s hard not to be, and think, globally here. I recently went on a trip to Buenos Aires, Argentina, with the school. This trip encouraged me not only to think more about others but also it inspired me to get out into the world more.”
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HoMeTowN: Hagerstown, Maryland
“ My two favorite classes are AP World
History and my acting directed study
(it’s just me and Ms. Mufson, the
theatre director). Just recently, she
had a guest artist from Washington,
D.C., come in to work with me. It
was amazing. I really gained a new
perspective in a form of physical
theatre that I had never even thought
of. I have grown as an actress in the
past term more than I have in years
of acting classes at home.”
caitlin:defined
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jack:definedHoMeTowN: Delmar, New York
“ Many people think that because
19 members of my family went to this
school before me, it was set in stone
that I would come here. But I’m here
because I genuinely love the school.
Not only did I get the opportunity to
spend a year with my brother, who was
a senior when I started, but I’ve made
friends I will have forever. I play soccer
and basketball, and being on the same
lacrosse team as my brother last year
was a great experience.”
15
classes“What I like most about the way classes are
scheduled here is that they rotate every day. It’s nice to change things up and not have the same
class at the same time every single day. Also, having breaks throughout the day is helpful for
relaxing or finishing up any homework.”
group work“ One thing about classes at Mercersburg that I really like is that the teachers implement a lot of group work. You’re able to bounce your ideas off of other students. I think better work is created if you have multiple people putting their thoughts into it. Also, group work is a lot more fun and interesting.”
team practice “After the school day
is over, you usually have around 20 to 30 minutes
until you have to be at team practices. This is a pretty quick
transition, but it still gives people time go to the trainer if
they need any treatment.”
Brainy in a 21st-Century WayThe brains of today’s kids process information radically
differently than they did in previous generations. This isn’t a
theory. It’s been proven again and again by scientific studies
that the key to student learning today is active experience in
what you are learning, whether that is laboratory sciences,
languages, writing, literature, philosophy, mathematics,
robotics, history, or economics. Rather than the traditional
“learning by receiving” model, today’s rigorous curriculum
engages students in learning by doing.
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More than40honors, aP, and
post-aP level courses
19
EffECTivE COMMuniCaTiOn
COLLaBOraTiOn
infOrMaTiOn LiTEraCy
CrEaTiviTy, CuriOSiTy, and iMaginaTiOn
PErSOnaL rESPOnSiBiLiTy and
aCCOunTaBiLiTy
CriTiCaL THinking
The Mercersburg Graduate’s Skillset
What good is knowing facts and formulas if you
don’t know how to apply your knowledge to what you
want to do in the 21st-century world? At Mercersburg
you will learn to “connect the dots,” using and
building on your knowledge in meaningful ways.
19
The Mercersburg graduate’s
Skillset
20
1 You will master not only subjects but also see the relationships
between ideas across subjects.
each class and each school year will build on your knowledge,
leading you to become a critical thinker, an effective
communicator, a smart collaborator, information literate, creative, curious,
imaginative, and responsible and accountable for using your
knowledge well in the world.
With more than 160 courses, including over 40 honors,
advanced Placement, and post-advanced Placement classes, you
can stretch academically as wide and as deep as you like in courses ranging from nature and Meaning of the Universe to Linear algebra
to five levels of Chinese and three levels of robotics.
2
3
20
The Mercersburg Graduate’s Skillset
22
74%of faculty
hold advanced degrees
2323
Faculty Stars to Guide YouFrom Fulbright scholars to National Endowment for the
Humanities fellows, Mercersburg teachers are some of the
most gifted thinkers and educators you will ever have. Our
faculty teach what they love and love what they do. Seventy-four
percent hold at least one advanced degree. Most have presented
or published in their fields. They travel the world as they further
develop their language skills and cultural understanding. They’re
always moving forward, never saying, ‘I’ve done it this way for
20 years, it’s always worked.’ They refine curriculum continually,
believing that a great course this year might lead
to further innovation next year.
Spanish Language native Speaker “ the Winter telephone Project is a unique hands-on assessment of the classroom material
students have worked with up to that point of the year. the format is a conference call between
the teacher, the student, and a native spanish speaker. the teacher is only a listener and
evaluator. the student experiences firsthand how to share and obtain information within a
conversation in the target language with someone who is not in a classroom setting. the
project reaffirms the student’s confidence in his or her language skills and in how well he or
she can put them into practice.”
— WendY s. VaLenteen, Spanish Faculty, Classical and Modern Languages, Appointed 2004 M.A. – Towson University B.S. – Millersville University
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What Makes good Writing“ in my comparative literature class, instead of standing
at the front of class talking to students about what
makes good writing, i had them research what makes
good writing then produce a documentary about what
they learned. Part of their research was incorporating
interviews with faculty members in the english
department, writing consultants in our Writing Center,
and other students who have had assessments of
their writing.”
— MattheW KearneY, Academic Dean and English Faculty, Appointed 2000 Ph.D. (A.B.D.), M. Phil., M.A., B.A. – Rutgers University 25
26
all students and faculty use
iPads
robotics Search and rescue “ For this project, students work on a robot designed to search a maze for heating pads that
represent victims in a disaster scenario. the students’ robots need to navigate the entire
maze and flash a light each time they find a new victim.”
— JULia MaUrer, Mathematics and Science Faculty, Academic Dean, Appointed 1990 Ph.D., M.S.M.E., B.Ch.E. – University of Dayton
27
anatomy and Physiology“ dr. selznick, father to two current students and an orthopedic
surgeon in Park City, Utah, presented to two of my anatomy
classes. as part of the class session, students repaired
a fracture by screwing plates into the bone. dr. selznick
described the procedure as if it were a real case study, and
taught students all of the steps to repairing the injury.”
— niKKi WaLKer, Science Faculty, Appointed 2006 M.S. -– California University of Pennsylvania B.S. – Frostburg State University
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free iPad Textbooks … Created by facultyWith the iPad as the school’s digital platform, increasing numbers of Mercersburg faculty have jettisoned the need for students to purchase expensive traditional textbooks in favor of writing and designing their own for the iPad.
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100sof national Merit and aP scholars
3131
in 11th & 12th gradE yOu WiLL ...
Focus on more independent and in-depth study, building on a strong foundation in each of the disciplines gained during
9th and 10th grade.
in 9th & 10th gradE yOu WiLL ...
Focus on immersion in the disciplines and skills development
that will help carry you through your academic career. You will take english, history, foreign language,
math, science, and two terms of fine arts.
Hallmarks for Every Student
Opportunities each year to invent, conduct original research, present, produce, and innovate
Firsthand international experience (see page 46)
A senior academic capstone project
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English – american, British and World Literature including aP level courses plus senior electives such as Journalism, the Graphic novel, the art of Fiction, existentialism in Literature, Film studies, and many more. History – Over 22 history courses such as aP economics, aP european history, and aP Comparative Government and Politics as well as specialized classes like totalitarian regimes in the 20th Century, Modern Origins of islamic Fundamentalism, and Constitutional Case studies.
Hallmarks for Every Student
Modern & Classic Languages – Five languages offered, including Chinese, German, French, spanish, and Latin, varying from introductory to aP and post-aP courses.religion – a number of courses exploring various world religions and belief systems, including: introduction to the new testament, Buddhism, introduction to World religions.
Mathematics – Courses include several levels, ranging from standard to aP, in algebra, Geometry, Precalculus, robotics, Calculus, and statistics, as well as post-aP courses such as Multivariable Calculus and introductory to Linearr algebra.Science – a wide range of courses, through aP and honors levels, in fundamental scientific areas such as Chemistry, Biology, and Physics, as well as unique and extensive offerings in astronomy, environmental science, human Genetics, Mechanics, and robotics.
fine arts – Within Fine arts, there are four separate disciplines - dance, Music, theatre, and Visual art. More than 25 courses, in addition to several performance ensembles, range from dance Composition to Writing Music for today’s World, and from digital Video art to aP art history.
OvEr 160 COurSES
For full course listings visit www.mercersburg.edu/curriculum
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Dive Into a Dream School Training and coaching known for developing collegiate,
Olympic, and professional athletes. Spectacular college-level
teaching and facilities in music, theatre, dance, and studio art.
Participation in one of the most prestigious high school study
abroad programs plus dozens of summer study opportunities,
and amazing school spirit and traditions – it’s all here waiting
for you. Dive in.
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300acres of campuswith 30 school buildings and
11 playing fields
3636
3737
boarding
True Blue LifeNo experience is more instructive, more fun, more personally
challenging, and more attuned to helping you learn about you than
residential life at Mercersburg. Graduating seniors say they grew the
most by living in community – 24/7 – with their classmates. When you
live with someone for nine consecutive months, you learn a lot about
that roommate (plus your hallmates) and yourself – how to behave,
how to manage your own emotions when you’re sharing a fairly
small space, and so much more. This is big stuff and a big reason
you come to Mercersburg.
38
residential facultyExperienced faculty members manage
the entire residential life program. All
dorms have deans and live-in faculty.
Dorm faculty members are available
all day, every day, so no students
should ever feel that they lack a
sensitive and informed adult
to consult or rely upon.
a friend-Making MachineThe kinds of friends you make here are different than those
you would make at a day school. You can see it in our alumni –
whether they are in their 20’s or 60’s their Mercersburg ties
are often the most dear to them.
39
Structured, not restrictiveResidential life at Mercersburg doesn’t just
happen. It’s a very thoughtful, intentional
program that has been honed over the years
to provide the right amount of structure and
supervision, yet also plenty of freedom, so that
students can truly breathe and enjoy themselves
in an environment where they know what the
community expects of them.
39
friends from all gradesAs a student here, you’re always in the
company of equals. In no time you will
discover that 9th and 10th graders mesh
exceedingly well with 11th and 12th graders,
and it’s common to find a senior and a
9th grader becoming best of friends. This is
one of the great benefits of living among
the open and accepting student body that
is a Mercersburg’s trademark.
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irving-Marshall WeekIrving-Marshall Week is a high-spirited assortment of
competitions each February between the Washington Irving
Literary Society (in red and white) and the John Marshall
Literary Society (in blue and yellow). Each student at
Mercersburg is a member of one of the two societies. The
rival groups earn points with victories in traditional sports
and everything from chess to foosball to Iron Chef. The
biggest event is Declamation, when representatives from
both societies, in full formal attire, perform monologues in
front of the entire (cheering) school and a panel of expert
judges from area universities. After the points are tallied, the
winner is declared and the celebration continues at a school
dance, which concludes the winter term.
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4141
fantastic School SpiritFrom battleball to holiday dinners to our mega-
tradition – Irving-Marshall Week – casual and formal
traditions are part of our amazing energy, creativity,
and personality to which every student adds his or
her own personality and ideas.
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experience
Global Adventure at Home and AbroadWhile boarding schools often have students from different countries,
Mercersburg is one of a handful of schools that creates a real
microcosm of the world – attracting students from over 35 nations on
six continents: North America, South America, Europe, Asia, Australia,
and Africa. U.S. students come to Mercersburg from all over the
country, too – at last count 30 states.
What will this rich international and national diversity mean to you?
Imagine looking at a map of the world and seeing far more than bright-
colored countries and bold city names. Instead, you see places where
your friends live. You recognize streets you’ve walked. You know the
scents of the market district and the politics of this region versus
that. You recognize mountains you’ve trekked and forests you’ve
studied. You see places you’ve heard about from your Mercersburg
friends and teachers – new places you plan to explore.
The world invites you in a way that it never did before because you
are confident that you can navigate it – you’ve done it before.
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45
Over
35nations
represented on our campus
46
Our curriculum expands to include adventure and discovery in spring and summer immersion trips.
Students have traveled to South
Africa to work with a rural school;
to Mexico City for the RoboCup
Junior competition; and to Costa
Rica to study turtles and the
rehabilitation of howler monkeys.
46
Mercersburg students have
attended symposiums on
three continents, dealing with
environmental, educational,
and socioeconomic issues,
joining other young people
from around the world on field
trips, collaborative projects, and
sessions with global experts.
“ germany is not just fast cars, chocolate, and soccer, although i did have a bar of chocolate a day and watched every World Cup soccer game with my host family. i ate amazing food, visited beautiful castles, and lived the life of a german teenager alongside my new gauss gymnasium friends. Living within the exact german culture i had been studying for the past two years was an indescribable experience.”
– aBBY rYLand, Class of 2012
4747
Other students spent a week in Oman,
participating in the annual ABA Symposium –
on peacekeeping, conflict prevention, and
combating terrorism – followed by a guided trip
to Israel and Jerusalem.
German studies students visited Munich for
independent study, and French studies students
went to France for linguistic research that included
interviewing native speakers.
the goal is for
ALLstudents to have one international study
experience
“ i am incredibly happy that i went to india over break ... i left a little piece of my heart in india – in the breathtaking mountains in darjeeling, at the orphanage where we worked, on the vizag balcony looking at the waves, and in Calcutta. i know i will come back someday.”
– anMarGaret Warner, Class of 2010
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athletics
48
How Do You Define the Athlete in You?Already got your eye on the gold? We can help you get there with
all the resources you need, from advanced coaching and training
to premier facilities and equipment.
Are you an athlete through and through, whose favorite time of
day has always been getting on the field, on the court, or in the pool?
You’ll find expert and encouraging coaches, the best facilities, and the
latest teaching techniques to make your game and your experience
better than ever.
Never played but want to try? Great! We encourage students to test the
waters in any sport that appeals to them. Whether you fall in love with
a sport, discover you’re a natural, or find it the most challenging thing
you’ve tried, the experience of being on a Mercersburg team will add
to your education like nothing else.
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26sports,
25 varsity teams, 20 JV, thirds, and
club teams
50
Olympians to ProsMercersburg has produced
54 Olympians, 31 of them from
our swimming program alone
and 18 in track and field.
Premier CoachingOur coaching staff includes an
Olympian, former college athletes
with All-American and All-League
honors, former professional athletes
in basketball and running, and two
coaches with more than 300 career
victories each.
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The Big Leagues22-25 percent of the students in each graduating class are recruited for
collegiate competition; Mercersburg alumni currently compete in the Ivy
League, Pac-12, Patriot League, American East, Big 12, Big East, ECAC,
SCIAA, ODAC, PSAC, and PAC.
51
On to the ProsOur alumni have gone on to play for
the Boston Red Sox, Cincinnati Bengals,
Cleveland Indians, New York Mets,
Los Angeles Lakers, Pittsburgh Steelers,
and San Francisco 49ers. They also own
or manage the Baltimore Ravens and
Indianapolis Colts, and a recent alumna
is an ESPN broadcaster.
newaquatic Center
and Field house planned
52
Literally a Power-house of Facilities
52
14 tournament-quality courts in the state-of-the-art smoyer tennis
Center/Frantz tennis Pavilion
Plans for a new field house will include a full
200-meter indoor track
11 playing fields, including a synthetic-turf field, two baseball
diamonds, and a softball diamond
3premier hardwood basketball courts
10 -court, top-of-the-line davenport squash Center with viewing areas
5353
Fully -equipped Mcdowell Fitness Center with
suspended indoor track and a wide variety of aerobic and strength-training equipment
9lane x 25-yard Flanagan Pool (with plans for a 50-meter aquatic center)
Ski at Whitetail resort, with its 935-foot vertical drop
from 1,800 feet
5K cross country course, which has hosted the annual Pennsylvania
independent schools state meet
18 hole championship golf course at Whitetail resort
Newly renovated nolde Gymnasium
housing the Cyrus Luther Fulton trophy Lobby and team rooms
400 -meter all-weather outdoor Jimmy Curran track; one of
the best in the league, with wide turns and newly renovated rubber surface
54
The MaPL LeagueWe compete in The Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL), which includes prep schools in New Jersey and Pennsylvania that are known for their academic rigor and the high quality of their sports teams.
MaPL SCHOOLS
Blair academy Blairstown, new Jersey
hill school Pottstown, Pennsylvania
hun school Princeton, new Jersey
Lawrenceville school Lawrenceville, new Jersey
Mercersburg academy Mercersburg, Pennsylvania
Peddie school hightstown, new Jersey
We also compete against teams in the Inter-Academic League (Inter-Ac), Independent School League (ISL), and Interstate Athletic Conference (IAC). Opponents include Bullis School, Episcopal High School, Foxcroft School, Georgetown Prep, Landon School, The Madeira School, St. Paul’s School, and Wyoming Seminary (WySem).
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20 Jv, THirdS, and CLuB TEaMS
BOyS’ TEaMSBaseballBasketballCross CountrydivingFootballGolfLacrosseskiing
soccer squashswimmingtennistrack & Field (spring)Winter track Wrestling
girLS’ TEaMSBasketballCross CountrydivingField hockeyGolfLacrosseskiingsoccer
softball squashswimmingtennistrack & Field (spring)Volleyball Winter track
26 SPOrTS
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25 varSiTy TEaMS
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arts
inSidE THE Burgin: 65,000 square feet of performing and visual arts space, including a 600-seat theatre, 120-seat black box theatre, dance and art studios, art galleries, rehearsal rooms, and recording facilities.
Academy or Arts Conservatory? You May Say, “Both”
The Burgin Center for the Arts is where you learn – and
live – the arts. It’s where you can be Hamlet or Pippin. It’s
where you can learn to throw pots or to pirouette. Where you
can play Bach, Basie, Bernstein, or the Beatles. It’s where
you perform in musicals like Grease, Into the Woods, and
Brigadoon, or serious dramas like The Diary of Anne Frank.
It’s where you experience world-class artists live in
performance, such as Oscar-nominated composer
Philip Glass, the incomparable violinist Itzhak Perlman,
or the renowned Paul Taylor Dance Company.
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“ i took a family on a tour today. as soon as we got to the Burgin, the student said, “That’s it. i’m coming here.”
– reed WiddOes, Class of 2015
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it’s not just the Burgin Center – a breathtaking slice of artistic heaven – that will make you wonder if you’re at an arts conservatory, it’s the teaching and opportunities you get here, too. It’s the level of student talent. But here’s what makes it even better than a conservatory – the Burgin is not just for the accomplished artists among us; its doors are open to all and its programs are here for all. In fact, the arts are a key part of everyone’s Mercersburg education and experience – they’re even required for graduation.
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37 arts Courses, no LimitsAs part of a Mercersburg
education, students take
at least two terms of art,
music, or theatre, but many
students make our stages,
rehearsal rooms, art studios,
and scene shops part of each
of their Mercersburg years.
five theatre productions &
eightmusic ensembles
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Batter upStony Batter Players, our more than 100-year-old
theatre company, has produced legendary actors
like Jimmy Stewart (It’s a Wonderful Life, Mr.
Smith Goes to Washington, Rear Window), as
well as next-generation Oscar winner Benicio Del
Toro (Traffic, The Usual Suspects, Savages).
Stony Batter produces two big fall productions,
a major musical, one-acts, Shakespeare scenes,
and a senior production.
Blue review Year after year our Blue Review literary magazine wins
national awards for outstanding writing, editing, design
and layout, artwork, and overall concept. Published
annually, Blue Review combines fiction, creative
nonfiction, and poetry as well as visual art forms.
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artist-in-residence (you)Even accomplished artists could spend four years in the Burgin art studios and
never run out of guidance, equipment, and resources to take their work to the
next level. Mercersburg students regularly win prizes in juried arts competitions.
Many have received Gold or Silver Key Awards in the longest-running and most
prestigious awards program for creative young students in the United States;
that program is located right here in Pennsylvania. Student work is also shown
regularly in the Niche and Cofrin Galleries.
twoacademy award
and 2 Golden Globe winners,
1 emmy award winner
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Classic rock, rhythm & BluesSingers and players have their pick of a range of styles in four vocal
ensembles (The Octet, Magalia, The Chorale, Chapel Choir) and
four instrumental groups (The Concert Band, The Jazz Band, The
Percussion Ensemble, String Ensemble). All ensembles perform in
The Burgin and at important school events such as graduation. The
Octet takes its show on the road to venues such as Disney World
and the Kennedy Center. The Band and Chorale combine music and
community service by performing at local schools and retirement
centers, as well as at cultural icons such as Cathedral Church of
Saint John the Divine.
Café Society?If you wish you could have attended Gertrude Stein’s
salons in Paris or been part of Virginia Woolf ’s
Bloomsbury Set in London, The Fifteen, a prestigious
student-faculty literary group, may be just what you’re
looking for. Each year, the top 15 seniors are selected
to meet with faculty for dessert and discussions of
contemporary and classic literature, writing, and trends.
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dance WowDance here has a way of making total converts out of the most avid skeptics. Students
(often guys, but not always) arrive at school saying loudly “Not me!” whenever dancing is
mentioned. Then they see their first student dance concert and they say, “Hey, I want to do
that!” Whether you’re already a serious dancer and want to work with amazing faculty and
guest artists from New York City, Chicago, and around the world or you are newly inspired by
the athletic physicality and flexibility dance requires, prepare to be wowed by the range and
caliber of the program.
• Dance studios with floor-to-ceiling mirrors, ballet barres, costume rooms, and floors specifically designed for dancers’ shoes
• Two major productions each year
• Dance styles ranging from ballet to flamenco to swing
• Student opportunities to serve as lighting designers, stage managers, sound engineers, and choreographers
• Nationally-recognized guest choreographers, including Cathy Young, now director of the dance division for the Boston Conservatory; duane Lee holland, an actor and dancer who has performed on Broadway; and Lees hummel, who has choreographed for the american Ballet theatre and performed in film and television
• Students participate in regional and national dance competitions
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“ Most dancers who go to professional schools are dying for corrections because it means your teachers are noticing you. Here, everyone is known and you get that same level of teaching as the conservatories. you get corrections and direct contact with fantastic faculty and guest faculty who really know what they are doing.”
– Lane deCOrdOVa, Class of 2012
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Endeavor to Do MOESure, you’ve seen heroes clinging to cliff faces and sleeping in snow
caves in the movies. But this is the stuff of real life when you come
to Mercersburg.
Mercersburg Outdoor Education (MOE) teaches you how to make
good decisions under pressure, appreciate the world around you, and
be self-reliant and resourceful. Guided by faculty and staff who are
outdoor education and leadership experts, beginning and advanced
students can participate in our on-campus Endeavor program and
daylong local events, as well as multiweek global expeditions.
While kayaking through white rapids, biking through deserts, ice-
climbing in historic national parks, and trekking in Peru, you learn
the importance of personal responsibility, leadership, integrity, and
teamwork. Lessons that make you an everyday hero in your own story.
explore
inSidE THE MaSinTEr OuTdOOr EduCaTiOn CEnTEr: a renovated 10,000-square-foot timber-frame barn that is home to a 1,100-square-foot indoor rock-climbing wall, 30 kayaks, 8 canoes, 25 bikes, and 100,000 feet of rope.
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Mercersburg Outdoor education
was founded in
2004and continues
to grow
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From nearby James Buchanan state Park to the Grand tetons and Peru, MOe strives to show students the diversity of the world’s environments. some of our operating areas include:
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Mercersburg Outdoor Education Program: Backpacking, ice Climbing, Mountain Biking, Mountaineering expeditions, rock Climbing, White Water Kayaking, Wilderness Leadership training & First responder Certification, Winter Camping
Hike dolly sods Wilderness area, Monongahela
national Forest, West Virginia
24mountain biking trails designed by the international Moutain
Biking association at raystown Lake
Climb seneca rocks in seneca, West Virginia
41.7mile-long antietam Creek in Pennsylvania and Maryland
37 miles from Mercersburg is Michaux state Forest and climbing
on beautiful schaffer rocks
18.5 acres to explore at James Buchanan state Park
Bike the many trails at Zion national Park, Utah
1085 acres to explore at Cowan’s Gap State Park,
20 minutes from campus
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1 hr south is the shenandoah river in West Virginia
517,000 acres at allegheny
national Forest to hike and kayak
Raft down the Potomac river through Virginia/West
Virginia/Maryland
108 miles to Youghiogheny river, Pennsylvania
Scale some of the best climbing walls in the
Metro dC area including earth treKs, sportrock, and others
Try your hand at ice climbing and winter camping
in the adirondacks
Travel to White Mountain national Forest in
new hampshire to backpack
33mountain peaks at Cordillera Blanca in Peru
See and hike the Grand Canyon national Park in arizona
1978miles from Mercersburg to Grand teton national Park
in Jackson, Wyoming — one of MOe’s most memorable trips
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The Best in the Business(Highly Personalized, Total College Counseling)What you get is a department of experts who are dedicated
full time to exploring alternatives, helping you narrow the
field, targeting your course selections and applications, then
finally working with you to maximize your options – this is
what you pay for and this is what you get.
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“ We are truly a national prep school, and that’s what makes us truly a national college counseling office. We need to have a working knowledge of 400, 500, 600 colleges, because every year we will have kids apply to 300 or 400 different colleges.”
– BiLL MCCLintiCK, director of College Counseling 2008–2009 President, National Association for College Admission Counseling (NACAC); Three years NACAC Vice President for Admission Practices; Five years NACAC Liaison to the NCAA; Regular contributor to New York Times education blog, The Choice
Graduates include
11 Fulbright scholars, 7 rhodes scholars,
1 nobel laureate
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Step By StepOur counselors will assist you in laying out your Mercersburg and summer activities in order to
meet your objectives. They’ll help you find volunteer work, plan college visits, and organize your
applications. College counseling here isn’t merely sage advice, but a highly intentional, multiyear
process of building and shaping a strategic plan around you and your goals.
Counseling begins when you first arrive in the ninth grade, with informal advice and test prep classes.
Pretty soon, you’ll take the real tests, like the PSAT, which can qualify you for a National Merit
Scholarship. Your college counselors will schedule you to meet admission officers from colleges and
universities all over the U.S. who visit Mercersburg every year.
Our goal is that in your senior year you will receive acceptances from at least one, if not several,
of your preferred colleges.
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American University
Amherst College
Arizona State University
Babson College
Barnard College
Bates College
Boston College
Boston University
Bowdoin College
Bucknell University
Carnegie Mellon University
Case Western Reserve University
Catholic University of America
Chapman University
Colgate University
College of Charleston
College of William & Mary
College of Wooster
Colorado School of Mines
Columbia University
Connecticut College
Cornell University
Davidson College
Dickinson College
Duke University
Drexel University
Eckerd College
Elon University
Emory University
Fairfield University
Florida State University
Franklin & Marshall College
Furman University
George Washington University
Georgetown University
Gettysburg College
Harvard University
Indiana University at Bloomington
James Madison University
Johns Hopkins University
Lafayette College
Lehigh University
Lewis & Clark College
Louisiana State University
recent College Matriculations
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Loyola University Chicago
Macalester College
MIT
Marquette University
McGill University
Muhlenberg College
Northeastern University
Northwestern University
Oregon State University
Pitzer College
Purdue University
Saint Joseph’s University
St. Lawrence University
Stanford University
Susquehanna University
Swarthmore College
Syracuse University
Trinity College
Tufts University
United States Military Academy
United States Naval Academy
University of Arizona
University of California at Berkeley
University of Cambridge (England)
University of Chicago
University of Mary Washington
University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill
University of Pennsylvania
University of Pittsburgh
University of Richmond
University of Rochester
University of Southern California
University of Vermont
University of Virginia
Vassar College
Washington University
Wake Forest University
Wellesley College
Williams College
Wesleyan University
Wheaton College (MA)
Yale University
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define yourself. here.
$198 million
endowment
Financially strong:
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1 Baseball Field
2 Buchanan Cabin
3 Burgin Center for the Arts
4 Class of ’38 Observatory
5 Class of ’07 Field
6 Culbertson House
7 Curran Track
8 Davenport Squash Center
9 Flanagan Pool
10 Football Field
11 Ford Hall
12 Fowle Hall
13 Hale Studio Theatre
14 Health Center
15 Irvine Hall
16 Irvine Memorial Chapel
17 Keil Hall
18 Kuhn Wrestling Center
19 Landis House (Advancement and Alumni Relations)
20 Lenfest Hall
21 Main Hall
22 Masinter Outdoor Education Center
23 McFadden Model Railroad Museum
24 Nolde Gymnasium
25 North Cottage
26 Physical Plant
27 Plantz Courts
28 Regent’s Field
29 Rutledge Hall
30 Security Office
31 Smoyer Tennis Center/ Frantz Tennis Pavilion
32 Soccer/Lacrosse Field
33 Softball Field
34 South Cottage
35 Steiger Field
36 Swank Hall
37 Tippetts Hall
38 Traylor Hall (Admission)define yourself. here.
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About Admission, Tuition, and Financial AidOur admission process is highly selective. Each year we receive
600-800 applications for about 150 openings. Demonstration of
academic achievement and promise are our primary prerequisites.
But we are also very interested in your character, curiosity, and drive.
While our tuition is competitive with those of other selective
boarding schools, we do not want cost to be a barrier to qualified
students. Mercersburg offers financial aid in many forms, including
grants, low-interest loans, and merit scholarships, as well as
various payment plans.
Questions? We can help.
Go online: www. mercersburg.edu Email us: [email protected] Call us: 717-328-6173 Write to us: Mercersburg Academy
300 E. Seminary Street Mercersburg, PA 17236
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Copyright © 2012 Mercersburg Academy. All rights reserved. No content from this publication may be reproduced or reprinted in any form without the express written consent of Mercersburg Academy. “define yourself.” and “define yourself. here.” are registered trademarks of Mercersburg Academy.
C Printed on recycled paper.
49%
of students receive need- or merit-
based aid
define yourself. here.
viSiT uS
it’s Easy to get Here • We are an easy 90-minute-drive from
Washington, d.C., Baltimore, northern Virginia, or Montgomery County, Maryland
• 3 Hours from Philadelphia or Pittsburgh
• 4 Hours from New York City
Mercersburg academy abides by both the spirit and the letter of the law in all its employment and admission policies. The school does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, or national or ethnic origin.
300 East Seminary Street, Mercersburg, PA 17236
800-588-2550 www.mercersburg.edu
define yourself. here.
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