Students from preschool to grade 8 experience the joy of learning at Waldron Mercy Academy, a diverse, co-ed Catholic school sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy.
Our integrated service learning curriculum creates well-rounded, independent learners who are ready to make a difference in their community in high school and beyond. We are proud to be a three-time National Blue Ribbon Award recipient, including one in 2020.
Located on the Main Line just over the border of Philadelphia, we are an easy commute for parents who live or work in the city.
We are more than just a school -- we are a family!.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked PA School
- Grades: Nursery/Preschool-8
- Enrollment: 410 students
- Yearly Tuition: $1,605
- Acceptance rate: 85%
- Average class size: 16 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Waldron Mercy Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Affordability
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School History
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Nursery/Preschool-8
Year Founded
1923
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2001, 2009, 2020
Student Body
Total Students
410 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
17%
State avg.: 27%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
30 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
14:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
60%
Average Class Size
16 students
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
IXL Advanced Learning
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
Uniform information can be found on the WMA Web site.
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
$18,575 – grades 1 to 8
$18,425 – full day Montessori and traditional preschool, pre-k, and kindergarten
Acceptance Rate
85%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Suzanne Gallagher
Admissions Associate
Ashley Robinson
Sports
Total Sports Offered
11 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
16 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Big and Little Buddies
Club or Organization:
Fall/Winter/Spring Clubs, Forensics, Math League, Model U.N., Reading Olympics, Science Olympiad, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Liturgical Music Group, Orchestra, Rock Band, Theater, Visual Arts, Vocal Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramurals, Three-Season Athletic Program
Club or Organization:
Fall/Winter/Spring Clubs, Forensics, Math League, Model U.N., Reading Olympics, Science Olympiad, Yearbook
Arts and Music Programs:
Liturgical Music Group, Orchestra, Rock Band, Theater, Visual Arts, Vocal Arts
Recreational Athletic Programs:
Intramurals, Three-Season Athletic Program
School Notes
- Full-day early childhood class for three-year-olds, pre-kindergarten, kindergarten and grades one through eight, full-day Montessori for students, three to six years
- Child care available for children from three months to three years
- Average class size: 16
- Student/Staff ratio: 8:1
- Advanced degrees: 60% percent of faculty
- Setting: 35-acre suburban campus, just outside Philadelphia
- Accreditation: Middle States Association
- Honors: Recognized as a Blue Ribbon School of Excellence in 2001, 2009, and 2020 by the U.S. Department of Education; Middle States Association Program of Distinction in Service Learning
- Co-curriculars: Test-taking, student and research skills
- Extracurriculars: Vocal and performing arts, three-season athletic program, forensics, study skills, after school clubs and activities
- Founded in 1923; co-educational, since 1987
- Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Rob McElhenney '91 - Rob McElhenney, is best known as the lead actor, creator, developer, and executive producer of the show, “It’s Always Sunny in Philadelphia." After graduating from Waldron Mercy, McElhenney attended St. Joseph’s Preparatory School.
- M. Night Shyamalan '84 - M. Night Shyamalan's work as a filmmaker and screenwriter is world-renowned for such films as “Signs,” “The Happening,” “Unbreakable” and the Academy Award-nominated “The Sixth Sense.” After graduating from WMA, he attended The Episcopal Academy and New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. His first movie, Wide Awake, was partially filmed on campus!
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Waldron Mercy Academy cost?
Waldron Mercy Academy's tuition is approximately $1,605 for private students.
What is the acceptance rate of Waldron Mercy Academy?
The acceptance rate of Waldron Mercy Academy is 85%, which is lower than the national average of 87%.
Who are famous alumni from Waldron Mercy Academy?
Waldron Mercy Academy famous alumni include: Rob McElhenney '91 and M. Night Shyamalan '84.
What sports does Waldron Mercy Academy offer?
Waldron Mercy Academy offers 11 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cross Country, Field Hockey, Flag Football, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Track and Field and Volleyball. Waldron Mercy Academy is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for most sports offered.
What is Waldron Mercy Academy's ranking?
Waldron Mercy Academy ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Pennsylvania for: Least expensive tuition, Largest student body, Most sports offered, Most extracurriculars offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Waldron Mercy Academy?
The application deadline for Waldron Mercy Academy is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
School Calendar
View the Waldron Mercy Academy yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Last Day for Montessori 3 & 4 year olds
June 02, 2025 (Monday)
Last Day of School/Grades
June 04, 2025 (Wednesday)
School Reviews
5 9/21/2020
Waldron Mercy Academy has a strong academics based program that has helped our children develop socially, emotionally, and academically. We have three children, all with very different personalities, currently enrolled and all of them are thriving. The teachers are supportive and foster a lifelong love of learning. One of the things we love most about WMA is their commitment to service learning. The students have so many opportunities to participate in hands-on outreach programs that touch the lives of those in need. There is also a strong sense of community and many opportunities for involvement. Our children have loved the variety of sports, clubs, and extracurriculars that Waldron offers. We are so happy to have joined Waldron Mercy Academy and know our children are getting a wonderful education while creating lasting relationships with classmates, teachers, and staff.
Endorse Waldron Mercy Academy. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Expelled for Smoking Pot: What Parents Need to Know
We explore the consequences of marijuana use in private schools, discussing expulsion policies, legal implications, and impacts on college admissions. This Q&A format article provides insights for parents navigating disciplinary actions and offers advice on prevention and support for students.
U.S. Private Schools: A Guide for International Students
Dive into the nitty-gritty of attending U.S. private schools as an international student. From tackling the admissions maze to conquering the TOEFL, this guide's got you covered. We'll walk you through visa hurdles, financial realities, and even virtual campus tours. Buckle up for an insider's look at making your American education dreams a reality!
Early Childhood Education: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.