Mercersburg Academy

The curriculum is rich (about 150 courses), with diverse sports and arts programs, as well as unique offerings like global travel and outdoor education, emphasizing character and community spirit.
Located in a small town in southern Pennsylvania, the pace of life is slower, the community atmosphere is close-knit, and the support from the community is very strong. Most families report that Mercersburg cultivates independence and comprehensive abilities, allowing students to balance academic and personal development.

Mercersburg Academy was founded in 1893 and is located in Mercersburg, a famous historic town in southern Pennsylvania, covering an area of 300 acres. The school offers free Test Prep tutoring courses specifically for students preparing for standardized tests; students can attend by simply registering and making an appointment.
The school offers over 170 traditional courses and two types of capstone projects, as well as 26 sports activities such as track and field, tennis, basketball, and rock climbing. Students can also participate in extracurricular activities like ceramics, drama, ballet, and music. A capstone project is a comprehensive course offered by American universities for senior-level students. Students complete application-oriented internships, primarily to enable them to apply previously learned knowledge and skills to solve real-world problems. It's somewhat similar to a university's graduation project, with high demands on students in various aspects.
The school's capstone projects are divided into two types: MAPS and Springboard. MAPS is a two-year course that students need to apply for. The course starts in 11th grade, and at its conclusion, students are required to submit a 35-page thesis and deliver a 45-minute presentation, where professional professors will ask questions, evaluate, and grade them. Springboard is similar to MAPS but slightly less difficult. It requires students to deeply research a topic, conduct investigations, and engage in critical thinking, which can be done through volunteer activities or alumni interviews, followed by a presentation display, with experts providing evaluation. Students must complete one of these two courses to graduate successfully.

Principal Zhan's Review: Mercersburg is a school that genuinely cares for its students, and the school administrators pay particular attention to student engagement. The selection of academics, sports, arts, and various programs and activities is incredibly rich, focusing on students' balanced development.
It is very suitable for students who excel academically but have not yet decided on their future direction, allowing them to find more friends and explore various possibilities in a warm and friendly environment.
In terms of cultural heritage, the 300-acre (1821 mu) campus is exceptionally beautiful. The British-style chapel is ancient and rich in cultural atmosphere, intertwining with modern classrooms to create a peculiar harmony.
Regarding academic cultivation, the school offers a total of 170 courses, fully ensuring that students can experience subjects they are interested in. Humanities courses primarily utilize the roundtable teaching method, where communication and discussion allow children to both learn knowledge and speak freely, fostering initiative, self-awareness, and critical thinking.
In terms of community building, 85% of students live on campus, and children get to know, look after, and care for each other. The school establishes positions for students on campus such as exam proctors, ushers, club representatives, and academic center ambassadors, to promote community integration and develop their leadership skills.
For emotional support, the school's Rutherford Health and Wellness Center not only provides 24/7 physical care for students but also offers short-term licensed mental health counseling services for students seeking growth and development assistance.

Mercersburg Academy also has strong sports programs. Each year, approximately 75% of Mercersburg students participate in at least one of the 27 sports offered, with over 45 teams including varsity, junior varsity, and third teams. Participation in these sports fulfills the school's physical education and co-curricular activity requirements. Art is a rich component of Mercersburg's history. Students continue the alumni tradition by participating in various performances and exhibitions. From choral and instrumental ensembles to dance, theater, and gallery exhibitions, the works of student artists have always been highlights on the school calendar.

Mercersburg's alumni network is very strong, sending most of its students to Princeton University each year. Among Mercersburg graduates are 9 Olympic gold medalists; 7 Rhodes Scholars; 4 Congressional Medal of Honor recipients; and 1 Nobel laureate (Burton Richter received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1976). Former New Jersey Congressman Stewart H. Appleby; former Maryland Governor Harry Hughes; former Pennsylvania Governor and U.S. Attorney General Dick Thornburgh; former U.S. Ambassador to Romania and former CEO of Advance Auto Parts (a major American auto parts retailer) Nicholas Taubman, among others, are all outstanding Mercersburg graduates.

Mercersburg Academy's curriculum includes 145 courses across eight departments. Students can also pursue their interests through personalized projects. Grades 9 and 10 focus on skill development to ensure students build a strong foundation in all subjects, preparing them for more independent and in-depth learning in Grades 11 and 12. The school limits the amount of homework for 9th and 10th graders each night, as research indicates that more homework does not improve student academic performance. In Grades 11 and 12, students engage in more independent, in-depth, project-based experiential learning. By the end of Grade 11, most graduation requirements are met, allowing students in their senior years to explore their interests and passions; all students must successfully complete one of Mercersburg Academy's two capstone projects for upperclassmen: MAPS or Springboard.
Mercersburg's Advanced Program for Global Studies (MAPS) is a two-year capstone program beginning in Grade 11, offering ambitious students an opportunity to apply the skills of research scholars, innovative theorists, and informed problem-solvers. This program expands upon and extends beyond the existing curriculum, designed to encourage and unleash students' potential: to enable them to become creative and discerning thinkers, and independent and self-directed learners.

Mercersburg Academy Data: Student enrollment 446, student-faculty ratio 1:4, international students 22%, boarding rate 84%, total courses offered 160, average class size 12. Mercersburg Academy, founded in 1893, is a renowned, historic, elite boarding school. The school provides a global learning environment for students from diverse backgrounds, preparing them for continued higher education and a longer life. The school offers high-quality, vibrant courses and activities, where students learn to coexist harmoniously and support each other. Teachers are highly professional, cultivating in students the qualities of diligence, as well as the importance of character and social responsibility. They teach students not only to think for themselves but to approach life thoughtfully and creatively, to develop sound physical abilities, to possess noble morals, to respect the human spirit, and to learn to consider others.

Regarding dance at Mercersburg, the school provides various conditions for students to ensure they have the best dance experience, allowing our student dancers to improve regardless of their prior training and background.
At Mercersburg, there are two ways to participate in dance. Firstly, students can take a semester-long dance course offered by the school to fulfill their arts graduation requirement. Students can choose from Dance Introduction and three levels of Dance Composition courses, as well as classes such as Ballet, Pointe, Jazz, Modern, and Hip-Hop. Secondly, students can participate in dance as their PGA Performance Group Activity (conducted during extracurricular time) during the fall, winter, or spring semester. This PGA requires a pre-season audition, and students will be divided into two or three different levels.

Current students at Mercersburg shared insights into the school's academic workload. When new students enroll, the workload is not heavy. However, as they progress to higher grades, the academic workload gradually increases. But there's no need to worry; the school will help you complete your assignments. For instance, when new students first arrive, during their first semester, there will be teachers specifically supervising students with their homework, guiding them to complete assignments together. The learning atmosphere is also excellent, and students can ask their classmates and teachers there for help with any questions.

Mercersburg is very strong in history and science. In addition to required courses, the school also offers a large number of elective courses, many of which are chosen based on expertise in their respective fields. For example, the school's biology teacher is also a muskrat expert in the Cumberland Valley. While the school's academic environment is competitive, students do not feel overwhelmed by pressure. This is because teachers prioritize discussions in class, and test scores and class rankings are not their primary focus. Any so-called competition in the classroom is also designed to increase engagement and educational value.

The school's cross country program has a long history, with the first cross country team starting in 1907, and the women's team beginning in 1981. Among the school's 54 Olympic athletes, 17 are runners. The school's runners compete against athletes from various universities such as Bucknell, Emory, and Penn. Track and Field boasts 21 Olympians who have won 9 medals (including 7 gold medals), featuring legends like Ted Meredith (1912), Bill Carr (1929), and Charles Moore (1947). 16 members have been inducted into the Olympic, U.S., and Pennsylvania Track and Field Halls of Fame. Achievements in the Penn Relays include: 11 All-America titles, 7 records, and 3 teams inducted into the Wall of Fame.

Mercersburg Academy is located in Mercersburg, a town in southern Pennsylvania, about a 2-hour drive from Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The campus boasts a beautiful environment and comprehensive facilities. Direct flights are available from home countries. The school offers grades 9-12 courses and currently has 445 students, with 22% being international students from 36 different countries. Over 75% of teachers hold advanced degrees. Most faculty and staff reside on campus, with a few living nearby. All faculty and staff have designated boarding life responsibilities. With a student-teacher ratio of 1:4, the level of attention given to students is exceptionally high.

Mercersburg's signature academic program, Springboard, unfolds as an advanced seminar. It encourages students to undertake field trips, engage with guest speakers, and participate in a wide range of activities. The program aims to cultivate students' critical thinking skills and their ability to solve problems when faced with challenges. The process involves students first identifying a topic of interest, then developing a feasible research project, solving problems with the help of teachers, and finally presenting their research findings in a seminar format. Past project topics have included applied economics, commercial graphic design, disease prevention, psychology, novel writing, and more.

4. Graduates of Mercersburg Academy almost all gain admission to top universities nationwide, and many alumni go on to become advanced scholars, participate in the Olympic Games, win Nobel Prizes, and more.

5. Advanced Program for Global Studies (MAPS)

Mercersburg's Advanced Program for Global Studies (MAPS) is a two-year program that begins in 11th grade. Students take the "Thought, Knowledge, and Belief" course, which considers the role of morality, intuition, reason, philosophy, religion, and ethics in human affairs, as well as political theory and current events. In 12th grade, they work on advanced thesis writing with the help of one or more professional advisors outside of school.

6. Springboard Program

From commercial art to storytelling through podcasts, the content of each Springboard project varies, but the goal of every Springboard is the same: to delve deeply into a topic, engaging students through field trips and guest lectures, as well as a wide range of activities and skills. Based on challenge-based learning principles, the curriculum encourages students to think critically and identify problems that need to be solved.

Mercersburg Academy is located in Mercersburg, a famous historic town in southern Pennsylvania. Spanning 300 acres, it has been recognized as one of the most beautiful boarding schools in the United States. Due to its proximity to mountainous areas, Mercersburg Academy leverages its geographical advantage to offer numerous outdoor activities. Combined with its spacious campus, students at Mercersburg Academy enjoy more activity space than students at other independent schools in the US.

School Features:

1. The school boasts rigorous teaching, with a curriculum that emphasizes critical thinking and inspiring creativity. This approach aims to enhance students' reading, writing, and public speaking skills, strengthen their analytical and observational abilities, and develop their time management and other crucial skills.

2. Mercersburg Academy boasts comprehensive facilities, strong academic challenges, and a wide array of course options. Its traditional architecture, blended with modern buildings, proudly showcases its long and distinguished history. The school has an excellent faculty and a record of outstanding educational achievements.

3. The school's teachers are highly dedicated and responsible, focusing on the growth of each student. Beyond the classroom, students immerse themselves in a rich array of extracurricular activities such as drama, art, and sports. Students also build deep friendships with one another. Interactions among international students broaden students' knowledge and expand their horizons.

Mercersburg's motto encourages students to actively face challenges, step out of their comfort zones, and emphasizes close connections among teachers and students, classmates, and alumni. The school offers over 170 courses and two senior capstone projects. The school advocates for students to develop their own challenge-based learning approach, valuing collaboration, inquiry, problem-solving, and sharing outcomes. The school's academic setting is inherently challenging, thus pushing students out of their comfort zones. Mercersburg has 45 student clubs, and in addition to 27 on-campus sports, there are also outdoor sports programs such as skiing, mountain biking, kayaking, etc.

Located in Mercersburg, a town in southern Pennsylvania, the school boasts strong academics with history and science as its key strengths. The most prominent feature of the school is the MAPS program: a two-year program where 11th-grade students enter through selection, and 12th-grade students primarily focus on research and thesis writing. This program enables students to become creative and insightful thinkers, independent learners, and compassionate and engaged global citizens. The school's performing arts are outstanding, and its sports are very strong, especially swimming, having produced Olympic champions. The school emphasizes humanistic values, and teachers have deep affection for the institution. Mercersburg particularly favors children who have good oral communication skills and can think on their feet; their interviews are quite distinctive. Additionally, they tend to prefer students from solid family backgrounds. In 2020, one student simultaneously received admission offers from universities such as the University of Pennsylvania, Duke University, and Vanderbilt University.

### Overall Situation:
- In the 2020-21 academic year, major adjustments were made, renaming all AP courses to Advanced Studies. The content and difficulty are not significantly different from AP, but the school's intention in renaming them is to encourage students to focus more on the course content itself, rather than excessively on the AP exams. However, the school does not oppose students taking AP exams.
- The school's signature programs and courses are very prominent; it is recommended that students prepare in advance.

### Academic Strengths/Features:
- MAPS Program: A two-year program where students enter through selection from 11th grade, complete course requirements, and primarily conduct research and write theses in 12th grade.
- Springboard Interdisciplinary Courses: Designed for 11th and 12th-grade students, offering a wide variety of interdisciplinary courses such as graphic design, positive psychology, and even the opportunity to write their own novels. The aim is to broaden students' horizons and expose them to different topics and content.

### Shangxue Mingde Student Feedback:
- Strong in both humanities and sciences, with humanities being more prominent.
- The MAPS program relatively prefers students with outstanding history grades and strong writing skills.

Mercersburg's Advanced Program Global Studies (MAPS) is a two-year program beginning in 11th grade and starts with a competitive application process. The program aims to encourage and inspire students to redefine their potential and performance academically and personally. The MAPS program empowers students to become creative and discerning thinkers, independent learners, and compassionate and engaged global citizens. Students complete the SEARCH project (Study, Engage, Apply, Research, Create, Help), which includes an analytical research paper, a 'call to action' community engagement proposal, and a 45-minute SEARCH project panel discussion, laying the groundwork for future professionals, educators, and experts.

Mercersburg Academy is located in the town of Mercersburg in southern Pennsylvania, a somewhat remote geographical location. The school spans approximately 300 acres, boasting a beautiful environment and comprehensive facilities. Academically, the school is very strong, offering about 40 AP courses. Beyond its robust overall facilities, what is even more appealing is the school's humanistic spirit; teachers have a deep affection for the school, and most faculty members have been there for over 10 years.

1. Strong Arts Programs: Performing arts are also very strong, with annual theater productions and concerts held at the school's arts center.

2. Strong Sports Programs: Especially swimming, having produced Olympic champions.

3. The School's Humanistic Spirit: Students' concentration during study, their active participation in discussions, the passion and vibrancy visible everywhere on campus, and the deep affection teachers have for the school.

4. Academics: History and Science are its strong subjects, and Biology has a strong faculty.

5. MAPS (Overseas Study Program) is a distinctive feature of the school. This is a two-year advanced program starting from 11th grade. After completing 150 hours of community service and advanced courses, students who apply must complete a round of learning following a challenge-based learning method, which involves a research project encompassing participation, application, research, creation, and assistance.

Mercersburg (Mo Bao) is approximately a 2-hour drive from Washington D.C. and Baltimore. The campus environment is beautiful, and facilities are comprehensive. Among the top 30 high schools in the US, it maintains an upper-middle level in various aspects such as arts, sports, outdoor education, and academics. The school offers 170 courses, covering a wide range from foundational to advanced levels. In sports, swimming and diving are particular strengths, and a new aquatic center, the Lloyd Aquatic Center, was opened in the fall of 2019.

Mercersburg has two signature programs:
MAPS (Mercersburg Advanced Program for Global Studies) - A two-year program starting from 11th grade, requiring prior application. Students need to complete a SEARCH project, which includes an analytical research paper, a "Call to Action" community engagement proposal, and a 45-minute presentation of their project to peers, professionals, educators, and an expert panel.

Springboard - A program for 12th graders. Although each Springboard project differs in theme (from commercial art to storytelling through podcasts), the goal of each project is the same: to delve deeply into a topic, ask questions and generate knowledge, and create a polished presentation evaluated by an expert panel.

Mercersburg is particularly suitable for students who enjoy trying new activities and challenging themselves.

A particularly elegant school. If not for its geographical location, it might be more desirable than some top 10 schools.

My attention to Mo Bao began in 2013 when my son attended its summer school. The school boasts unparalleled hardware facilities, including a super stylish art center, a sports center, and even a chapel. At the same time, the school's humanistic care is even more appealing. After a student was admitted, they received postcards written by both the admissions office and 8 different students, and the admissions officer even called specifically to congratulate them.

Mo Bao emphasizes "Friendly rigorous" academics, meaning that while academics are challenging, they won't be so difficult as to intimidate you. The school places great importance on community building. It has very proud sports programs, especially swimming, which has produced Olympic champions.

An interview with graduates of this school on the Little Bird Barn official website. After listening, you will surely feel that Mo Bao is the warmest school.

Classrooms at Mercersburg are discussion-based and known for their Harkness round table teaching method. Class sizes are small, typically 5-15 students. As a result, students receive a lot of attention from teachers and can express their opinions freely in class at any time.
Teachers at the school are always available to help students; some even live in the dorms, so students can visit them in the dorms or in their apartments for assistance. Teachers don't just educate students as part of their duty; they genuinely care about their students' progress.

Magic Castle (Mo Bao) is located in Pennsylvania, about a one-and-a-half-hour drive from DC. The campus is not only picturesque with classical architecture but also boasts a full range of modern teaching facilities, like a hidden utopia in the bustling city.

The school's academics are very strong, offering approximately 40 AP courses. However, the school plans to discontinue AP courses in favor of more challenging curricula, providing students of varying levels greater academic exploration opportunities. It also adopts small class sizes and the Harkness round-table classroom model, allowing students to receive more attention and actively participate in class discussions, thereby fostering critical thinking skills. Sports are also very strong, with 10 squash courts, an indoor tennis court, a basketball court, rock climbing facilities, a sports rehabilitation classroom, and other well-equipped amenities. In terms of arts, the school's brand-new art center is filled with various student artworks, offering a powerful visual impact. Furthermore, performing arts are also very robust, with annual theatrical productions, concerts, and other performances held in the school's art center.

What impressed me most about the school, besides its robust comprehensive facilities, was more so its humanistic spirit: the children's focus during study, their active participation in discussions, the enthusiasm and vibrancy visible everywhere on campus. The teachers all have deep affection for the school, with over 10 years of service. Host teacher Susan's family has two generations who graduated from Magic Castle. The school not only educates but also practices holistic education. Every child from Magic Castle, like the school itself, is steady yet modern, emerging as a little gentleman or lady from the castle.

Went to the school twice, it was very good!

Mercersburg was founded in 1893, located in a famous historic town in southern Pennsylvania. It's only 1.5 hours from the school to Washington D.C., and approximately 1.5 hours' drive from Washington D.C. International Airport. Mercersburg is a vibrant and passionate boarding school with strong financial resources and excellent facilities, aiming to educate young men and women from diverse backgrounds and prepare them for college and life in a globalized community. The school has an enrollment of 430 students, with a boarding rate of 85%. Challenging academic programs, competitive group activities, and arts programs enable students to compete in a friendly environment while promoting their self-development. Academically, history and science are strong subjects, and the biology department boasts strong faculty. The school offers 170 courses, including over 40 honors and AP courses. Mercersburg offers 26 sports and is a member of the Mid-Atlantic Prep League (MAPL), the Independent School League, and the Pennsylvania Independent Schools Athletic Association. The MAPS (Study Abroad Program) is a signature program. This two-year advanced program starts in 11th grade. Students who complete 150 hours of community service and advanced coursework can apply. Upon acceptance, they must complete a round of study using a challenge-based learning approach, which involves research topics following the "participate—apply—research—create—help" methodology.

Mercersburg offers a rich array of AP courses, approximately 40, but not all advanced elective courses are AP. The Mathematics department is a prime example; the school provides courses that exceed the difficulty level of BC Calculus AP, including linear algebra and multivariable calculus. In some cases, the school even designs customized courses for students who complete both of these subjects simultaneously. Mercersburg students are academically strong in all areas. The school's college counseling and matriculation rates are quite good, and its arts center is also very strong. To stand out among numerous applicants, interview performance is truly crucial. The teachers here are very enthusiastic and provide various supportive assistance in caring for students, making high school life at Mercersburg very comfortable and comprehensive for students.