Mercyhurst Preparatory School

1 out 10. You will definitely be frustrated as a parent if you are looking for a top educational experience.

Both of our children attended MPS, one boy and one girl, four years apart. Each went into the school with different work ethic and intelligence, but the school did a tremendous job appropriately challenging and mentoring each as individuals. In the end, both received excellent college scholarships, one child received a full ride, and both are excelling on the college level. Both credit MPS for the advanced ability in public speaking, compared to their peers. Theatre program is second to none, and unlike other local Prep schools, most walk-on athletes actually have the ability to play. Plus, it's not all about the athletes, unlike several other local high schools. Student acceptance of each other is quite impressive, but not perfect. Few school's are, and if you say your school is completely accepting, you'd be lying. However, MPS seniors take a serious mentoring role with the incoming freshman students to maintain this positive mentality. Guidance counseling could be better, especially with college prep during the Junior/senior years. Not cheap, but has been more than rewarding for my children. Agree with other comments that it is not as strong in the Catholic Faith as Prep/Villa, but it's there if you seek it out. The priests at MPS have been outstanding support for my children. We adore Fr. Steve.

I did the IB diploma program and found myself with a year's worth of credits for college, not to mention the fact that I'm very prepared for all of my courses. Also, the teachers were amazing. There's a reason why MPS test scores are top notch (I got a 32 ACT and wasn't even top in my 130 person class) and IB scores are as well. On a global scale, MPS places very highly. They also really did care. I met with teachers in the morning and after school to talk about coursework or anything really. On teacher came in early and brought dougnuts to review for the IB exam. Anyone who says that the teachers don't care is probably just upset because their grades aren't what they want them to be. MPS can be a challenge academically. The rowing program wasn't very good, but I'm a national champion and record holder now in college, so if you love the sport (which many do, regardless of the coaching), you can still do well later on. I would absolutely send my kids to MPS and wouldn't go anywhere else.

This is a great school!! Not only for its academics but for nurturing the student as a whole person with values. Their IB program is outstanding, students not only learn the subject matter more indepth but also with a global perspective.

i am about to enter my sophomore year at mps and i absolutly love it here! i couldn't have asked for a better freshman year. the teachers really want to see you do good. and i expected to get made fun of for being a freshman and i was just really scared to start. however i really got that sense of family that was talked about when i went to the open house and when i shadowed. i also made sure to get involved which ment that for me...join the crew team. crew is now one of my new hobbies and obsessions aside from dance. i love mps with all my heart and am looking forward to 3 more what i know will be terrific years there!