Overview
Mercy High School Burlingame is a distinguished private, all-girls Catholic high school, part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of San Francisco, and managed by the Sisters of Mercy. Founded in 1931, the school is situated at 2750 Adeline Drive, Burlingame, CA 94010, serving grades 9 through 12. It is committed to academic excellence, faith formation, and the leadership development of young women, captured in its motto: Be known, be challenged, be transformed. The institution ranks within the top 20% of private schools in California, underscoring its regional academic prestige.
Academic and Extracurricular Profile
Mercy High School offers a rigorous academic curriculum with an average class size of 18 students and a student-to-teacher ratio of 13:1. The school provides 42 AP/Honors courses alongside 22 creative courses. A notable feature is the high level of student engagement, with 90% participation in extracurricular activities and over 400 leadership opportunities. Academic honors are emphasized through associations such as the National Honor Society and the California Scholarship Federation. The athletic program is noteworthy, with successful teams including the Varsity Golf team's participation in the CCS Championship tournament.
Campus Life and Facilities
Spanning a 40-acre campus, Mercy High School includes the historic Kohl Mansion, which houses various facilities such as a convent, preschool, retirement center for nuns, and a retreat center. The school is accessible by car, train, and bus, catering to a diverse student body from 13 different Bay Area cities.
Financial and Social Impact
The institution is committed to supporting its students financially, offering $12,500,000 in college scholarships to the Class of 2022. Mercy High School also impacts its community positively, contributing approximately 18,000 service hours annually.
Leadership and Faculty
Under the leadership of Natalie Cirigliano Brosnan (Class of 2002), who has been the Head of School since July 1, 2019, the faculty comprises dedicated educators committed to nurturing confident and capable leaders. The school offers a comprehensive faculty and staff directory covering various departments, including Academic Mentoring, Administrative Staff, and Athletics.
Notable Alumni
Mercy High School's prestigious alumnae include Jackie Speier, a former California State Senator, and actress Suzanne Somers. These successes exemplify the institution's capacity to provide transformative education that fosters personal and professional growth.
Institutional Affiliations
Accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges and a member of the Mercy Education System of the Americas, Mercy High School supports global educational initiatives and fosters connections with Mercy schools worldwide.
Competitor Landscape
Mercy High School faces competition from other private and Catholic schools within the region. Notable competitors include Crystal Springs Uplands School in Hillsborough with a student-teacher ratio of 9:1, known for its rigorous academic standards. The Nueva School offers a progressive educational approach focusing on interdisciplinary and experiential learning. Other local Catholic education providers include Our Lady of Angels School in Burlingame, focusing on K-8 education with community values, and Lydian Academy, offering a distinctive one-on-one learning model.
Community and Reputation
Well-regarded in the community, Mercy High School Burlingame balances its Catholic heritage with modern educational practices, emphasizing academic excellence alongside values of respect, responsibility, and innovation. The school promotes a supportive environment fostering both academic success and social development. While maintaining positive ratings in the community, areas such as teacher turnover and student conduct offer potential improvement opportunities.
Mercy High School Burlingame remains a leader in all-girls Catholic education, characterized by its rigorous academics, commitment to faith, and community service, making it a compelling choice for families seeking an inclusive faith-driven educational experience.
