OUR PROJECT
We work with our students comprehensively throughout the learning process. We blend public speaking, multi-discipline projects, presentations and recitals, field trips, experiments and hands-on learning in our curriculum delivery. In high school, they often complete their core curriculum at the Mercer School and their sports and electives in the public schools. Our students become sol
id, well-rounded people, no matter their personal background. Our average student: teacher ratio is 6:1. Because we are a small school, our students learn to support and care for one another. They play together. They exchange Valentines and Winter Holiday wishes. They care about each other. They learn confidence in themselves. They compete, perform, present, experiment, and play… all in the safety of a non-threatening environment. They learn the concept of success because they are enabled to be successful. It is no wonder 100% of our graduates go to college. There are even those who return to give back in time or money to the place that enabled and elevated them. Our teachers are professionals who thrive in the small classroom and small school environment where they can see both the short-term and the longer-term benefits of their teaching efforts. Although they may pass off their students to the next grade and teacher, they continue to interact with and guide their former students. Our tutors are also dedicated professionals who are experienced educators. No child falls behind. A tutor steps in to assist a lagging student, one-on-one, and works with the student until he or she masters the subject. Our curriculum is primarily centralized around the A Beka curriculum. Though A Beka is based on Christian principles, we do not emphasize Christian beliefs. Rather, we encourage all students to practice their own religion or belief of choice. DR. MERCER
34 years ago, Dr. Ann Mercer personally saw the need for an alternative to the public school system for her children. In 1989, she and her assistant, Luz Talamantes, established the Mercer School for her own children and those of her staff. The children succeeded. Based on that success and the realization that not all children have the same opportunities for success, the Mercer School opened its doors to the community, Dr. Mercer believes that every child can succeed. She is passionate about that. So the only requirement for admission is that the child wants to be there. The school is small, averaging about 24-28 students in grades K-9. The students come from all backgrounds and socio-economic groups. They mostly share one thing: the public school system has not served them well. Some are “gifted” with a lopsided academic development; some have discipline issues; some have maturity issues; some have learning delays; some just need that bit of extra attention that comes with a small classroom — and they succeed at Mercer School. Some get over their “hump” and return to the public school system and some stay through the end of middle school. Classrooms range from a few students in the same grade to multi-grade country school type classrooms. The older children help the younger ones. It is a supportive environment. Children learn the concept of being connected within a community. When we had high school students, some of our juniors and seniors tested at the college level, according to past Iowa Test scores. Graduates of Mercer school go on to college – 100% have pursued a college degree, primarily in the sciences. Some of our graduates return with their time or money to help the school. Our mission is a lifelong success through quality education and a loving, nurturing environment. For further information on enrollment, please contact the school by using our Contact Page.
