A Message From Douglas Hale, Head of School

We all know Socrates' declaration, “The unexamined life is not worth living.” We share the Socratic imperative that asking complex, thoughtful questions about the nature and purpose of our school is more than desirable; it is essential. We have recently engaged in self-examination through our Accreditation for Growth work and through the development of the new strategic plan,  which will guide our attitudes and actions over the coming years.

We know that the Mercersburg experience is seminal in the coming of age and intellectual growth of our students—and of alumni. Now, our collective guidance and boldness of vision can likewise be seminal for Mercersburg, assuring its place as one of the country's  most successful and vital boarding schools. 

Mercersburg's egalitarian and democratic spirit have shaped the values and talents of five generations of alumni. Students arrive at Mercersburg from different geographical and cultural landscapes; they depart with an appreciation of one another and how they are remarkable individuals while being a part of this remarkable community. Individuals are defined by their time here. 

We count among Mercersburg alumni seven Rhodes scholars, four recipients of the Congressional Medal of Honor, 48 Olympians (including nine gold medalists), a Nobel laureate, and two Academy Award winners.  We can also count among our alumni many more business and civic leaders, artists, innovators, scholars, philanthropists, military officers, professionals, and accomplished individuals in every meaningful pursuit.     

The reality and reputation of Mercersburg are not defined by the school’s handsome buildings or traditions or stunning mountain views. Students, faculty, alumni, and friends animate and distinguish this school.  We are Mercersburg. We are the sum total of Mercersburg’s meaning, and we will define its meaning for those who join our community in generations to come.

The generations that preceded us articulated the qualities that shaped them and that Mercersburg must sustain. In charting Mercersburg’s future course, our community built the school’s new strategic plan on the foundation of these attributes: a democratic spirit; academic and residential school quality; a powerful sense of community; an excellent, beautiful campus; and a commitment to continual self-examination.

The "Strategic Plan for Mercersburg”  grew from consistent and rigorous self-examination of the actions and resources that will be required for Mercersburg to sustain and enhance these core strengths. The nature of our challenge is changing. Successful preparation for college and life beyond requires competence in an ever-expanding range of disciplines, skills, and technologies. And, thoughtfully, we build these abilities upon an enduring belief that an interdisciplinary, liberal-arts education is indispensable in training students to become thinkers and innovators. We are continually creating for students opportunities to shape themselves and their world—to break away from a confined set of expectations and discover how best to lead themselves and others in ways that benefit us all.

By many measures, Mercersburg is offering the best, most comprehensive education in its history. About 70 percent of our teachers hold advanced degrees. The faculty has sustained the excellence of the core curriculum, while adding 40 Advanced Placement and honors courses.  The faculty has also extended the teaching of traditional subjects such as mathematics and science–and fundamental skills such as logic and problem-solving–with linear algebra, discrete mathematics, and robotics. More, and more sophisticated, resources are devoted to college counseling and international experiences. Over the past 10 years, Mercersburg has increased applications for admission by more than 70 percent. We have increased the rate of selectivity by accepting 37 percent of applicants for 2007–2008, down from accepting 77 percent for the 1998–1999 academic year. Similarly, we have nearly doubled the acceptance rate of graduates into the most selective colleges and universities over the last 10 years.

Yet we have more work to do. And we will keep you apprised of it—and ask for your help and insight to accomplish it. I thank you for joining me and the Board of Regents as we set out to do what’s right for this institution and for the people who define its strength, vitality, and relevance.