Wellness, Enterprise, Leadership, and Life

0.25 Credit (Quarter Course)

Grade 10 

This course introduces students to the physiological impacts of recreational drugs & alcohol. Special considerations are given to the different short-term & long-term effects of drugs ranging from prescription drugs to elicit drugs; the physiology of addiction; the social influence of drugs on market consumers; and tools to empower students to develop "party" tactics for future real-world situations. This course is a requirement for all 10th grade students.

0.25 Credit (Quarter Course)

Grade 12

This course empowers students with essential knowledge about physical, mental, and emotional well-being for a thriving college experience. Through interactive sessions, students explore the impact of lifestyle choices on academic performance and social interactions. Topics include building resilience, fostering healthy relationships, and navigating challenges unique to college life. Engaging discussions and practical strategies aim to instill lifelong habits, ensuring students embark on their collegiate journey with the tools needed to prioritize and maintain holistic well-being. This course is a requirement for all 12th grade students.

0.5 Credit

Grade 10

This course develops engaged communication skills by treating communication as an active, collaborative process grounded in respect, empathy, and service to others. Students strengthen listening, speaking, writing, and digital communication skills while learning to interpret verbal and non-verbal cues, practice perspective-taking, and communicate with clarity and purpose. Through presentations, professional writing, phone and virtual interactions, and media literacy, learners adapt messages for diverse audiences and real-world contexts. Emphasis is placed on collaboration, constructive feedback, and relationship building, encouraging students to communicate in ways that reflect compassion, justice, and responsibility to their communities. By reflecting on personal strengths and growth areas, students develop the confidence and skills needed to communicate thoughtfully, lead with integrity, and contribute positively to school, community, and beyond.

0.5 Credit

Grade 11 

This course develops design leadership skills by preparing students to guide ideas, people, and processes with confidence, creativity, and purpose. Students cultivate self-awareness, professional presence, and responsible decision-making while learning to lead teams with respect, empathy, and accountability. Through collaboration, networking, and stakeholder engagement, learners practice clear, persuasive communication and build trust through active listening and follow-through. The course introduces design thinking as a framework for addressing challenges in ways that honor diverse perspectives and promote thoughtful, ethical solutions. Emphasizing reflection, service-minded leadership, and integrity aligned with Mercy values, students grow as adaptable leaders equipped to inspire others, manage complexity, and contribute positively to their communities and future endeavors.

0.5 Credit

Grade 11

This required junior-year course provides students with essential financial knowledge and practical skills needed for college and adult life. Delivered virtually through the Arrupe Virtual Learning Program, the course introduces key personal finance topics such as budgeting, banking, credit and debt, saving and investing, student loans, taxes, and financial decision-making.

Students will be assigned to a designated study hall for one semester to complete the course. During this time, they will work independently in an online learning environment while receiving structured support from a faculty moderator. This scaffolded model is designed to help students build the time-management, organization, self-advocacy, and digital learning skills necessary for success in future college-level virtual courses.

By the end of the course, students will be better prepared to make informed financial choices and to confidently engage in online learning experiences that mirror the expectations of postsecondary education.

10 Sessions

Grades 9, 10, 11

Fitness for Life is a diverse fitness curriculum designed for students who are not engaged in Gwynedd Athletics or approved organized fitness programs. It supports our Wellness Wheel by offering community-building and mindfulness experiences such as racquet sports, intramural sports, and yoga. Freshmen, Sophomores and Juniors who do not participate in a Gwynedd Mercy Academy High School athletic team or an approved organized fitness program are required to complete 10 Fitness for Life sessions throughout the year. The program meets during Community Period.