What is the Diploma with Distinction program?
The Diploma with Distinction program empowers students to explore their passions by bridging classroom learning with a specialized area of interest. Through this program, students build confidence by completing flexible curricular and co-curricular requirements, reflecting on their growth through portfolio curation, connecting with professionals, and completing a capstone project, which they present at the MMA Capstone Symposium Evening during senior year.
What are the requirements for completion?
To earn the Diploma with Distinction, students must:
Complete seven requirements within their chosen concentration area (see links below).
Curate a digital portfolio showcasing their growth and experiences in alignment with the five Mercy Education Values.
Identify an external mentor and develop a capstone project or experience (shadowing, internship, etc.).
Present their work at the Merion Mercy Academy Capstone Symposium in the spring of their senior year.
Who may apply?
Students apply during their sophomore year and commit to a two year process of portfolio development and capstone work. Applications are reviewed based on completion and review of a student’s academic and attendance records to ensure they can balance their core coursework with program requirements. There is no GPA requirement for admission into the Diploma with Distinction program. We are looking for students who are curious, dedicated, and willing to consistently stretch themselves.
What is the time commitment for the program?
On average, students dedicate:
Portfolio Curation: Approximately 20 hours.
Capstone Project: Approximately 40 hours total, including preparation for the Capstone Symposium evening.
Additionally, students spend time reaching out to potential mentors and attending required monthly in-school meetings with their cohort.
What are the expectations for students in the program?
Students are expected to:
Check their school-issued email regularly and respond to emails (including those from mentors/potential mentors) within a week unless otherwise noted.
Attend scheduled cohort meetings (typically once a month during office hours).
Meet all program deadlines and commit to the required time investment.
Maintain academic responsibilities while demonstrating personal responsibility, perseverance, and resilience.
What is the capstone project?
The capstone project is an independent, in-depth experience where students explore a passion or interest and apply their knowledge in a real-world context with guidance from an external mentor.
What is the Capstone Symposium Evening?
The Capstone Symposium is the culminating event of the program, where students present their projects and experiences to faculty, peers, and the broader school community.
What if a student does not meet academic requirements after acceptance?
If a student earns a D in any class for two consecutive marking periods, they will be removed from the program to focus on their core coursework.
If a student has a C in a class for two consecutive marking periods, their teacher will be consulted. Continued participation depends on the student demonstrating responsibility (e.g., completing assignments, participating in class, working with the teacher). If expectations are not met, the Academic Team will evaluate whether the student should remain in the program.
What if a student has excessive absences from school after acceptance?
Students with more than six absences per semester, as outlined in the student handbook, may be removed from the program following an evaluation by the Academic Team.
How will colleges and universities know about a student's participation in the program?
Colleges and universities will be aware of a student's involvement in the program in several ways:
The program is included in Merion Mercy Academy school profile, which colleges review to understand the academic opportunities available to students.
The student's college counselor will include details about their participation, including their capstone project, in their recommendation letter.
The student may share their portfolio link as part of their application to showcase their work, achievements, and capstone.
The program is noted on a student's report card (.25 credit per semester; does not count toward the student's GPA) and transcript.
Additional Questions?
For more information or for specific questions about a student's application, please contact Marianne Rule, Diploma with Distinction Program Coordinator, at mrule@merion-mercy.com.