According to accounts from alumni and parents, Merrick's robust academic programs and university counseling services ensure students are well-prepared and confident as they transition to higher education.
I didn't even think that I would get into any universities, but I even got a scholarship that was $64,000. So I'm so thankful for Merrick. The teachers at Merrick would do everything they can to help students.
The school provides a good counsellor that understands exactly the procedures and provides excellent advice and support towards choosing a university and program and apply successfully to it. My son was not sure of what program of study he wants to study at the university but he had all the support to reach a decision he is happy about. They provide all the guidance the student needs to choose a path and work towards it. The school counsellor helped my son to apply early to a couple of universities and follow up with them on answering their requirements and he received many offers from top universities in Canada, one of them is the university he dreamed of, thanks to the amazing Counsellor and her support all the way.
—Seem Pharaon, parent (beginning 2019) (see
full review)
The university counseling program was very detailed providing students guidance on what to expect, how to apply, and how to maximize their potential in further education. A multitude of representatives came into the school to talk about their respective universities which allowed students to ask questions on anything they were unsure of as well as understand what a university offers and what they can expect if they choose to apply there. We regularly had meetings to discuss how our applications are going and time to ask for any help we needed which was super helpful and helped reduce the stress of starting a new chapter in life. Teachers were really passionate about seeing their students succeed and helped them through every step of the way.
—Konstantin Swientek, alum (2020-2022) (see
full review)
I mean, the school does have a reputation for getting its students into whatever university or college they desire, so the teachers do have great expectations for their students and encourage them to always go "above and beyond". Our teachers' main goal is that we succeed in life, which means that the workload can be quite a bit heavy at times; on the bright side though, that means they are preparing us for the hard workloads we may get in the future at college or university, it teaches us time management and how to be responsible with our time and organized with our work. Everything I've learned from the teachers here, I am certain I'll use later in life because, for one thing, they've made me much more confident in presenting with how many presentations we have to do.
—Helen Phan, student (beginning 2021) (see
full review)
The quality of education is truly superior. Being a school that runs the OSSD, in a smaller setting, with care and time given to each student, means that the true spirit of OSSD and the foundational elements on which it was built, is fully transferred to the kids. The style of teaching is also effective and impactful. Their focus on learning and linking topics to real life, brings life and clarity to each topic that my child learns. This is exactly how it should be done. Furthermore, the balance between assignments, quizzes and exams seems to be just right, even though it is heavy and challenging across the year. Most importantly, the approach and topics really prepare the children to their next phase of education, at the University level.
—Mustafa Tabba, parent (beginning 2020) (see
full review)
Because most students come from different parts of the world, they mostly are used to other school systems and methods. However, the school does a great job in having a standardized system for all students and still follow the Ontario school curriculum in order. It is worth mentioning that because the school has a great academic level, and its main goal is to help you get accepted to top-ranked universities, the workload is heavy. This does have an advantage, as students learn to become responsible and organized with their work so that it doesn't feel too hard. Classes are top-level with teachers expert in their subjects. And thus, learning is effective. For seniors, academics is somewhat different than other years, classes are more centered to your interest for university, this is so that you are prepared the following year for your career. Overall, academics are just right if you are organized and responsible for your work.
—Juan Carlos Uscanga, student (beginning 2019) (see
full review)
The school is so strong academically and professional; they prepare the students for life ahead. My son has so much improved at all skills. They prepare them through assignments, presentations, experiments, researches quizzes and exams. The students don’t need extra help from outside you can rely completely on the school teachers to achieve the best. They challenge them, guide them and push them to do their best and achieve higher scores. Still, they care a lot about their students it’s the best atmosphere for students to gain confidence and learn. It wasn’t an easy program for my son but he did his best and learned from his mistakes and in the end he achieved what he was hoping for and got accepted to the university he wished for.
—Seem Pharaon, parent (beginning 2019) (see
full review)
Merrick's academics are very strong with students constantly achieving high marks in their work and being encouraged to challenge themselves in their academics. Merrick prepared me very well for my further education as I learned things in Merrick that I use daily in my major such as mathematical topics that my current peers are struggling with but I am breezing through due to what I learned at Merrick. Another highlight with academics is that students often help each other when someone is struggling which directly opposes the competitive environment often found in other schools. Students at Merrick are very much involved in ensuring everyone is doing their absolute best reinforcing the structure that helps everyone achieve what they are capable of achieving!
—Konstantin Swientek, alum (2020-2022) (see
full review)
Merrick really taught me that school is not the chore that a lot of people make it out to be. The school's unique approach to learning is unrivaled compared to any other educational institution I have ever been to. The support and interpersonal communication between students, teachers, staff, and parents are really incredible which makes a huge difference when it comes to effectively shaping, learning, and meeting each student's individual needs. Furthermore, the teachers are extremely outgoing and will not hesitate to do anything to ensure the well-being of the students which I'm very thankful and grateful for. Merrick prepared me incredibly well for my start in university as we were often briefed on what we should expect in further education, etc... Compared to other first years at my university I can tell a very distinct difference as right from the get-go I knew what I needed to prepare and expect in university, whereas others seem to get lost and off track easily. Overall, Merrick, not only in terms of opportunities and education but also in terms of well-being and support is the best school I have ever attended. Thank you, Merrick!
—Konstantin Swientek, alum (2020-2022) (see
full review)
Merrick Prep is very good academically and has the potential to produce excellent future professionals. Small classes are an advantage because learners are free to ask questions and have full attention from the teachers. The weakness might be sports activities. However, the learners attend sports tournaments but not very highly competitive ones. Also, the weekend activities, movie nights, and games played at the school can compensate for the sports. I know that with the quality of education my daughter is receiving, she is dreaming big, and can see herself as an architect, interior designer, etc., which is a motivation for me. With the high level of education quality she is receiving, I am confident that she is being prepared for the future. She is starting to look at universities, which makes me feel proud as a parent that she is motivated.
—Rachel Tlhole, parent (beginning 2022) (see
full review)
