Reverend Joseph E. Kurtz, D.D. Bishop | Archdiocese of Louisville

Mercy Academy, located at 5801 Fegenbush Lane, has recently acquired five and a half acres of land adjacent to its campus, expanding its current 24-acre campus. The purchase was made to address practical issues and accommodate the school's future growth.

Becky Montague, the president of Mercy Academy and a former student, expressed the importance of the additional acreage in preventing the school from becoming landlocked. She stated, "So often schools become landlocked. The additional acreage will be valuable as Mercy continues to grow."

The Sisters of Mercy, who sponsor the school, fully supported the purchase, recognizing the benefits it would bring. Montague highlighted the enthusiasm of Mercy's teachers and coaches, who are already envisioning innovative uses for the new land. "They are imagining clever and innovative uses for the additional acreage including engineering and chemistry class experiments on soil and waterways and rocket launches," Montague stated.

The expansion of the campus will provide new opportunities for Mercy Academy's nationally-recognized faculty and its STEM program. In 2016, Mercy became the first all-girl school in the nation to receive STEM certification. Montague emphasized the significance of the additional acres, stating, "Much like our initial 24 acres provided unimaginable possibilities, these additional acres create that same feeling of potential and inspiration. It allows our nationally-recognized faculty to ask 'what if' and not have the constraints of space."

Notably, all the professionals who assisted Mercy Academy in the land purchase were alumni of the school. Rhonda Karageorge, a real estate executive; Peggy Hagerty Duffy, an engineer; and Emily Ziegler, an attorney, were instrumental in the acquisition process. Montague praised them as a "testament to the knowledge and ambition that Mercy Academy inspires in all our students."

While there are currently no immediate plans for development, the acquisition of the additional land ensures that Mercy Academy will have the space it needs to grow and continue providing a top-quality education to its 500 students. The purchase marks an exciting milestone for the school and sets the stage for future possibilities and achievements.

Mercy Academy's commitment to its students and dedication to innovation are evident in this expansion project. With its expanded campus, the school is ready to embark on new educational endeavors and further establish itself as a leader in STEM education for young women.