Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women

Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women is a Catholic day school in Rochester, New York, serving grades six through twelve. The school enrolls 501 to 700 students. Founded in 1928 and sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, it draws its mission from Catherine McAuley's emphasis on service and justice. The all-women environment shapes how faculty teach and advise—students benefit from teachers who understand adolescent development in a single-gender setting.

What makes teaching here distinctive is the integration of Catholic values with rigorous college prep academics. Teachers instruct across English, mathematics, sciences, and humanities, while language programs in French, Latin, Spanish, and English as an Alternative Language add breadth. Faculty work in a school where religious identity informs curriculum without requiring catechism credentials. The school welcomes educators of all backgrounds who can respect and support its Catholic mission.

The middle and high school divisions offer different teaching rhythms. Middle school faculty often advise and mentor younger students navigating early adolescence. High school teachers prepare students for college entrance while leading upperclass seminars. Both tiers need advisors and counselors who can build relationships in a close-knit community. Our Lady of Mercy School for Young Women hires year-round for classroom positions, academic support staff, and student services roles.

Rochester's cost of living is notably lower than comparable northeastern cities, which affects how far salaries stretch. The day school format means faculty leave campus at end of day—no evening dorm duty or weekend obligations typical of boarding schools. For educators seeking a values-centered independent school role without residential demands, Our Lady of Mercy offers a solid alternative.