If you notice there are mostly five star, and one ...

If you notice there are mostly five star, and one star reviews. There is no "meh" or in-between with Merit. I have gone to Merit since 9th grade, the people that left the school are the ones to give the 1 star reviews, and those currently at Merit or graduated are going to give 5 star reviews. Everyone has their own unique experience at Merit, and the majority of the time it is usually amazing and positive as you can see by many of the reviews. Man I love this school! I am a senior right now, and every single year has been great in its own way. You have to realize every school has it's ups and downs, but these are three reasons why I chose and continue to choose Merit Academy:

1. The feeling of unity and belonging. When you walk in the doors, you can feel a feeling of belonging like a positive energy. You can see it in the students. At some other school it might take 6 months to make some good friends, at Merit it'll take more along the lines of 6 weeks. From my interactions at Merit people follow the Golden Rule.
2. The teachers are awesome!!! At Merit teachers, are more than just teachers. I won't give specific names, but with many teachers I am able to have one on one conversations, about life in general, the teachers aren't above you or on some pedestal. For example, some of the teachers at Merit even prefer you call them by their first name. Of course they require their students respect, and they want their students to love to learn, but I consider many of my teachers friends and mentors.
3. The ability to excel, both academically and extracurricularly. At Merit your education is up to you, my oldest brother graduated with his associates degree thanks to our distance ed program which I am currently involved in. Merit is unique because you are able to do just about everything you want to do, and the counselors are there to encourage you and help you plan a path that is just right for you. From theater, to dance company, to sports, to graduating early. You can be a big fish in a small pond, and you have the choice to take control of your life and education.

I will say that Merit is growing, and becoming better and better. The current Administration is fairly new, but they are doing some amazing things, the school is only getting better and better because of their positive attitudes and great ideas. Of course Merit has it's flaws and Merit is not for everyone, as you will see from other reviews, but so many people love it! So I encourage you to come check it out and see for yourself, maybe I'll even see you there :D