Lower Merion High School is a public high school in Ardmore, Pennsylvania, in the Main Line suburbs of Philadelphia. It is one of two high schools in the Lower Merion School District; the other one is Harriton High School. Lower Merion serves both Lower Merion Township and the Borough of Narberth.
Serving 1,674 students in grades 9-12, Lower Merion High School ranks in the top 5% of all schools in Pennsylvania for overall test scores (math proficiency is top 10%, and reading proficiency is top 10%).
The percentage of students achieving proficiency in math is 74% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 38%). The percentage of students achieving proficiency in reading/language arts is 94% (which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 55%).
The student-teacher ratio of 12:1 is lower than the Pennsylvania state level of 13:1.
Minority enrollment is 38% of the student body (majority Black and Asian), which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 40% (majority Hispanic and Black).
Quick Facts (26-27)
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,674 students
- Student-Teacher Ratio: 12:1
- Minority Enrollment: 38%
- Graduation Rate: 97% (Top 5% in PA)
- Overall Testing Rank: Top 5%
- Math Proficiency: 74% (Top 10%)
- Reading Proficiency: 94% (Top 1%)
- Science Proficiency: ≥50% (Btm 50%)
- Attendance Zone: Lower Merion High School serves the southeast part of Ardmore, PA, encompassing an area of approximately 6.2 square miles. Families within this zone can typically reach the school in about 5 to 10 minutes, with an average distance of 2 miles from the school to the zone's edge and a maximum distance of 4 miles to the furthest point.
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Top Rankings
Lower Merion High School ranks among the top 20% of public schools in Pennsylvania for:
Category
Attribute
Overall Rank
Math Proficiency
Reading/Language Arts Proficiency
Graduation Rate
School Overview
Lower Merion High School's student population of 1,674 students has grown by 6% over five school years.
The teacher population of 145 teachers has grown by 15% over five school years.
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
(No virtual instruction)
(No virtual instruction)
Total Students
1,674 students
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Total Classroom Teachers
145 teachers
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Year Founded
1894
School Calendar
School Motto
Enter to Learn, Go Forth to Serve
School Rankings
Lower Merion High School ranks within the top 5% of all 2,733 schools in Pennsylvania (based off of combined math and reading proficiency testing data).
The diversity score of Lower Merion High School is 0.58, which is less than the diversity score at state average of 0.60. The school's diversity has stayed relatively flat over five school years.
Overall Testing Rank
#65 out of 2733 schools
(Top 5%)
(Top 5%)
Showing 2012–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Math Test Scores (% Proficient)
74%
38%
Showing 2013–2023. Full 14-year historical data available below ↓
Reading/Language Arts Test Scores (% Proficient)
94%
55%
Showing 2011–2022. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Science Test Scores (% Proficient)
≥50%
57%
Student-Teacher Ratio
12:1
13:1
Showing 2016–2025. Full 39-year historical data available below ↓
Asian
11%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Hispanic
6%
16%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Black
13%
14%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
White
62%
60%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Two or more races
8%
5%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 15-year historical data available below ↓
All Ethnic Groups
Showing 2016–2025. Full 38-year historical data available below ↓
Graduation Rate
97%
87.5%
Showing 2014–2023. Full 13-year historical data available below ↓
Chronically Absent Students
(22-23)17.1%
23.3%
Eligible for Free Lunch
20%
59%
Showing 2016–2025. Full 26-year historical data available below ↓
Eligible for Reduced Lunch
2%
2%
Showing 2015–2025. Full 25-year historical data available below ↓
School Statewide Testing
School District Name
Sports
Colors
Maroon and White
School Mascot
Bulldog
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES), PA Dept. of Education
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Lower Merion High School's ranking?
Lower Merion High School is ranked #65 out of 2,733 schools, which ranks it among the top 5% of public schools in Pennsylvania.
What schools are Lower Merion High School often compared to?
Lower Merion High Schoolis often viewed alongside schools like Harriton Sr. High School by visitors of our site.
What percent of students have achieved state testing proficiency in math and reading?
74% of students have achieved math proficiency (compared to the 38% PA state average), while 94% of students have achieved reading proficiency (compared to the 55% PA state average).
What is the graduation rate of Lower Merion High School?
The graduation rate of Lower Merion High School is 97%, which is higher than the Pennsylvania state average of 87.5%.
How many students attend Lower Merion High School?
1,674 students attend Lower Merion High School.
What is the racial composition of the student body?
62% of Lower Merion High School students are White, 13% of students are Black, 11% of students are Asian, 8% of students are Two or more races, and 6% of students are Hispanic.
What is the student-teacher ratio of Lower Merion High School?
Lower Merion High School has a student ration of 12:1, which is lower than the Pennsylvania state average of 13:1.
What grades does Lower Merion High School offer ?
Lower Merion High School offers enrollment in grades 9-12 (No virtual instruction).
What school district is Lower Merion High School part of?
Lower Merion High School is part of Lower Merion School District.
School Reviews
5 10/10/2025
This school is the best school in Ardmore! They have a lot of stuff to do. I''m involved with extracurricular activities, sports, art and music.
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