As Mercyhurst Preparatory School approaches its 100th anniversary, the milestone comes amid a significant challenge: declining enrollment.
According to the Pennsylvania Department of Education, student numbers at Mercyhurst Prep have fallen from 642 in 2005 to 370 in 2025.
The trend is not isolated. Cathedral Preparatory School—which merged with Villa Maria Academy—saw its combined enrollment drop from 935 students in 2005 to 587 today.
A major factor behind the decline is Erie’s shrinking birth rate. In 2000, 3,471 births were recorded. By 2025, that number had fallen to 2,428, reducing the pool of school-aged children across the region.
In response, Mercyhurst Prep has made staffing adjustments ahead of the 2025–2026 school year, including cuts to one administrative position and several teaching roles in math, religion, and history, along with a guidance counselor.
School officials say staff were notified before the end of the academic year to maintain transparency during the transition.
Despite the challenges, leadership remains focused on the future. The school’s president says the goal is long-term stability, with decisions being made now to help ensure the school’s strength for years to come.