Northwest Yeshiva High School, the only Jewish high school in the state, maintains a highly-regarded college…More preparatory and Judaic studies curriculum. </p> <p>Perched on a hillside in the Mid-Island area above Island Crest Way, the school is a tight-knit community of students and teachers committed to producing well-rounded young adults. Students are also required to perform community service during each school year to foster a strong sense of volunteerism. The school also offers a number of interscholastic sports and electives and maintains strong ties to Israel. More than half of the student body spends a year abroad in Israel before continuing on to college.</p> <p>Head of School Rabbi Bernie Fox administers both the general and religious curriculums.</p> <p> </p>

Mercer Island High School is the island's only public high school. The school maintains an excellent reputation…More backed by one of the state's highest on-time graduation rates and was recognized as a Blue Ribbon School in 2006.</p> <p>Based on High School Proficiency Exam (HSPE) results in 2009, Mercer Island High had the 11th highest average percent of students passing of 424 high schools in the state — 94 percent of students achieving math and reading standards, 95 percent in reading and 86 percent in science in 2011.</p> <p>Faculty at the school are also well-credentialed (2011 staffing): Of the 69 classroom teachers on faculty, 17 are certified as National Board Teachers and 67 have Master's Degrees.</p> <p>The school is not only known for academic excellence. Students are also offered a wide array of award-winning activities in athletics, theatre, music, marching band, broadcast radio station, route: {:controller=>"listings", :action=>"show", :id=>"hot-jamz-kmih-fm"} --> (Hot Jamz KMIH 88.9 FM), liberal arts and various other extracurricular activites. Facilities regularly open to the public showcasing student talent include a state-of-the-art performing arts theatre, <!-- name: Islander Stadium and the Mercer Island High School Gymnasium.</p> <p>Reflecting the close bond the high school shares with the community, the school's students and sports teams are known simply as the "Islanders."</p>

Crest Learning Center is Mercer Island's alternative high school, administered by Mercer Island High. It is located…More next to the school district administration on 86th Avenue.</p> <p>Crest employs a case-management model to offer a personalized learning experience for students unable to succeed in a traditional comprehensive high school environment. Crest's "Essential Learnings" include an emphasis on community, work ethics, study habits and learning how to enjoy their educational experience. The school is one of the oldest alternative schools in the region and boasts a high graduation rate.</p> <p>Associate Principal Mark Roschy is head administrator at Crest.</p>

The Mercer Island School District administers the Island's three elementary schools, middle school, high school and…More alternative high school branch, Crest Learning Center.</p> <p>The school district is one of the Island's most well-regarded institutions and often cited by residents as the reason they live here. Forbes magazine recognized the district in 2009 as one of the ten best nationwide in small U.S. cities. Measured by test performance, Mercer Island is consistently one of the top districts in Washington state. In 2009, district students achieved the second-highest average score on the state's MSP/HSPE proficiency exams.</p> <p>The district is led by Superintendent Gary Plano, appointed in 2008, and by a five-member school board, each subject to four-year terms.</p>

The Privett Academy is a private tutoring school that also grants high school diplomas. The school's primary focus is…More on one-on-one math tutoring.</p> <p>The school is located on the second floor of the Logan Building, near City Hall.</p>

Lakeridge Elementary School is the southern-most of all Mercer Island schools, located at the south end of the South…More Mercer Playfields. The school is a 2009 Washington Achievement Award winner, recognizing the school's general excellence. State MSP test results are also very high, with 87 percent of students achieving math standards and 92 percent achieving reading standards in 2009. The school's classrooms (2009 staffing) are managed by 26 teachers and 44 specialist teachers and other staff are listed as faculty.</p> <p>The school also offers a number of unusual and interesting features, including a 5th grade class salmon frye tank and a steel drum band. Lakeridge is permanent host to the school district's Autism Spectrum Program and features a before- and after-school day care run by a private company, Kids Company, for the 2011-2012 school year. </p> <p>The school is led by Principal Fred Rundle.</p>

St. Monica Parish School is a Catholic pre-K through 8 school teaching both a traditional academic curriculum coupled…More with Christ-like values and traditional Catholic teachings.</p> <p>Students have consistently achieved high test scores and are thought to be on par with other Mercer Island public schools. Grades 1-8 are also required to attend the Eucharist Liturgy once a week. Once a month, students attend an all-school Catholic Mass where one class is assigned to prepare the Liturgy and all are expected to take an active part. Students in grades 5-8 are also allowed the opportunity to serve as Altar Servers.</p>

The Little Acorn Day School is located inside the former North Mercer Junior High campus on 40th Street. This…More pre-school follows a play-based curriculum from a combination of influences, including Howard Gardner, Reggio Emilia, Jean Piaget and Montessori.</p> <p>A developmentally appropriate practice of phonics, basic math, reading, science, professional art instruction, music and movement are emphasized. Teachers stay with the same children year to year, mix age ranges in each class, and allow siblings to remain together.</p> <p>A large, fenced outdoor play area with various play structures and swings allow children a safe, supervised environment to develop coordination, balance and social skills. Family discounts are available, and it is recommended to submit an application as early as possible as there is often a waiting list.</p>

West Mercer Elementary is located on the west side of the island just south of the First Hill, route:…More {:controller=>"listings", :action=>"show", :id=>"first-hill-park"} --> neighborhood, along the roadway that shares its name. State MSP test results are very high, with 85 percent of students achieving math standards and 94 percent achieving reading standards in 2009. The school's classrooms (2009 staffing) are managed by 32 teachers and 35 specialist teachers and other staff are listed as faculty. West Mercer Elementary hosts the school district's gifted student and preschool programs, and features a before- and after-school day care run by a private contractor, <!-- name: Kids Company, for the 2011-2012 school year.</p> <p>Extracurricular activities include an emphasis on music, culminating in a school music concert in the fall and a school musical in the spring. The West Mercer PTA is also very involved in supporting extracurricular activities, including the sponsorship of weekly after-school art classes at West Mercer. West Mercer Elementary school is led by principal Rich Mellish.</p>

Island Park Elementary School is located in the Mid-Island area of Mercer Island, just north of Island Crest and…More Deane's Children's parks. The school is a 2009 Washington Achievement Award winner, which recognizes its general excellence and science and language arts programs. State MSP test results are high, with 84 percent of students achieving math standards and 89 percent achieving reading standards in 2009. Classrooms are managed by 25 teachers, 49 specialist teachers and other staff.</p> <p>Island Park is home to the school district's English Language Learners program and Extended Resource Room, and offers extra attention to students through the Hand in Hand paraprofessional program. A before- and after-school child care program and summer day camp, route: {:controller=>"listings", :action=>"show", :id=>"west-mercer-kids-company"} --> are also offered to Island Park students for the 2011-2012 school year at the <!-- name: West Mercer Elementary School campus, with pick-up and drop-off available between sites.</p> <p>Island Park Elementary is led by Principal Dr. Nancy Loorem.</p>

ETC's motto is "There is more than one way to go to school."

ETC is now accredited to provide K through 12…More education and provides full enrollment, dual enrollment (with another school), tutoring in single subjects and test preparation for the SAT and ACT. In addition to the main site, they have a secondary location in Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, where teachers provide instruction in Sunday School rooms, which is within walking distrance of Mercer Island High School. Independent studies in subjects like art and PE can be administered by ETC.</p> <p>The original owners were Mercer Island teachers who started the business in the basement of St Monica School. A speech pathologist is part of the staff. The College Board has approved ETC as a nonstandardized test site for the ACT test, where ETC can provide special accommodations that are not normally available at regular test sites such as extended time, a reader or a scribe.</p>

Islander Stadium sits on the west side of Mercer Island High School, and is home to Islander football, soccer,…More lacrosse and track.  It features an artificial turf field surrounded by a multi-lane track. Stadium seating, restrooms, a concession stand, a press box and ample parking are available.</p> <p>The stadium grounds are open to the public when not in use during the school day when classes are in session, but entrance is restricted to electronic ksy card holders, available from the district for $5 (seniors exempt).</p>

St. Monica is one of Mercer Island's largest religious congregations and it administers the neighboring K-8 school,…More both located just to the south of Mercer Island High School.</p> <p>The church property occupies over eight acres, and is composed of a large sanctuary, a family center, chapel, and rectory. The well-manicured grounds include a grotto which surrounds the Madonna of Mercer Island.</p> <p>The church sponsors several ministries, including the popular Friends of the Needy program, which feeds 100-150 people across the Seattle Metro area every day.</p> <p>The parish church is led Father Patrick Freitag since 2008.</p>

Chris Francisco is a fourth generation jeweler, an artisan and a craftsman. His jewelry store, located in the Mercer…More Island town center since 1992, displays his custom designed rings, necklaces, bracelets and earrings.  Using various precious stones and designs, Chris has created sparkling diamond, sapphire and pearl fine jewelry.</p> <p>In addition to jewelry and watch sales, this one-man shop provides jewelry repairs and appraisals, watch and clock repairs, engravings and will scrap gold. Chris is a community minded businessman, proudly displaying the American flag and occasionally teaching  jewelry making for Mercer Island elementary and high school kids.  No appointment necessary - drop in or give Chris a call - he enjoys working with each customer personally.</p>

The Mercer Island Clergy Association (MICA), founded in the late 1970s,is a group of religious leaders who meet on…More the third Wednesday of each month (except December) from noon to 1:30pm. Members discuss matters of shared interest to the Island's faith communities, plan interfaith community religious events and provide colleague support.  Typically, members are ordained clergy in their respective faith traditions or are appointed representatives from a faith community active on the Island.</p> <p>Each year the Clergy Association holds an interfaith community Thanksgiving Eve prayer service that rotates between local congregations.  MICA also participates in the annual baccalaureate for Mercer Island's graduating high school Seniors.</p> <p>Those who are not regular members of MICA, but who would like to address the group at a meeting, should contact the acting president of MICA to be added to the agenda. The current president of MICA is Rev. Mark Travis, Congregational Church of Mercer Island.</p>

Mary Wayte Swimming Pool is Mercer Island's public swimming pool, owned by the local school district. It is…More named after gold-medal Olympian and former Islander Mary Wayte, who often trained and competed here before her successes in the 1984 and 1988 Summer Olympics (where she also won silver and bronze medals).</p> <p>The pool is 40 yards long and divided by a removable bulkhead, making the pool suitable for local high-schools and clubs to use for competitive short course events.</p> <p>There are a number of community swimming event opportinities as well, including movie night in the pool the last Friday of every month.</p>

Island Crest Park is home to the Mercer Island High School baseball team and one of the only children's Adventure…More Playgrounds in the United States.</p> <p>The park features two full-size, natural grass baseball fields with bleacher seats for fans, a concession stand and batting cages. Two tennis courts are also available nearby. The fields are also frequently in use by Little League softball and baseball teams.</p> <p>To the north of the playfields, the popular Dragon Park, also known as Deane's Children's Park, holds a wide variety of play structures amid the tall Douglas firs. The Adventure Playground was developed by the Mercer Island Preschool Association for children ages 3 to 9. The playground is open until October 28.</p>