Founded in 1928 as a Catholic College preparatory boarding school for young women, the purpose of Our Lady of Mercy Academy (OLMA) is to provide a comprehensive education according to the precepts of Catherine McAuley Catherine McAuley, foundress of the Sisters of Mercy. The academy is centered on holistic teaching, and provides young women with an environment intended to nourish spiritual, intellectual, emotional, and social growth. Students are guided and supported with the intention of making them well-rounded, and intelligent women.