Mercedes College was established in 1954 and it is a world class Catholic school in the Mercy tradition. The college enjoys a reputation of academic excellence, and for educating young people to serve as school and community leaders. In response to the rapidly changing world, the college aims to equip students to be life-long learners and global citizens by fostering internationalism and participation in international education. The College provides a strong values-centred Catholic education based on the tradition of the Sisters of Mercy. The Keys of Compassion, Loyalty, Justice, Integrity, Responsibility and Mutual Respect are core values that are an integral part of the way of life for all members of the Mercedes community.

Mercedes College is the only Catholic school in South Australia to offer curriculum provided by the International Baccalaureate Organization from Reception through to Year 12. IB programmes encourage international mindedness by emphasizing an understanding of diversity of culture and by developing intellectual, personal, emotional and social skills required for global citizenship. Language learning at the college is fundamental to the concepts of the IB Primary Years, Middle Years and Diploma Programmes and is also available as a SACE subject. Students study French from Reception to Year 5. In Year 6, they continue with French and commence learning Indonesian.

Nestled at the base of the Adelaide Foothills, 6km South of the city centre of Adelaide, Mercedes College is positioned on 6.5 hectares of land overlooking sweeping views of the Adelaide coastline providing a sense of space, wellbeing, and a calm and pleasant environment.