Merivale High School (abbreviated as MHS, or 'Merivale' to students) is a public high school, located at the intersection of Merivale Road and Viewmount Drive in Ottawa, Ontario, Canada (former city of Nepean, Ontario). The school is known for its International Baccalaureate student program, but also runs French Immersion programs and visual art, music, and co-operative education programs. Despite being designed for over two thousand students, Merivale High School's population fell to an all-time low of 650 students for the 2013–14 school year. This is attributed to changing neighbourhood demographics, as well as new schools in the subdivision of Barrhaven. It was announced in October 2016 that Merivale High School would add both grades 7 and 8 to increase student enrollment for the 2017–18 school year. With the addition of grade 7 and 8 students from various feeder schools, the student body increased to around 1200. The school's sports moniker is the Marauders, and the school's colours are maroon and gold. History Planning On March 12, 1963, then Board Chairman John Dawson announced that plans were being prepared by architects McLean and MacPhadyen for the new $1,800,000 Merivale High School and should be handed in for tender call by April 15. Mr. Dawson stated that although the school was slated to open in 1964, it could be possible to open one of its wings for the upcoming school year should there be a shortage of space in other schools. The new high school will ultimately serve 1,400 students with 900 expected to attend in 1964. It was planned to have thirteen classrooms, nine laboratories, four shops a library, a gymnasium, combined cafeteria-auditorium and administration rooms. Construction The school was first built in 1964. According to aerial photos taken in these time periods and old yearbook photos, the school opened with the "A" Wing and "B" Wing (the main front building), "E" Wing and "T" wing constructed. The school then received an expansion of an added "D" Wing and "L" Wing by 1965. The buildings were completed by December and were to include the English, Geography, History, and commercial classes which were at the time held in the Gym, Cafeteria and basement. By 1968 all the current buildings were complete. In 1970 the Library, in between the two "D" and "E" wings, would be added on. 1965–present The school has witnessed many changes around its premises, such as the re-alignment of