Founded in 1979, Merrimac State High School is a public, coeducational, inclusive school with a curriculum based on eight key learning areas. During the Senior phase of learning, students have an opportunity to choose either an academic and/or vocational program. Students plan a course of study from among 51 Queensland Studies Authority or Authority registered subjects and may graduate with Australian Quality Training Certificates. The fully qualified teaching staff shares the school's values and encourages students to 'Prepare for the Future, Respect our Community, Value Difference, Accept Responsibility, Participate and Succeed'. This year the Council of International Schools accredited Merrimac State High School as a full member. Our school benefits from this accreditation by having an externally reviewed framework for continuous improvement. Students are supported by a Counsellor, Nurse, Chaplain, Youth Pathways Officer, Youth Support Coordinator and Industry Liaison Officer. There are 37 nationalities represented in our enrolment of 1296 students, with 46 international students. Our school has implemented a take-home Laptop Program that commences in Year 9. This program will expand to all Year 9 to 12 students in the following years. Students now have the opportunity to participate in our High Performance Summit Program that focuses on academic achievement, sport and music theatre. Our school's programs are well facilitated by an extensive 10.4 hectare site, with mature trees and gardens creating outdoor eating areas and shaded meeting spaces. A sports program is offered and students compete at a district level in a wide range of sports. The motto of 'Pride in Excellence' is embraced by the entire community.