"Nothing
McAULEY THERE! TAKES YOU
is more productive to the good of society than the education of women."
- CATHERINE M c AULEY
Empowering Courageous Women to Change the World
Our CORE VALUES are the hallmarks of a Mercy Education. These are the ideals we stand up for and strive to live up to. We hold ourselves to these standards as an institution, as a community and as individuals. Each value is interconnected and necessary as we take Mercy into the world.
"McAuley was my first choice because it was a family like environment where girls could reach their full potential."
- ALEXIS, CLASS OF 2025
COMPELLED BY MERCY McAuley students are steadfastly determined to take Mercy into an interconnected world. Our shared sense of social consciousness is fortified by universal empathy and a conviction that all are worthy of God’s mercy. This deep awareness and compassion move us to take principled action and serve the needs of others.
EDUCATIONAL COURAGE McAuley students welcome the challenge of pursuing their full potential in a culture of excellence, critical thinking and curiosity. Their multifaceted journey builds character while it builds essential skills. Our holistic program expects engagement, a thirst for knowledge and personal responsibility, while preparing students to thrive for a lifetime.
INSPIRED BY FAITH McAuley students become living models of faith and forceful advocates for Gospel values. Grounded in our Catholic identity in the Mercy tradition, we welcome all faiths and are strengthened and shaped by these relationships. As we pursue a personal relationship with God, we strenuously follow Jesus Christ’s example of social justice, love and service.
PRINCIPLED LEADERSHIP McAuley students are poised to lead with their unique gifts. Prepared with an ethical and moral compass, we put Mercy values into action and work assertively for what is right. We are equipped to make difficult choices, learn from our mistakes and develop high emotional intelligence. We are confident in our ability to make a positive difference and push for systemic change.
A VOICE FOR DIGNITY AND RESPECT McAuley students honor the intrinsic value of the individual and recognize God’s presence in each person. We embrace a global vision and value differences of opinion, and are unafraid to confront hostile or hurtful attitudes. By standing up for those who can’t, we go beyond acceptance to help make sure everyone feels recognized and heard.
We
believe that a school FOR GIRLS is better than a school WITH girls.
Now is your time to inquire and excel
McAuley is a place that empowers girls to use their strong voices and leadership abilities to make a lasting difference in the world. Visitors to our campus witness this every day – in our classrooms, on the field, and projecting from the stage. Girls see their potential as having no limits. The experiences and benefits of a McAuley education last for a lifetime.
GIRLS' SCHOOLS ARE LEADING THE WAY IN CLOSING THE GENDER GAP IN STEM
STUDENTS ATTENDING GIRLS' SCHOOLS EXPERIENCE HIGHER LEVELS OF SUPPORT FROM THEIR CLASSMATES AND TEACHERS THAN DO THEIR
SCHOOLS
"McAuley is unique from other schools because we are more than a school, we are a family. Every member of the McAuley community wants each student to find their voice during their time at McAuley and unlike other schools McAuley truly understands that each student has their own unique path.”
- BRYNN, CLASS OF 2025
Graduates of girls' schools are SIX TIMES more likely to consider majoring in MATH, SCIENCE & TECHNOLOGY and THREE TIMES more likely to consider ENGINEERING compared to girls who attend co-ed schools
80% OF GIRLS’ SCHOOL STUDENTS REPORT THAT MOST OF THEIR CLASSES CHALLENGE THEM TO THEIR FULL ACADEMIC POTENTIAL
93%
OF GIRLS' SCHOOL GRADS SAY THEY WERE OFFERED GREATER LEADERSHIP OPPORTUNITIES THAN PEERS AT CO-ED SCHOOLS
80% HAVE HELD LEADERSHIP POSITIONS SINCE GRADUATION
An Education WITHOUT Limitation
A Mother McAuley education is transformative
Girls have unique learning styles compared to boys. The Mother McAuley academic program is designed to tailor instruction specifically for girls. The focus is on learning styles, including experiential learning opportunities, peer collaboration, personalized instructor feedback, and authentic assessments.
Our rigorous academics lay a strong foundation for our students. Infused in the liberal arts, Mother McAuley’s academic curriculum focuses on six essential interdisciplinary skills that are integrated throughout all disciplines:
• Science
• Math
• English
• World Language
• Music
• Visual Arts
15:1
STUDENT-TEACHER RATIO
Sample Freshman Schedule
7:50 - 8:32am Theology
8:36 - 9:23am Elective
9:27 - 10:09am English I
10:13 - 10:55am Biology
10:59 - 11:41am Lunch
11:45am - 12:27pm Healthy Foundations
12:31 - 1:13pm World Language
1:17 - 1:59pm Study
2:03 - 2:45pm Algebra
Condensed schedule on Thursdays. Classes begin at 7:50am and dismissal at 1:42pm.
FRESHMAN ELECTIVES
Introduction to Chorus Chorus I
Beginning Strings - Violin and Viola Beginning Strings - Cello and Bass
Intermediate Strings
Symphony Strings Honors
Beginning Band
Concert Band
Symphonic Band
Wind Ensemble Honors
Music: From Bach to Rock
Healthy Foundations I Healthy Foundations II Introduction to Theatre Drama I
Drama II Acting Drama II Tech
Public Speaking
Introduction to Drawing Introduction to Painting Ceramics
Sculpture
Clay Sculpture & Wheel Throwing Art & Emerging Technology
Intro to Coding
Mobile App Creation
Computer Science Essentials (Project Lead the Way)
AP Human Geography
4 YEAR
SCIENCE REQUIREMENT
19
ADVANCED PLACEMENT (AP) COURSES
7
ACADEMIC HONORS SOCIETIES
28
CREDITS REQUIRED TO GRADUATE Scan here to view more information about McAuley Academics
Advanced World History
What does Liberal Arts mean?
A liberal arts education offers an expansive intellectual grounding in all kinds of humanistic inquiry. By exploring issues, ideas and methods across the humanities and the arts, and the natural and social sciences, students will learn to read critically, write cogently and think broadly. These skills will elevate conversations in the classroom and strengthen socialand cultural analysis; students will cultivate the tools necessary to allow them to navigate the world’s most complex issues.
A liberal arts education challenges students to consider not only how to solve problems, but also trains them to ask which problems to solve and why, preparing all for positions of leadership and a life of service to the nation and all of humanity.
Explanation of Tracks
Academic level classes incorporate a review of basic skills with increasing focus on the higher level skill of application. These classes have a slightly smaller class setting and more teacher-facilitated instruction.
Advanced level classes focus more on higher level skills of application and analysis. The goal is to facilitate student learning so that they become more self-motivated. Advanced classes expect students to be active participants in the learning process. Honors classes integrate higher level thinking skills of application, analysis, and synthesis of content with an expectation of more independent learning. These classes require students to take initiative, think critically, problem solve, and apply learned concepts.
Advanced Placement (AP) courses are structured to align with the College Board curriculum focused on depth of content. Students in these courses are independent learners, self-motivated and able to complete assignments with minimal guidance. There is a significant amount of work outside of class. Students who enroll are required to sit for the AP test in May.
Curriculum Guide
Each student must carry a minimum of seven classes each semester. Mother McAuley places students in three different academic tracks in English, Language, Biology, and Algebra based on their ability level: honors, advanced, and academic. These tracks are fluid and may change at the end of each academic year depending on the students’ level of mastery.
Scan here to view all offered courses in our Curriculum Guide
Advanced Placement Program (AP)
Mother McAuley offers an extensive AP program with a total of 19 classes in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Visual Arts & Technology, and World Languages. The AP Program courses provide students with the opportunity to experience the challenge of college-level courses while still in the supportive high school environment. Students are required to take the College Board Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the course (exam fee required, 2023-2024 $97 fee). View the AP courses offered at McAuley and in conjunction with Brother Rice in the curriculum guide linked above.
Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars
The Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars (CMHS) is a program instituted to recognize superior academic achievement, offer opportunities for academic and cultural enrichment, encourage further development of skills and talents, and reward high-achieving students for their endeavors. Students may be invited to membership after their first semester freshman year through second semester sophomore year.
Benefits
• Provides an additional resource for securing information about academics, college preparation, career planning, and holistic development
• CMHS Enrichment Opportunities
• Academic: course selection and advising College: preparation, planning, selection, scholarship search, essay writing, applications
• Career: advising, visits from alumnae, workplace field trips, exploration
• Holistic Development: executive functioning workshops (time management, organization, self-advocacy, etc.), de-stress events, service opportunities, leadership development
Program Requirements
• Enroll in at least four honors classes or Advanced Placement (AP) classes each semester.
• Complete at least five AP classes before graduation.
• Maintain a 4.05 GPA each semester.
• Participate in at least one extra-curricular activity at McAuley each year.
• Attend all required whole group programs and events.
• Select and attend a minimum of two enrichment opportunities per semester.
• Select and attend one Macs with Mercy event.
• Consult with a CMHS Program Director during scheduling time.
• Participate in the Big Sister/Little Sister events during Whole Group Meetings.
Dual Credit Courses
Successful completion of select courses earns college credit hours through the dual credit program with Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL and Lewis University, Romeoville, IL. The purpose of the college credit program is to provide transferable college credit for knowledge and skills students have mastered in high school courses (SXU and/or Lewis University course fee required).
Sister Brian Costello, RSM Learning Resource Program
The purpose of the Costello Learning Resource Program is to teach our students adaptive strategies and techniques to help them be more independent learners, graduate from Mother McAuley, and successfully transition into college coursework. Students who participate in a scheduled Resource study period will benefit from:
• Approximately 200 minutes of resource time weekly
• Opportunity for one to one assistance or small group instruction with the Learning Resource teachers
• Opportunity to receive assistance with study skills, organizational skills, or time to seek assistance from their classroom teachers
Parents of 8th grade students with diagnosed learning disabilities or ADD/ADHD are encouraged to contact the Costello Learning Resource Program Coordinators prior to the high school entrance exam to discuss the student’s academic needs and any accommodations she has been receiving at her grade school.
Class of 2024
26% WITH A 4.0 OR HIGHER GPA
55% ARE MEMBERS OF THE NATIONAL HONOR SOCIETY
13% AP SCHOLARS WITH DISTINCTION 16% ILLINOIS STATE SCHOLARS
McAuley students are attending 82 different institutions across the country.
"McAuley has faculty and staff that genuinely care about the students. There is always a teacher free, willing to help me solve a math problem that I was struggling with, or help me finalize my essay." - REESE, CLASS OF 2025
Augustana College
Bradley University
Butler University
Carthage College
DePaul University
Florida Gulf Coast University
Grand Valley State University
Illinois Institute of Technology
Illinois State University
Indiana University
Lake Forest College
Lewis University
Loyola University
Marquette University
30
CATHERINE McAULEY HONORS SCHOLARS AVERAGE ACT SCORE
29,000 ALUMNAE
Michigan State University
North Central College
Northern Illinois University
Northern Michigan University
Northwestern University
Ohio State University
Purdue University
San Diego State University
St. Louis University
St. Mary’s College
St. Xavier University
Spelman College
Spring Hill College
St. Ambrose University
Saint Norbert College
The American University of Paris
United States Air Force Academy
United States Merchant Marine Academy
University of Alabama
University of Arizona
University of Central Missouri
University of Chicago
University of Colorado
University of Dayton
University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
University of Illinois Chicago
University of Indianapolis
University of Iowa
University of Kansas
University of Miami
University of Michigan
University of Minnesota
University of Mississippi
University of Missouri
University of Notre Dame
University of South Carolina
University of Tennessee
University of Texas
University of Vermont
Valparaiso University
Villanova University
Virginia Tech
Xavier University 100% ACCEPTED TO COLLEGES/UNIVERSITIES
88% ACCEPTED TO THEIR FIRST CHOICE SCHOOL 95% ATTENDING 4-YEAR COLLEGES 3% ATTENDING 2-YEAR COLLEGES 92% EARNED COLLEGE SCHOLARSHIPS
Performing Arts and Visual Arts & Technology
Performing Arts
McAuley offers a unique blend of performance and technical classroom opportunities for students, along with a comprehensive extracurricular performance schedule. The performing arts program fosters students' talents by encouraging them to perform, think critically and create works of art.
THEATRE
Drama I
Drama II Acting
Drama II Tech
Intro to Theatre
Public Speaking
Theatre Workshop I
Theatre Workshop II Honors
MUSIC
Intro to Chorus
Chorus I & II
Advanced Chorus Honors
A Cappella Honors
Mac Melody
Music Theory Workshop
AP Music Theory
Vocal Techniques
Beginning Strings - Violin & Viola
Beginning Strings - Cello & Bass
Intermediate Strings
Symphony Strings Honors
String Ensemble Honors
Beginning Band
Concert Band
Symphonic Band Honors
Wind Ensemble Honors
Music: From Bach to Rock
STUDENTS PARTICIPATE IN THE ALL SCHOOL MUSICAL
FINALISTS
IN THE BROADWAY IN CHICAGO ILLINOIS HIGH SCHOOL THEATRE AWARDS
STRINGS HAS RECEIVED THE HIGHEST RECOGNITION IN IHSA, INCLUDING BEST OF DAY
PERFORMING ARTS STUDENTS HAVE PERFORMED AROUND THE WORLD AS WELL AS APPEARED IN MANY TELEVISED PERFORMANCES
SINGERS AND INSTRUMENTALISTS MADE IT TO THE STATE LEVEL IN THE ILMEA COMPETITION
CHORUS PERFORMANCES HAS RECEIVED TOP LEVEL RATINGS IN THE IHSA ORGANIZATIONAL CONTEST
"I really love doing stage crew for the school musicals and plays. I made so many great friends, and I love building the sets."
- ANNA, CLASS OF 2026
Visual Arts & Technology
Classes offered through the Visual Arts and Technology department offers a comprehensive approach to education, with a curriculum designed to empower our young women. It encourages them to develop self-confidence, master technical skills for personal expression, and create portfolios that will enhance their future academic and career opportunities.
$1 MILLION
STATE-OF-THE-ART EQUIPMENT
The Visual Arts and Technology curriculum is designed to challenge young women to:
• Engage to the imagination
• Foster flexible ways of thinking creatively and critically
• Develop disciplined effort
• Build self-confidence
• Achieve technical skills for personal expression
• Build portfolios for future study and career opportunities IN TUITION SCHOLARSHIPS
VISUAL ARTS & TECHNOLOGY
Intro to Drawing
Intro to Painting
Ceramics
Sculpture
Clay Sculpture and Wheel Throw
Art and Emerging Technology
Graphic Design I & II
Digital Animation
Studio Art Honors
Web Page Layout and Design
Illustration
Journalism II HonorsYearbook & Newspaper
NATIONAL
SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS
MIDWEST
SCHOLASTIC ART AWARDS: GOLD KEYS, SILVER KEYS AND HONORABLE MENTIONS
Journalism IYearbook & Newspaper
Art History
AP Art History
Photography I & II
Advanced Drawing
Advanced Painting
Digital Illustration on the iPad
AP Art and Design
Technical Drawing and CAD
IHSAE SCHOLARSHIP AWARDS ‘MILLION DOLLAR SCHOLAR’
IHSAE FACULTY EXHIBITIONS IAEA STUDENT AND FACULTY ART EXHIBITIONS
STATE, COUNTY, MUNICIPAL CONTESTS AND EXHIBITIONS
Inspired by Faith
McAULEY STUDENTS
SPEND MORE THAN
12,000 HOURS
SERVING OTHERS
PEER MINISTRY
ALL SCHOOL LITURGIES
KAIROS SERVICE
OPPORTUNITIES
CLASS LEVEL RETREATS
MERCY WEEK
MISSION TRIPS
MONTHLY MASSES
WEEKLY COMMUNION SERVICES
DAILY PRAYER
Retreats
Campus Ministry is at the heart of our mission as a Catholic school and supports the spiritual development of our students.
Retreats are a critical component of faith formation. During the first three years, the retreats reflect that year’s curriculum and all students participate. As seniors, the girls are invited to attend a Kairos weekend where they deepen their sense of spirituality and faith.
Service
Through direct service and outreach, students respond compassionately to the needs of others and recognize the importance of their roles in a global society. Called to see the face of Christ in all whom they encounter, students work to build peace and justice in their families and communities, both locally and globally. While students are required to complete fifteen hours of service each year, many students far exceed this minimum requirement.
Prayer
Prayer and liturgy are essential elements of McAuley student life. Members of the McAuley community have many opportunities to develop their faith and spirituality throughout the year. Teachers are encouraged to begin each class with prayer, and the school community joins together in prayer every morning.
"I like that McAuley offers service opportunities through the school. It allows us to make a difference within the community." - ERIN, CLASS OF 2025
Student ATHLETES
Play like a Champion!
Mother McAuley’s storied athletic tradition and unparalleled success has spanned throughout the state of Illinois and across the nation for decades.
By offering 15 different sports with multiple levels, Mother McAuley is able to provide our student athletes with an extraordinary opportunity for growth and competition at the highest levels.
The Mighty Mac TRADITION is more than just wins and championships . . . it’s being part of a FAMILY
"Everybody at McAuley has made me feel at home in so many different ways. Through my coaches I have developed a strong sense of empowerment. I feel so supported and can truly be myself, something I have uniquely felt at McAuley."
-
CAMRYN, CLASS OF 2026
STUDENT ATHLETES SIGNED LETTERS OF INTENT TO PLAY COLLEGIATE SPORTS IN THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR
58% OF STUDENTS AT McAULEY PARTICIPATE IN ONE OR MORE INTERSCHOLASTIC SPORTS
IN THE 2023-2024 SCHOOL YEAR, THE VOLLEYBALL TEAM WON FIRST
(BACK-TO BACK STATE CHAMPIONS)
Exploring New Interests and BECOMING LEADERS
Student connectedness is a hallmark of the McAuley experience.
The vibrant energy within our hallways, infectious school spirit, and unrivaled camaraderie fosters an incredible sense of community and pride. That is felt from the very first day you walk through our doors to well beyond graduation.
-
"Something that makes McAuley unique from other schools is the school spirit. There is nothing like standing in the student section at volleyball games cheering on your classmates with all your friends. The energy is unmatched. It’s also in the classrooms, the hallways, and even in the parking lot, I see girls smiling and full of laughter."
SINEAD,
CLASS
Acapella
Action Reaction
Anime Club
Black Student Union
Book Club
Catherine McAuley Honor Society
Costume Crew
Culinary Club
MMC/BR D&D Club
EcoMacs
Esports
French Club
Women Who Write 94% OF McAULEY GIRLS PARTICIPATE IN AT LEAST ONE CLUB OR ORGANIZATION
International Thespians Society
Intramural Sports
Irish Heritage
Jewelry Club
Latinas Lead
Lend A Paw
Liturgical Ensemble
Liturgical Strings
Mac Media - Broadcast Club
Mac Melody
Macs LEAD (Leadership, Education, and Awareness of Disabilities)
Macs Majorette
Mariachi Club
Math Macs
Mock Trial
Model U.N.
Movie Macs
National Art Honor Society
National English Honor Society
National French Honor Society
National Honor Society
National Science Honor Society
National Spanish Honor Society
Primary Colors
Professional ABC’s: Advice Beyond The Classroom
Psychology Club
Quill and Scroll - Journalism
Honor Society
Respect Life
Scholastic Bowl
Social Justice for Women
Spanish Club
Stage Crew
Student Ambassadors
Student Government
Tightly Knit Community
Varsity Club
Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School is located on 99th Street, three blocks east of Pulaski in an educational community. The school shares a campus with Saint Xavier University, Brother Rice High School and Mercy Circle. Mother McAuley is committed to providing students with the most efficient, affordable and safest transportation possible.
The conveniently located campus is accessible by foot and bicycle or via car, CTA, point to point bus service, Metra and PACE bus.
Driving
Located on the southwest side of Chicago students have the ability to drive to our campus. Junior and Senior students can drive to McAuley but must purchase a parking pass.
Point-to-Point Bus Service
Mother McAuley and Brother Rice offer point to point bus service to the following areas:
• Alsip
• Bridgeport
• Homewood
• Lansing
• Midlothian
• Midway Region
• Northwest Indiana
• Orland Park
• Palos Heights
• Tinley Park
• Western Suburbs
CTA/Pace Bus
The CTA/Pace Bus is an option offered to both McAuley and Brother Rice students. Students may purchase a Ventra bus pass at the beginning of the school year.
Metra
We offer transportation to and from the Oak Lawn and Beverly Metra Train Stations.
Students are responsible for their own Metra fare. Visit metra.com for more information on trainschedules and fees.
216 GRADE SCHOOLS
Palos
Palos
Invest in your FUTURE
Tuition
McAuley offers more opportunities for scholarships than any other Catholic high school!
Tuition - $14,700 for the 2024-2025 school year
Family Discount A $750 tuition discount is given to the second and subsequent daughters attending Mother McAuley at the same time. If a sibling attends Brother Rice at the same time as their sister attends McAuley the family will receive a $500 discount on McAuley’s tuition.
Legacy Award McAuley offers a $1,000 legacy award to any incoming first year student whose mother graduated from McAuley.
Scan here to view more information about scholarships & financial aid
Mother McAuley offers a wide variety of scholarships, some based on need or with a need-based component, while others are for service in the community. Please visit our website for a list of scholarships and their criteria. Students MUST test at Mother McAuley in order to apply for scholarship opportunities.
Admission to Mother McAuley is based on the student’s performance of the High School Placement Test (HSPT) in conjunction with grade school report cards, previous standardized test scores, and teacher recommendations. In order to be eligible for tuition based scholarships, students MUST take the entrance exam at Mother McAuley. Pre-register for the entrance exam on our website.
Scan here to view more information about admissions
For more information, call or email our Admissions Office: (773) 881-6540 admissions@mothermcauley.org
Scholarships for the Class of 2029 go live on Saturday, December 7, 2024.
Incoming Freshman SCHOLARSHIPS For the 2024-2025 school year
MORE THAN 50% OF THE INCOMING FRESHMAN CLASS WERE AWARDED SCHOLARSHIPS 70% OF APPLICANTS QUALIFIED FOR A TUITION ASSISTANCE AWARD $1,900 AVERAGE FINANCIAL AID AWARD CLASS OF 2028 RECEIVED
$839,500 IN MERIT-BASED SCHOLARSHIPS OVER THEIR 4 YEARS
"I have always been surrounded by McAuley ever since I was little. Many of my relatives went to McAuley. I went to camps at McAuley every summer. I always wanted to be a part of MacNation and get a McAuley education. When I shadowed there I felt welcomed. So many students and teachers said hi to me even if I didn’t know them. I love McAuley and I know I made the right choice." - MAIREAD, CLASS OF 2027
November 4, 2024
Open House
November 11, 2024
Pre-Registration Opens Online for Entrance Exam
November 19, 2024
Drink Coffee, Talk McAuley
December 5, 2024
One Last Look Open House
December 7, 2024
Entrance Exam for 8th Grade Girls
December 16, 2024
Priority Deadline for Financial Aid
January 13, 2025
Scholarship Application Deadline
January 17, 2025
Admissions Acceptance Letters Mailed
February 2025
Financial Aid Notification
February 2025
Scholarships Awarded
February 18, 2025
Registration I
February 20, 2025
Registration II
