Viewbook 2020

Now is your time to

be you!

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Now is your time to become part of a . . .

Mother McAuley was the first catholic school to open in Chicago.

PROUD HERITAGE, and RICH TRADITIONS More than 170 years ago, when resources were scarce and before it was popular to do so, McAuley declared every girl a leader. Since that time we have graduated more than 28,000 women! Life at McAuley is rooted in tradition, both solemn and celebratory.

Whether joining arms to sing The Suscipe, or dressing up in our best Mac Nation spirit wear, McAuley’s legacy and traditions are eagerly embraced and cherished.

“I met one of my best friends through the golf team freshman year. She introduced me to her friends from other activities and our friend group began to grow.

Seeking out friendships in activities or classes that you love will lead you to the right people.”

Gra ce E l l er b ec k ’2 0

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Graduates of girls’ schools are

twice as likely to earn a doctoral degree.*

All Girls’ Advantage Now is your time to . . . be you!

Girls have endless opportunities to shine at McAuley! We believe that academic excellence, leadership skills and confidence flourish best and in an environment with a sole focus on empowering young women.

McAuley isn’t about the exception of boys, but forming exceptional girls.

This is your time to be fearless and free in a culture that is powerful and transformative!

McAuley’s collaborative, liberal arts curriculum is facilitated by faculty, coaches, and counselors who are well-versed in the way girls analyze and understand information. The result is students who act responsibly, think critically, excel academically, demonstrate confidence and thrive socially.

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“Coming from grammar school, I was scared to ask for help, or ask questions in front of my peers. Throughout my years at McAuley I realized asking for help is embraced and encouraged.

At McAuley I know I am seen as an individual who is supported and loved.”

H a n nah O ’Nei l l ‘2 0

At McAuley you become part of our sisterhood and develop friendships to last a lifetime. Each year our graduates overwhelmingly report that this experience is one of the best parts of their McAuley education.

85%

of McAuley girls report having a best friend at school. *Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences their Characteristics and the Transition to College. UCLA. 2009.

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ACADEMICS

Updated classrooms and common areas complement innovative programs and inspire students to think bigger, get creative and work together.

Now is your time to . . .

inquire and excel.

Celebrating the individual capabilities in each student, McAuley offers academic, Advanced, Honors and Advanced Placement tracks. Students may move fluidly between courses and tracks as their comprehension and mastery of content and skills evolve. Our Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars program recognizes those students who demonstrate scholastic achievement and offers opportunities for academic and cultural enrichment.

Girls with an interest in business, nursing and teaching can get a jump start on exploring these subjects.

Our partnership with Saint Xavier University allows students to earn college credit through our Intro to Business and Intro to Nursing classes.

Our renowned Little School Program is a great opportunity for girls to teach in Pre-K and primary classrooms at local grade schools.

From Anatomy to Vocal Techniques, and everything in between, McAuley has the classes, programs and support to help you graduate future-ready!

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Do you learn differently?

Our Learning Resource Program assists students with identified learning differences and helps them develop adaptive study strategies and self-advocate for their needs.

With this assistance, students graduate ready to successfully transition into college coursework.

Now is your time to . . .

take center stage.

The talents of our actors, musicians, stage and tech crew members radiate beyond the McAuley stage.

Each year students participate in the Illinois State High School Theatre production, our instrumental and choral groups perform all over Chicagoland, and our artists take top honors in regional art competitions. Our graduates have gone on to become Broadway performers, stars of television and movies, choreographers, and more.

Now is your time to . . .

explore new cultures.

Learning extends far beyond the classroom at McAuley. Annual trips to France, Italy, Spain and Costa Rica immerse students in the cultures and languages they learn about in class.

Historical sights come to life and make history real for our students.

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STEM Now is your time to . . .

invent yourself.

Science, Technology, Engineering and Math (STEM) subjects give our girls the opportunity to learn and create across a variety of disciplines.

No doubt you’ve heard of Amazon.

McAuley was one of the first girls’ schools in the country to become part of its Future Engineers Program. This gives students access to special classes and Amazon resources and the chance to earn a college scholarship and internship at Amazon, one of the world’s premiere technology companies.

Graduates of girls’ schools are: Six times more likely to consider majoring in STEM subjects compared to girls who attend coed schools.

Three times more likely to consider engineering careers.

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*Women Graduates of Single-Sex and Coeducational High Schools: Differences their Characteristics and the Transition to College. UCLA. 2009.

Classes of today prepare girls for the jobs of tomorrow!

Earth and Space Science Engineering Principles Intro to Coding Mobile App Creation Art & Emerging Technology and more!

Did you know?

• McAuley is only one of two area high schools that require 4 years of science.

• Girls + science = great chemistry! Our two, state-of-the-art LEED-certified Chemistry Labs were built in 2012 and give students hands-on opportunities to explore science.

• We offer experiential-based learning programs, like Intro to Nursing, which help direct students’ interests and gives them access to a health sciences simulation lab .

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With more than

35 clubs

CLUBS & ORGANIZATIONS

there is something for everyone, or you can start a new club!

Now is your time to . . .

discover new talents and interests.

There are more than 35 clubs and organizations that encompass the many aspects of McAuley life, including athletics, performing and visual arts and student life. Find your place behind the scenes building sets for our musical, in the courtroom as part of the Mock Trial Team, or competing as a member of the Math Macs. Mighty Macs are strong leaders and solid supporters!

Robotics Club

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Academic Decathlon Action/Reaction Book Club Broadcast and Production (MacMedia) Eco-Macs English National Honor Society

“I love the idea of taking part in a big

French Club

production without having to step foot

French National Honor Society

onto the stage during a show. It is so

Girls Who Code

interesting to see musicals and plays

International Thespian Society

from backstage and has given me a new

Intramural Sports

appreciation for all aspects of theatre.

Junior Classical League Liturgical Ministries

Abby Gro ba rci k ‘ 21

Stage Crew

MACcoustics Macs Lead (Leadership.

Education and Awareness of Disabilities) Math Macs Team

Varsity Club

Mindful Macs Mock Trial Model U.N. Movie Macs National Art Honor Society National Honor Society Primary Colors Professional ABCs Psychology Club Quill and Scroll Respect Life Road Runners

“One of the deciding factors

S.A.D.D. (Students Against Destructive Decisions)

for me to attend McAuley

Science Bowl Team Science Club

was the accomplished art program. There are so many

Spanish Club

art classes to choose from,

Spanish Honor Society

ranging from digital

Tech Crew

illustration to sculpture,

Student Ambassadors

which helped me explore

Student Council

different pathways in art

Tightly Knit Community

and develop my passion.

Unity Community Varsity Club

S a sha Ano shenko ’21

Women Who Write

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77%

of freshmen played one or more sports last year!

athletics Now is your time to . . .

play to your strengths.

McAuley is known for its impressive and award-winning athletic program. Nearly half our students compete in one or more of our 12 sports, where they are guided by elite coaches to develop skills like teamwork, resilience and self-discipline.

Our teams have earned 19 state championship titles, and have made more than 50 appearances at state tournaments. Our volleyball program has more championship titles that any other school in the state!

Many of our athletes have gone on to play at the college level at schools like Boston College, George Washington University, Penn State, UConn and the University of Notre Dame.

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“As an athlete, it can be hard to have other hobbies.

At McAuley, however, I can be part of the orchestra too.

I am able to improve my musical skills during class, and always feel encouraged and reminded I can be a part of both performing arts and athletics.”

Co n ni e LeB el ‘ 21

Basketball Bowling Cross Country Golf Lacrosse Soccer Softball Swimming & Diving Tennis Track & Field Volleyball Water Polo

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80+

prayer and communion services and liturgies annually

faith & service Now is your time to . . .

explore your faith and serve.

Our theology and service program is rooted in balancing formation with information. Our girls are educated on the traditions of the Catholic Church and other world religions, and take an active role in promoting the Critical Concerns of the Sisters of Mercy: Immigration, Women, Racism, the Earth and Non-Violence.

Students serve in local and regional communities, participate in retreat experiences, and explore the Catholic faith and other religions through studies and Campus Ministry. Last year, our students collectively completed more than 30,000 hours of community service.

Liturgies, prayer and communion services are held regularly throughout the year, with students serving as readers, Eucharistic ministers, liturgical dancers and musicians.

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Appalachia Mission Trip Kairos Retreat

“The all-school masses are always so beautiful. I like seeing the many ways the students get involved, from the liturgical choir, to the string musicians, to the peer ministers who helped organize the liturgy.”

Ka t ie M en ke ‘2 0

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“I loved the spirit throughout the school.

Whether it is the spirit weeks, the everyday energy in the halls, pep assemblies and events, McAuley girls always showed up and showed out, but so did the faculty and staff. Everyone’s spirit makes me so proud to be a McAuley girl.”

M a ri s s a S trel c zy k ‘2 0

student & Campus life

Now is your time to . . . have fun!

We value fun during the school day as much as outside of school. From our McAuley’s Got Talent Show, to Spirit Week, to cart rides, spirit rallies and more, our Mighty Macs enjoy being joyful, creative and spirited for as long as possible. Outside of school, students experience the social and co-curricular events typical to high school life, many in partnership Brother Rice High School. Annual dances, theatre performances, the Brother Rice & Mother McAuley Band, Friday night football games, special liturgies and community service projects all provide opportunities for social interaction.

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The class of 2020 is set and ready to fulfill their legacy!

Check out these impressive stats: 100% acceptance rate $58+ million in merit-based scholarship 13 College athletic commitments 74 intended STEM majors 5 National Commended Scholars 2 National Hispanic Scholars 35 Illinois State Scholars 1 Chick Evans Scholar

Now is your time to . . .

become future-ready!

“An all-girls Catholic high school education is a rare advantage today. The experiences, leadership and confidence that Mother McAuley nurtures is unique. I have often said that you can walk into a room and pick out the McAuley women. They are the ones who are not afraid to speak up for what they believe, and have the ability to defend those beliefs with eloquence and grace. The confidence a McAuley education instills in young women is one of the many reasons that we choose McAuley again and again.”

Suzy C u r ra n S u lliva n 92, mo ther of M a ggie ‘ 1 8, Ky lie ‘ 20 , Jayn e ‘ 24 a n d A n n ie ‘ 26

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Our girls with dreams graduate as women with purpose. Mother McAuley alumnae are accomplished leaders, scholars, CEOs, presidents, and entrepreneurs in the field of medicine, politics, aerospace, law, education, technology, the arts, science, engineering, architecture, culinary arts, aviation and more.

MAC fast facts School colors

Red, White and Yellow

Mascot

Mighty Mac

School Song

The Suscipe

Typical School Day

7:55 am 2:50 pm

Average class size

20

Student/ teacher ratio

13:1

AP classes

20

Academic or honors societies

7

Tuition

“When I was a freshman I came into McAuley a

$12,900

(plus a mandatory fundraising fee of $300)

Year founded

1846, as Saint Xavier Academy for Females

Alumnae

28,000+

Legacy Students

400

State Championships

shy fourteen-year-old girl who didn’t know how to speak up in class. Through my four years at McAuley I have been able to grow and feel better in my own skin and have the confidence in myself to stand by my opinions and not be afraid to speak in class.”

Ci ena Zava l a ‘ 20

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Annual scholarships and financial aid awarded

$1.5 Million

Average ACT

31

of Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars

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Entrance exam Saturday,

December 5 2020

8:00 am

Visit our website to: Take a virtual tour of our school Schedule a virtual consultation with a member of our admissions team Subscribe to our Junior High Newsletter And don’t forget to follow us on social media at:

Financial aid and scholarships are available. Visit our website to learn more.

3737 W. 99th Street | Chicago, IL 60655

www.mothermcauley.org

For more information, call or email our Admissions Office admissions@mothermcauley.org (773) 881-6534