I NSPI RE D FOR LIFE welcome to st. michael's catholic academy
OUR MISSION
| St. Michael’s Catholic Academy is a college-preparatory school founded by
laity within the Diocese of Austin to serve a diverse student body. Combining academic excellence with faith formation and co-curricular learning opportunities, St. Michael’s prepares the whole student for leadership, service and decision-making consistent with Catholic values.
Our namesake, St. Michael, is known as one of the principal angels. He is held in high esteem in the Christian tradition as an angel who fights against Satan, rescues souls and is a patron of the Church. As Christians call on St. Michael for protection, courage, strength, truth and integrity, we call on him to support our mission to nurture these qualities in our students, the next leaders of our world.
I N SP I R E D FOR LI F E sometimes just a few people can change the lives of many. When the founders of St. Michael’s Catholic Academy came together to create a Catholic high school for Austin, they envisioned an exceptional school that would combine academic excellence with faith formation and co-curricular learning opportunities, providing a quality college preparatory education to a diverse student population. Thanks to their vision, courage and determination, St. Michael’s Catholic Academy opened in 1984 as one of the first Catholic schools in the nation established and funded entirely by laity.
The efforts of our founders, combined with the continued support of our school family, have helped St Michael’s to distinguish itself as an educational leader in the Austin community. We have continued to build on this strong foundation to meet the needs of a growing student population, staying true to the vision of the past while preparing for the future.
With over 25 years of tradition to stand on, St. Michael’s Catholic Academy is dedicated to becoming the college preparatory school of choice in Austin and the premier Catholic high school in Texas.
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We Create Community. We are a family of diverse students, engaged parents, accomplished and caring faculty and a committed staff, but our sense of community doesn’t end there. In keeping with our Catholic values of service, we instill in our students a broader understanding of community—one that encompasses our local, national and global family. diversity makes us stronger. We uphold a tradition of diversity. This tradition brings a richness of backgrounds, perspectives and talents to St. Michael’s that is invaluable to the Academy’s educational environment. Among other desirable qualities, diversity fosters understanding, compassion, respect and curiosity. It also serves the common purpose of everyone in our community: To prepare the whole student for a life consistent with Catholic values.
INSPIRED FOR LIFE
“We are blessed to have a school that welcomes the support of parents in everything it does. There is a strong circle of trust and support between parents and the faculty and administration.” – d i a n n watso n
Life as a student.
Life as a parent.
St. Michael’s students begin their school day in a
Parents of St. Michael’s students are automatically
creative and challenging environment and end
members in the Parents’ Club, which actively sup-
their day with a variety of co-curricular club and
ports the students, faculty and staff. The Parents’
activity options. Whether they participate in the
Club facilitates many of the important traditions—
Model United Nations or join the Art Club, each
like prom and project graduation—that make
student has the opportunity to forge strong friend-
St. Michael’s such a wonderful experience. Other
ships outside of the classroom—friendships based
parent organizations include College Crusaders,
on similar interests and talents.
Athletic Booster Club, Band Parents and Arts Guild.
We are where we eat. Student life often revolves around food and the socializing that goes with it. Our beautiful dining hall provides high quality, nutritious and reasonably priced breakfast and lunch options in a college-type dining environment. Outdoor tables are accessible year round and a favorite way for our students to spend their lunch break.
Seamless technology. Our campus is wireless and technology is deeply integrated into St. Michael’s curriculum.
St. Michael’s provides transportation to over 50 zip codes in the Austin area and approximately 30% of St. Michael’s students represent ethnic minorities. Page 3
“Small classes allow teachers to get to know each and every student on an individual basis.” – Holly Bayer
We Value Integrity. We believe that the best education is built on sound moral principles and institutional integrity. That’s why we strive to instill in our students integrity of character, a foundation for their learning and their lives. And that’s why we hire exceptional teachers and staff who live their principles each and every day.
BY TH E BOOK. Exceptional academics are the hallmark of St. Michael’s. We are proud to further the long-standing tradition of academic excellence for which Catholic schools are known. Our students build a solid academic foundation in the core courses of English, mathematics, science, social studies and foreign language, and they are given ample opportunity to explore their individual interests in the arts, information technology and physical education. Our curriculum also supports faith formation with integrated theology classes. Our comprehensive, rigorous curriculum fosters an appreciation for academic discipline that serves our graduates well as they transition to a collegiate academic environment.
INSPIRED FOR LIFE
If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. – go sp e l o f j o h n 8 : v 32
Our faculty and staff.
Our Learning Center.
Our talented and dedicated professionals have
Through our Learning Center, we promote skills in
studied at 67 different colleges and universities in
self-motivation that emphasize setting goals, tak-
the United States and abroad. Twenty-six faculty
ing risks, monitoring performance, making adjust-
members hold more than one advanced degree.
ments when necessary and assuming responsibility
The average length of their classroom teaching ex-
for oneself in all areas of academics. In addition,
perience is 15 years.
the Learning Center provides reasonable accommodations to students with disabilities to ensure
Our classes.
their full participation in academic programs.
Small classes and an attractive student-teacher
ratio are the core of our college preparatory cur-
Centers that provide intensive hands-on instruc-
riculum. The average class size at St. Michael’s is
tion for any and all types of academic purposes.
We also offer specified Writing and Math
17 students, and the student-teacher ratio is 10:1. These statistics guarantee that the benefits of our academic programs and support services are accessible to all students. As a college preparatory curriculum, we offer approximately 20 Advanced Placement classes, which are approved by the College Board for college credit.
“Throughout high school, the Writing Center was an essential part of my development as a writer. The Center facilitated meetings with teachers in which I received advice tailored to my specific writing questions. This help continues to benefit me in my writing-intensive college courses.”
– K ati e , SMC A Cl ass of ’0 8
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More than 70% of St. Michael’s students play in at least one of the 21 sports we offer.
Our sports program. There’s no better proving ground for personal integrity than participation in high school sports. Winning or losing, competition has value that goes well beyond playing the game. St. Michael’s competes at the highest level of private school athletics. As a Texas Association of Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS 5A) school, we play some of the most competitive private schools in Texas. But that doesn’t stop us from bringing home trophies. Since opening in 1984, St. Michael’s has won 26 state championships in various sports. Our coaches fully support St. Michael’s high academic standards, which means athletes are given the opportunity to excel in both their schoolwork and their commitment to a team. This reputation for both academic and athletic excellence attracts college recruiters from across the country and is the reason that Crusaders are currently competing at the varsity level in colleges, including several at the Division I schools across the country.
INSPIRED FOR LIFE
Our athletes enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Seeker eight-lane running track, the Carter Athletic Center, the Mark Felice Memorial Soccer Field and our recently renovated baseball field.
Boys’ Teams: Baseball Basketball Cross-Country Football Golf
Girls’ Teams: Lacrosse Soccer Swimming Tennis Track
Basketball Cheerleading/Mascot Cross-Country Golf Lacrosse
Soccer Softball Swimming Tennis Track Volleyball
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At no other school... Our athletes enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Seeker eight-lane running track, the Carter
St. Michael’s has over 20 student clubs.
Athletic Center, the Mark Felice Memorial Soccer Field and our recently renovated baseball field.
comp e tition among sc h ools is f i e r c e and we are constantly seeking new ways to add value to a St. Michael’s education. While a St. Michael’s education is, by its very nature, unique, two special programs are worth highlighting. The Entrepreneurship Center for Economic and Social Innovation and our Science Speaker Series are prototypes for more such programs to come.
Entrepreneurship Center for
Science Speaker Series.
E c o n o m i c a n d S o c i a l I n n o vat i o n .
A strong understanding of science is imperative for
St. Michael’s recognizes our responsibility as educa-
students’ respect, awareness and sense of personal
tors of the world’s emerging leaders. The purpose of
responsibility for the order and beauty of creation. To
the Entrepreneurship Center for Economic and Social
make scientific concepts more accessible to students,
Innovation is to cultivate the entrepreneurial initia-
St. Michael’s hosts a Science Speaker Series each se-
tive of students and to provide guidance on how this
mester, for which a panel of students chooses and in-
entrepreneurial spirit can be used for the betterment
vites local scientific experts to talk to students about
of humankind.
their field. The Science Speaker Series is a unique op-
The Center focuses on developing leadership,
portunity for students to learn about cutting-edge sci-
service and ethical decision-making skills that are
entific concepts from people who engage and apply
grounded in Catholic values. Over 40 volunteers— in-
these concepts daily.
cluding alumni and family members of current students and alumni—mentor students in the development of these and other entrepreneurial skills with the goal to motivate students, as tomorrow’s leaders, to become agents of positive social change.
INSPIRED FOR LIFE
We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit.
– ar istotle
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“The principle goal of education is to create people who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done—people who are creative, inventive and discoverers.”
—
J e a n P iag et
We Spark Creativity. We nurture self-expression and harvest mastery of technique. Our teaching aims to increase overall aesthetic awareness and encourage creative solutions to real-life problems. We also attempt to build our students’ understanding and appreciation of the rich and varied traditions of visual and performing arts. St. Michael’s state-of-the-art facilities include six classrooms for performing and visual arts, an outdoor gathering space with amphitheater seating and the recently built 359-seat Gloria Delgado Performing Arts Theatre. A r ts G u i l d . The mission of St. Michael’s Arts Guild is to facilitate, coordinate and support the development of the Fine and Performing Arts programs at St. Michael’s. The members of the Arts Guild include students’ family members, faculty, staff and alumni who believe in the importance and value of arts education.
INSPIRED FOR LIFE
“If life is a stage, then we are all definitely performers. At St. Michael’s, I got my stamina for performing in all areas, and I will never forget that.” – M egh a n , S M C A C l a ss o f ’ 0 9 , atte n d i n g S ava n n a h Co l l ege of Art an d Desi gn
Drama
Dance
The Drama Department traditionally stages two
Dance courses at St. Michael’s are designed with an
full-length productions each year—a fall play and
emphasis on self-expression, technique and playful-
a spring musical. Our Advanced Theatre class also
ness. Classes give students a comprehensive under-
produces one or two plays each year, and our Varsity
standing of the basic techniques required to attain
Drama class competes regularly in both the Texas
practical movement skills, not only for a variety of
Forensic Association and the Texas Association of
dance styles, but also for daily physical demands.
Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) oral interpretation and speech events. Our students have re-
Visual Arts
ceived numerous individual honors at TAPPS State
Students in the Visual Arts Department learn to
Academic contests, including 30 individual state
appreciate the creative process in various visual
championships over the last 11 years.
media. The visual arts curriculum focuses on nurturing a foundation of technique, visual vocabulary
Symphonic Ensemble
and an understanding of the cultural and historical
St. Michael’s Music Department’s primary aim
importance of visual art.
is to instill a lifelong love and appreciation of music in all our students—performers and listeners alike. St. Michael’s performing students have earned numerous All-Region, All-Area and All-State awards in TAPPS and ATTSSB for symphonic ensembles, jazz ensembles, wind and string solos.
“Learning is by nature curiosity…trying everything, reluctant to leave anything, material or immaterial, unexplained.” – P h i lo , Roman P olitici an
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“Education is not merely a means for earning a living or an instrument for the acquisition of wealth. It is an initiation into life of spirit, a training of the human soul in the pursuit of truth and the practice of virtue.”
—
Vi jaya L a ks h mi Pan d it
We Celebrate Spirit. We are spiritual beings on spiritual journeys. As such, we rejoice in creating opportunities for reflection, prayer, sharing of faith and sacramental celebrations that bond our school community together through Christ. P R A Y ER I N S P I RE S E V ER Y acad e mic D A Y A T S T . M I C H A E L ’ S . We provide daily opportunities for prayer, reflection and sacramental celebrations, and we engender in our community a passion for justice and peace through exceptional religious instruction and our service-learning program.
A capstone opportunity for students to deepen their faith and understanding of Christ is the Kairos retreat program, a four-day retreat that is offered during a student’s senior year. In addition to retreats, liturgies, service opportunities and other outreach efforts, campus ministry also provides opportunities for leadership and empowers students with the skills necessary to minister to each other.
In celebrating our Catholic identity, we also embrace the gifts and insights that families from other Christian or faith traditions bring to our community.
INSPIRED FOR LIFE
Catholic education allows us to live our faith boldly as we learn, teach and grow in a world that needs the love of Christ so desperately.
– K e v i n M W h ite , C a mp u s M i n ister, SMC A
Community participation is mandatory for St. Michael’s students. Among other requirements, graduates must complete 60 hours of community service and write a personal reflection on service opportunities. Page 13
“Outside the curriculum, which is top notch, and the exceptional talent among teachers and students, the tight-knit community is what really draws you in and makes you proud to be a Crusader.” – k e v i n o’keef e, alu m n i ‘10
We Cultivate Opportunity. We are dedicated to educating the whole student—mind, body and spirit. We support students’ exploration of their individual and diverse interests, and we believe such exploration is the keystone for keeping the doors of possibility and opportunity open. W E S U P P O R T O U R S T U D E N T S A S T HE W O R L D ’ S E M ER G I N G L E A D ER S . We know that what we do today will affect who we are tomorrow. That’s why St. Michael’s offers individualized guidance and counseling and numerous other resources to support our students’ college and career searches. In addition, St. Michael’s hosts over 100 college visits during the Fall Gap Year Fair with over 30 organizations represented and a variety of workshops and presentations regarding the college process. St. Michael’s also hosts the Hills of Austin College Fair each fall, attended by more than 150 colleges. Each year, 100% of our graduates attend colleges worldwide. Many students receive millions of dollars in scholarships.
Time and time again, we are moved by stories of our alumni, who go on to become experienced,
accomplished and inspirational leaders in their communities. We are proud to say that our alumni are truly living the mission of St. Michael’s through demonstrated leadership, service and decision making that is consistent with Catholic values.
INSPIRED FOR LIFE
Admissions procedure “We know what we are, but we know not what we may be.” – William Shakespeare
Application (Mandatory) We encourage you to apply online at www.smca.com. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Admissions Office and a packet will be mailed to you. All applications require a non-refundable $100 application fee. Please view www.smca.com for appropriate deadline. Applicant Request for Release of Records (Mandatory) Parents/Guardians should complete the top portion of the Applicant Request for Release of Records form and submit it to the Registrar of the applicant’s present school. The Registrar should then forward the applicant’s transcripts reflecting the last three years, any standardized test scores and discipline records. Your signature on this form authorizes the applicant’s school to forward that information to us. If your child attended more than one school in the last three years, one Applicant Request for Release of Records form must be sent to each school attended. These forms are considered confidential between the school(s) and SMCA. Please visit www.smca.com in order to download the form. Please view www.smca.com for appropriate deadline. Student Interview (Mandatory for Freshman Applicants) Once the application is complete, incoming freshman applicants are required to attend an interview. This is an opportunity for the students to ask questions about St. Michael’s and for us to get to know the students. Transfer students are encouraged to meet the Admissions Officer. To schedule an interview, please contact the Admissions Office at 512-328-2323. Please view www.smca.com for appropriate deadline.
Shadow Visit The Shadow Visit provides an opportunity for prospective applicants to be introduced into St. Michael’s community by spending a half day of school with a current student. They will be able to attend all daily activities including classes, sports and lunch. The Shadow Visit can be scheduled by contacting the Admissions Office at 512328-2323. School Tours Tours are offered on selected weekdays during the school year. Your visit will include a tour of the facility and a discussion of St. Michael’s philosophy and instructional programs given by the Admissions Office. Please schedule an appointment by contacting the Admissions Office at 512328-2323. Open Houses The Open Houses provide an opportunity to hear more about St. Michael’s philosophy and programs from faculty members and the principal. It is a great way to get an overview of the school. Please register by contacting the Admissions Office at 512-328-2323.
Admissions procedure continued on next page
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Admissions procedure continued
Teacher Recommendations (Mandatory) A recommendation form should be given to the applicant’s current Math/Science and English/Language Arts teachers. Additional copies of the form may be completed and provided to other school officials if desired. Completed forms should be mailed or faxed directly to the SMCA Admissions Office. This information is considered confidential between the teacher and SMCA. Please visit www.smca. com in order to download the form. Admission Examination (Mandatory) All applicants are required to have a standardized student evaluation. The Independent School Entrance Exam (ISEE)* will be the only entrance exam accepted for applications. The ISEE assessment evaluates students in areas of verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics and writing skills. The examination is designed to offer an objective overview of students’ reasoning and achievement. Further information about this test can be found at www.erbtest.org/ parents/admissions/isee. Students with a disability who would like to receive testing accommodations should contact the ISEE national office to discuss procedures.
year. Families with incoming freshmen who are applying for financial aid will need to complete an online application and submit the necessary supporting documentation to FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Please view more information at www.smca.com. Admissions Decisions Decision letters and financial aid grants are mailed to prospective parents in mid March and contracts are due back to the school in early April. Transportation St. Michael’s students come from over 50 different zip code areas in and around Austin. There are three bus/ van routes and stops available. There is a fee to participate in the school transportation program. The current route stops are as follows: North | Holy Family Catholic School, St. Theresa’s School Central | Spicewood Springs/Mesa, St. Louis Church South | St. Ignatius Church, Cathedral School of St. Mary Contact The admissions staff would be happy to help you during the
Immunization Records
admissions process. We hope that you will call us with any
REQUI RED TO C OM PL ET E A PPLIC AT I O N. All stu-
questions. We look forward to working with you.
dents at St. Michael’s are required to remain current on required immunizations. Please submit a copy of these records with the application so that they may be evaluated. If updates are needed, we will contact you to ensure your student is ready to begin school. Please visit www.smca.com in order to download the form. Financial Aid St. Michael’s welcomes candidates to apply for tuition assistance so that they may have the opportunity to receive a Catholic education regardless of their economic need. St. Michael’s annually provides assistance to over 150 students, or 35% of our student body. All financial aid awards are needs-based and are not required to be paid back by our families. The St. Michael’s Financial Aid Committee determines the financial aid award for each student who applies. FACTS Grant and Aid Assessment will be assisting the Committee by conducting the preliminary financial need analysis for St. Michael’s for the upcoming school
St. Michael’s Catholic Academy | 3000 Barton Creek Blvd. | Austin, Texas 78735 | www.smca.com