Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School is a nonprofit Roman Catholic all-girls high school located in the Mount Greenwood neighborhood of Chicago, Illinois. It operates under the oversight of the Sisters of Mercy and is part of the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Chicago.

History

The school traces its origins to 1846, when it was first established as St. Francis Xavier Academy for Females. This institution was one of the earliest schools in Chicago and was founded by a group of Mercy Sisters led by Frances Warde, who was a close friend of Catherine McAuley, the founder of the Sisters of Mercy. Following the Great Chicago Fire in 1871, the school relocated several times before finally establishing itself as Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School in 1956.

Mission and Education

Mother McAuley's mission is to empower young women through a challenging liberal arts education, preparing them to live in a complex, dynamic society. The school aims to foster critical thinking, effective communication, compassionate community response, and Christian leadership. It offers a comprehensive curriculum that includes Advanced Placement (AP) courses and a variety of extracurricular activities.

Student Life

The school enrolls approximately 772 students and maintains a diverse student body drawn from over 200 grade schools across the Chicagoland area and beyond. About 30% of the students come from ethnic minority groups. The student life is rich with opportunities for participation in clubs, organizations, and sports teams, with more than 94% of students involved in at least one extracurricular activity.

Athletics

Mother McAuley participates in the Illinois High School Athletic Association (IHSA) and the Girls Catholic Athletic Conference (GCAC). The school boasts 15 competitive sports teams and has achieved 21 state championships along with numerous conference titles. The athletic program emphasizes values such as discipline, dedication, integrity, and teamwork.

Notable Programs

• Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars Program: Recognizes students for superior academic achievement by requiring enrollment in honors classes, completion of AP courses, high-grade averages, and extra-curricular participation.
• Visual and Performing Arts: Offers a range of classes, including AP level art courses.

Financial Aid and Scholarships

The school provides substantial tuition assistance to families in need and offers various scholarships annually.

Leadership

Mother McAuley operates under the leadership of a president and a principal, and its staff includes over 70 teachers.

Legacy and Impact

As one of the oldest and largest all-girls Catholic high schools in the United States, Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School continues to play a significant role in shaping young women to become leaders and change-makers in society.