Philosophy

The goal of Catherine McAuley High School, sponsored by the Sisters of Mercy, is to educate young women as whole people through excellence in education based on values inherent in our Judeo-Christian heritage. The total program prepares young women to continue their education and to be responsible, contributing citizens at both the local and the world levels. Our community is modeled on the gentle strength of our Foundress, Catherine McAuley.

We accept young women from various educational and socio-economic backgrounds and educate them according to the Christian values taught by the Catholic Church.  We encourage our students to recognize and develop their inherent talents while challenging them to explore new capabilities in an atmosphere that fosters personal growth through effective decision making.

Catherine McAuley High School provides an academic curriculum designed to meet the varied intellectual abilities and interests of the students and a Catholic value system that permeates religious, academic, and social programs.  We incorporate physical development and health values into the academic and social programs.  Recognizing the challenge of a woman's changing role in the world and church today, we stress not only the basic skills needed to live in today's society, but also provide a background for future career endeavors.  While promoting individuality and self-expression, we stress respect for authority, character formation, and discipline.  The social programs offer opportunities for students to express themselves and to interact with others so as to grow in Christian maturity.  This positive social formation not only strengthens communication skills, but motivates students to involve themselves in service to the community. In the words of Catherine McAuley, "It is for God we serve the poor, and not for the thanks."

By combining the spiritual, academic, social, and physical dimensions, we strive to take a personal interest in our students and to encourage their individuality.  Faculty, staff, administrators, parents, alumnae and students work together to achieve these goals as a community in the hope that the students work together and will continue to grow and affect society in a positive manner.

McAuley is poised to continue the tradition of Mercian education throughout the Twenty-First Century. With the example of Catherine McAuley herself as a guide, we enable each student to be a "woman of Mercy": well-educated, self-disciplined, enriched by diversity, able to lead, and willing to serve others.