Catholic School CompassTrue north for Catholic families.
Aerial view of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School
Aerial imagery: U.S. Geological Survey (public domain). USGS

Catholic high school

Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School

  • LocationChicago, IL
  • Type and sizeIndependent Catholic school · Grades 9–12 · 794 students
  • SponsorInstitute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas

All-female

Official website
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Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School is a Catholic all-girls high school in Chicago, sponsored by the Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas. Its chaplain is Father Tom McCarthy, O.S.A. The school's pages list an Opening Mass, a Catholic Schools Week Mass, and a Time and Eternity Mass during the year, Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament on the first Friday of each month, and a Kairos retreat for seniors. Students must complete fifteen hours of service each year.

Catholic churches nearby

Map of Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, its Catholic center and nearby Catholic churches0.25 mi0.5 mi1 miQueen of Martyrs Church: 0.5 mi1Most Holy Redeemer Church: 0.5 mi2Saint Germaine Church: 0.7 mi3Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church: 1.0 mi4Saint Bernadette Church: 1.3 mi5Saint John Fisher Roman Catholic Church: 1.4 mi6Campus Ministry, Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School: 0.1 miMother McAuley Liberal Arts High School (campus)N0.5 mi
CampusCatholic centerCatholic church (numbered below)Open a street map ›
  1. Queen of Martyrs Church — 0.5 mi · 10233 South Central Park Avenue, Evergreen Park
  2. Most Holy Redeemer Church — 0.5 mi · Lawndale Avenue, Evergreen Park
  3. Saint Germaine Church — 0.7 mi
  4. Saint Catherine of Alexandria Church — 1.0 mi · Kedvale Avenue, Oak Lawn
  5. Saint Bernadette Church — 1.3 mi · 9343 South Francisco Avenue, Evergreen Park
  6. Saint John Fisher Roman Catholic Church — 1.4 mi · 10217-10221 South Fairfield Avenue, Chicago

Within 3 miles, as mapped by OpenStreetMap contributors. The map may be incomplete. Confirm with the parish or diocese.

Faith scorecard

Each line is one thing we looked for. A check means yes, a half means partly, a dash means no. “Not enough information” means official sources did not say.

CSacramental life: Mixed (grade C): 55 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Sacramental life

67 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    All-school or class Masses during the school yearA few times a year (Three school-wide Masses are listed (August, January and May).)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Importance of Faith | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “On August 28, our school community gathered together for a beautiful Opening Mass to commemorate the start of a new school year.”
      The whole school attended an Opening Mass on August 28.
      “Our entire school community gathered together on January 26 for a wonderful Mass in celebration of Catholic Schools Week.”
      The whole school attended a Catholic Schools Week Mass in January.
      “We gathered together on May 8 for a very special Time & Eternity Mass to celebrate the end of another incredible school year on 99th Street!”
      The school held a Time and Eternity Mass at the end of the school year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Daily Mass available to students on campusNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Confession offered to students during the school yearSeasonally (Advent, Lent) or a few times a year (Sacrament of Reconciliation is offered throughout the year.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic High School Prayer & Liturgy | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith/prayer-liturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held the first Friday of each month in the West Chapel, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are offered throughout the year.”
      Adoration is held the first Friday of each month; confession opportunities are offered through the year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Eucharistic adoration offeredRegularly (monthly or more) (Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held the first Friday of each month in the West Chapel.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic High School Prayer & Liturgy | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith/prayer-liturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held the first Friday of each month in the West Chapel, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are offered throughout the year.”
      Adoration is held the first Friday of each month; confession opportunities are offered through the year.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Priest chaplain serving the schoolYes
    Sources (1)
    1. The Importance of Faith | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our very own chaplain, Father Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., recently visited with Pope Leo XIV”
      Father Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., is named as the school's chaplain.
N/ATheology and curriculum: Not enough information. Official sources do not cover enough of this to grade it yet.

Theology and curriculum

Not enough information: official sources cover less than 60% of this area.

  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Years of theology or religion requiredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Theology courses follow the USCCB Curriculum FrameworkNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Philosophy, apologetics, or ethics course offeredNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith integrated across the curriculum (stated in the program of studies or mission)Yes (Recorded from the mission statement, which names growth in faith as a school aim. Course-level integration was not separately documented.)
    Sources (1)
    1. Our School Mission & History | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/about/history · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School, established in 1846 in the Catholic tradition of the Sisters of Mercy and Catherine McAuley, empowers young women to grow in faith, excel academically, and lead with confidence, compassion, and courage.”
      The school's mission includes growing in faith.
BCampus culture: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Campus culture

78 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    RetreatsRetreats for some grades (Retreats are listed for seniors (Kairos) and juniors (Junior Service Retreat).)
    Sources (1)
    1. The Importance of Faith | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “A group of senior students and faculty members attended the first Kairos retreat of the year, K168!”
      Senior students and faculty attended a Kairos retreat in September 2026.
      “On April 17, the Class of 2027 spent the day at Feed My Starving Children as part of their Junior Service Retreat.”
      The junior class held a Junior Service Retreat that included a day of service.
  • Partly: the school meets some of this item and earns part of the points.
    Campus ministry staffOne (One named priest chaplain is listed. A campus ministry team is mentioned without names, and a faculty deacon presides at Communion services.)
    Sources (2)
    1. The Importance of Faith | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our very own chaplain, Father Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., recently visited with Pope Leo XIV”
      Father Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., is named as the school's chaplain.
    2. Campus Ministry | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Campus Ministry at Mother McAuley is rooted in the Catholic tradition and formed by the spirit and charism of the Sisters of Mercy.”
      Campus Ministry is rooted in the Catholic tradition and the Sisters of Mercy.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Faith-based student groups or clubsTwo or more
    Sources (1)
    1. School Clubs & Organizations | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/student-life/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Respect Life Club promotes the idea that every human life in every stage of development is precious and worthy of protection and respect. Students participate in the March for Life in Chicago”
      The Respect Life Club participates in the March for Life in Chicago.
      “This ministry allows musicians (singers and instrumentalists) to use their talents to lead the McAuley community in prayer during masses, prayer services, and special spiritual events.”
      The Liturgical Ensemble is a student ministry of music for school prayer and Masses.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Daily prayer and liturgical life built into the school dayYes
    Sources (1)
    1. Catholic High School Prayer & Liturgy | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith/prayer-liturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Teachers are encouraged to begin each class with prayer, and the school community joins together in prayer every morning.”
      The school community prays together every morning.
AService and Catholic social teaching: Strong (grade A): 85 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.

Service and Catholic social teaching

100 of 100 points on what we could document.

  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Required service hours40 or more hours over four years (Fifteen hours each year, which totals 60 hours across four years.)
    Sources (1)
    1. School Service & Outreach | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith/service-outreach · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “While students must complete fifteen hours of service each year, many students far exceed this minimum requirement.”
      Students must complete fifteen hours of service each year.
  • Not enough information: official sources do not document this, so it is left out of the grade rather than counted as a no.
    Catholic social teaching taught in theology coursesNot enough information: not found in official sources.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Pro-life engagement (club, March for Life, or similar)Yes
    Sources (1)
    1. School Clubs & Organizations | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/student-life/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Respect Life Club promotes the idea that every human life in every stage of development is precious and worthy of protection and respect. Students participate in the March for Life in Chicago”
      The Respect Life Club participates in the March for Life in Chicago.
  • Yes: the school meets this item and earns its full points.
    Justice and solidarity programs (immersions, service trips, justice clubs)Yes
    Sources (2)
    1. School Clubs & Organizations | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/student-life/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Action/Reaction is a club committed to fostering a heightened student consciousness regarding social issues and to respond to them through in-school, as well as outside volunteer opportunities.”
      Action/Reaction is a club that does social issues work and volunteer service.
    2. The Importance of Faith | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “On April 17, the Class of 2027 spent the day at Feed My Starving Children as part of their Junior Service Retreat.”
      The junior class held a Junior Service Retreat that included a day of service.
      “Students who participated in the March Macs with Mercy built birdhouses with the Sisters of Mercy who live in Mercy Circle.”
      Students take part in a service program called Macs with Mercy.

Grades come from the documented indicators under the published rubric. “Not enough information” does not mean the school lacks it.

Strengths

  • Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held on the first Friday of each month, and a priest is named as chaplain.
    Sources (2)
    1. Catholic High School Prayer & Liturgy | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith/prayer-liturgy · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Exposition of the Blessed Sacrament is held the first Friday of each month in the West Chapel, and opportunities for the Sacrament of Reconciliation are offered throughout the year.”
      Adoration is held the first Friday of each month; confession opportunities are offered through the year.
    2. The Importance of Faith | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “Our very own chaplain, Father Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., recently visited with Pope Leo XIV”
      Father Tom McCarthy, O.S.A., is named as the school's chaplain.
  • Students must complete fifteen hours of service each year, and seniors and juniors have retreats.
    Sources (2)
    1. School Service & Outreach | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith/service-outreach · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “While students must complete fifteen hours of service each year, many students far exceed this minimum requirement.”
      Students must complete fifteen hours of service each year.
    2. The Importance of Faith | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “A group of senior students and faculty members attended the first Kairos retreat of the year, K168!”
      Senior students and faculty attended a Kairos retreat in September 2026.
      “On April 17, the Class of 2027 spent the day at Feed My Starving Children as part of their Junior Service Retreat.”
      The junior class held a Junior Service Retreat that included a day of service.
  • The Respect Life Club takes part in the March for Life in Chicago.
    Sources (1)
    1. School Clubs & Organizations | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/student-life/clubs-organizations · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “The Respect Life Club promotes the idea that every human life in every stage of development is precious and worthy of protection and respect. Students participate in the March for Life in Chicago”
      The Respect Life Club participates in the March for Life in Chicago.

Concerns

  • Retreats are listed for seniors and juniors.
    Sources (1)
    1. The Importance of Faith | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith · verified Oct. 12, 2026
      “A group of senior students and faculty members attended the first Kairos retreat of the year, K168!”
      Senior students and faculty attended a Kairos retreat in September 2026.
      “On April 17, the Class of 2027 spent the day at Feed My Starving Children as part of their Junior Service Retreat.”
      The junior class held a Junior Service Retreat that included a day of service.

Know something we missed? Suggest a correction.

Campus ministry home

Campus Ministry, Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School

  • Address: 3737 W. 99th Street, Chicago, IL 60655
  • Location: On campus
  • Facilities: West Chapel

View on map ↗

Source: mothermcauley.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, mothermcauley.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026, mothermcauley.org, verified Oct. 12, 2026

Catholic clubs and student life

10 groups and regular activities · 2 on campus, 2 off campus, 6 location not published

Retreats 2

  • Kairos retreat (seniors)Off campus
    Senior retreat. The school's history page describes Kairos as an off-campus weekend retreat.
    mothermcauley.org, mothermcauley.org
  • Junior Service RetreatOff campus
    Junior class retreat that included a day of service at Feed My Starving Children.
    mothermcauley.org

Liturgy and prayer 3

  • Exposition of the Blessed SacramentOn campus
    First Friday of each month
    Held in the West Chapel.
    mothermcauley.org
  • Communion ServicesOn campus
    Wednesday mornings at 7:30 AM
    Communion service in the West Chapel presided over by a faculty deacon.
    mothermcauley.org
  • Liturgical Ensemble and Liturgical Strings
    Weekly rehearsals
    Student musicians who provide music for school Masses and prayer services.
    mothermcauley.org

Faith formation 2

  • Senior Peer Ministers
    Senior students who lead prayer services for theology classes and help lead retreats.
    mothermcauley.org
  • Confirmation preparation
    Confirmation program; the school offered the sacrament to seven students in the Lenten season.
    mothermcauley.org

Clubs and groups 1

  • Respect Life Club
    Meets monthly
    Promotes respect for human life in every stage; students take part in the March for Life in Chicago and the Walk for Life.
    mothermcauley.org

Service 2

  • Action/Reaction
    Club for social issues with in-school and outside volunteer work.
    mothermcauley.org
  • Macs with Mercy
    Service program in which students built birdhouses with the Sisters of Mercy for Pat's Pantry.
    mothermcauley.org

Everything listed is published by the school, its campus ministry, or the parish. Ask the campus minister what’s happening this semester.

Campus ministry

Sources (2)
  1. Campus Ministry | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/faith/campus-ministry · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Campus Ministry at Mother McAuley is rooted in the Catholic tradition and formed by the spirit and charism of the Sisters of Mercy.”
    Campus Ministry is rooted in the Catholic tradition and the Sisters of Mercy.
    “Campus Ministry at Mother McAuley is rooted in the Catholic tradition and formed by the spirit and charism of the Sisters of Mercy.”
    Campus Ministry is rooted in the Catholic tradition and the Sisters of Mercy.
    “The Campus Ministry office is located in the second floor annex, near the Science Department Resource Room.”
    The Campus Ministry office is on the second floor of the school annex.
  2. Contact Us | Mother McAuleymothermcauley.org/about/contact-us · verified Oct. 12, 2026
    “Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School 3737 W. 99th Street Chicago, IL 60655”
    The school's address is 3737 W. 99th Street, Chicago, IL 60655.

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Academic Excellence

BAcademic Excellence: Good (grade B): 70 to 100 points out of 100 on what official sources document. Grades need sources for at least 60% of the checklist.
75 of 100
From federal data, on fixed published scales.

Each measure counts for the share shown.

  • Graduates going to four-year colleges 75% of scoreThis measure counts for 75% of the Academic Excellence score.92%
  • Students per teacher 25% of scoreThis measure counts for 25% of the Academic Excellence score.12.8 to 1

Bars show points on each measure’s scale. How Academic Excellence is computed. Federal data on private high schools is limited to these two measures.

Source: NCES Private School Survey (2023–24 school year)

School facts

TypeIndependent Catholic school
DioceseArchdiocese of Chicago, IL
Grades9–12
Students (all grades)794
Students in grades 9–12794
Coed or single-sexAll-female
Student–teacher ratio12.8 to 1
Graduates going to 4-year colleges92%
SettingCity

Source: NCES Private School Survey 23-24 public-use file (school year 2023–24). The college-going rate and student–teacher ratio feed Academic Excellence; nothing here changes the faith grades.

Local Church

Archdiocese of Chicago

His Eminence Cardinal Blase J. Cupich, Archbishop of Chicago

Formal address: “Your Eminence”

Source: usccb.org, verified Oct. 7, 2026.

About this school’s data

Questions families ask

Is Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School a Catholic high school?
Yes. Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School is a Catholic high school in the Archdiocese of Chicago. Its sponsor is Institute of the Sisters of Mercy of the Americas.
What is Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School’s Compass Score?
80 out of 100 (grade B). It combines faith (75%) and academics (25%), each rated from official sources.
Is Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School Compass Recommended?
Yes. Mother McAuley Liberal Arts High School meets the Compass Recommended standard for Catholic identity and academics.

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