Where potential becomes purpose

Explanation of Tracks

Academic level classes incorporate a review of basic skills with increasing focus on the higher level skill of application. These classes have a slightly smaller class setting and more teacher-facilitated instruction.

Advanced level classes focus more on higher level skills of application and analysis. The goal is to facilitate student learning so that they become more self-motivated. Advanced classes expect students to be active participants in the learning process.

Honors classes integrate higher level thinking skills of application, analysis, and synthesis of content with an expectation of more independent learning. These classes require students to take initiative, think critically, problem solve, and apply learned concepts.

Advanced Placement (AP) courses are structured to align with the College Board curriculum focused on depth of content. Students in these courses are independent learners, self-motivated and able to complete assignments with minimal guidance. There is a significant amount of work outside of class. Students who enroll are required to sit for the AP test in May.

Curriculum Guide

Each student must carry a minimum of seven classes each semester. Mother McAuley places students in three different academic tracks in English, Language, Biology, and Algebra based on their ability level: honors, advanced, and academic. These tracks are fluid and may change at the end of each academic year depending on the students’ level of mastery.

View our Curriculum Guide

Advanced Placement Program (AP)

Mother McAuley offers an extensive AP program with a total of 19 classes in English, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Visual Arts & Technology, and World Languages. The AP Program courses provide students with the opportunity to experience the challenge of college-level courses while still in the supportive high school environment. Students are required to take the College Board Advanced Placement Exam at the end of the course (exam fee required). View the AP courses offered at McAuley in conjunction with Brother Rice in the curriculum guide. 

Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars

The Catherine McAuley Honors Scholars (CMHS) Program recognizes students who demonstrate exceptional academic achievement while providing opportunities for intellectual, personal, and leadership growth. Invited students benefit from academic advising, college and career preparation, enrichment experiences, leadership development, and holistic support throughout their high school journey. Scholars commit the maintaining high academic standards, participating in extra-curricular and program activities, and engaging in opportunities that foster excellence both inside and outside the classroom. 

Dual Credit Courses

Successful completion of select courses earns college credit hours through the dual credit program with Saint Xavier University, Chicago, IL and Lewis University, Romeoville, IL. The purpose of the college credit program is to provide transferable college credit for knowledge and skills students have mastered in high school courses (SXU and/Lewis University course fee required).

Sister Brian Costello, RSM Learning Resource Program

The pirpose of the Costello Learning Resource Center (LRC) is to teach our students adaptive strategies and techniques to help them be more independent learners and successfully transition into college coursework. Students who participate in a scheduled resource study period will benefit from:

• approximately 200 minutes of resource time weekly
• opportunity for one-on-one assistance or small group instruction with the Learning Resource teachers
• opportunity to receive assistance with study skills, organizations skills, or time to seek assistance from their classroom teachers