QUESTION from a Prospective McAuley Student:
As I consider McAuley High School, I would like to really know what it's like to attend a girl’s high school. My mom thinks it is a great opportunity. I am looking for some honest feedback about the pluses and minuses? Can you help me out? ANSWER from Kira ’12: 
Going to a girls’ school has its pros and cons. There are many great opportunities when you choose a girls’ school. One terrific thing is the fact that you don’t need to spend hours in the morning getting ready. No one cares how they look, because there aren’t any guys here. So instead of taking up time making sure you look perfect, you can actually be getting more sleep or doing something else with your time in the morning. Another pro is that you can focus more on your grades and your classes. Since there are no guys at our school, you don’t have to worry about what they think of you. I feel that focusing on what the teacher is teaching is a whole lot easier. One of the cons is that there are no guys here. However, you can see your guy friends and boyfriends after school, on the weekends, and at parties. When it comes time to pick your high school, keep in mind what interests you and what you feel will help you learn best. Going to a girls’ school like McAuley, I believe, will help you learn better and focus more in class.
Kira gives a candid answer to a frequently asked question.
QUESTION from a Prospective McAuley Student:
I want to get a good high school education, but I don’t want to spend all my time studying. How does McAuley help its students to find that balance?
ANSWER from Emily ’11: 
McAuley provides its students with a variety of challenging classes that parallel the students' specific abilities. The difficulty of classes will correspond to the students' capabilities. Balancing school, social time, and sports is feasible by getting into routine habits. Simply by preparing work ahead of time and setting aside an hour or two for homework, you can have ample time to spend hanging with your friends/family and participating in sports. McAuley doesn't overwhelm its students with more work than they can handle; it provides an atmosphere that encourages extracurricular activities and helps students find a balance they can handle. By being organized and well-prepared, you can find a happy medium between challenging courses and social time/sports. I am currently a sophomore in Honors courses and also play soccer and run track. I am involved in different clubs at McAuley including Women in Medicine. McAuley has helped me find a balance in my schedule between school and other activities. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else but here! McAuley can help you find the balance YOU want by supporting you every step of the way.
Emily found the time to answer this question amid the busyness of her life at McAuley.
QUESTION from a Prospective McAuley Student:
After spending my elementary years at a Catholic school, I don’t know if I want to do the Catholic high school thing. How is attending a Catholic high school like McAuley going to be any different than what I have already experienced? ANSWER from Theresa ’09: 
From personal experience, I have attended a Catholic grade school and high school. My grade school wanted the students to be very active in their faith, and for some students, I know it became overwhelming. I will tell you that going to a Catholic high school is in no way, shape, or form as overwhelming. There are numerous options for students to choose to get involved in faith-related activities. We celebrate Mass on holy days and special occasions. Attending a Catholic high school simply gives you the ability to practice your faith. More of the responsibility to be actively involved in your faith life is given to you. Students have the option of attending Communion services on Friday mornings before school or being a retreat leader and attending retreats. Religion courses are required, but they are not your typical elementary school courses. There are courses about other religions, relationships, and so much more. A Catholic high school like McAuley was the right choice for me. It gives students all the tools and guidance necessary to continue on in their Catholic faith.
Theresa was asked to give you an open and honest answer.
QUESTION from a Prospective McAuley Student:
I am looking for some diversity in my high school experience. I am worried that a Catholic high school is going to lack the diversity of thought and expression that I am looking for. How am I going to get diversity at McAuley with all the girls wearing the same uniform? ANSWER from Charity ’10: 
Even though a Catholic high school is composed of all girls who wear the same uniform, McAuley High School encourages diversity on a daily basis. We have multiple exchange programs bringing to our school girls from Germany, Denmark, Mexico, and New Zealand. McAuley gives girls many chances throughout the year to experience diversity through inner-city service programs and the Key Club experiences. Our school's diversity is seen at its best through our fundraisers like raffle where each grade shows its creative spirit by dressing their locker hall. Diversity can be viewed every Friday when we are allowed to wear different spirit wear, and, at least once a month, we have either a partial or full out of uniform day, on days such as Halloween, Cross Town Shoot Out, and St. Nicholas Day. McAuley gives young women chances for diversity through the many clubs and sports which celebrate our different talents and interests. Also, the students see diversity through the staff as we now have a Spanish teacher from Puerto Rico. Diversity not only happens in the classroom but also in the student body. Neither race nor ethnicity holds back students from becoming best friends with all of their class "sisters." Also, through our new Family Program, grades mix with other grades to celebrate a united student body. All in all, diversity is flourishing at McAuley High School regardless of our uniforms!
As Charity says, diversity is more than just what you wear. It's a state of being open to something other than what you are used to.
We would like to address your specific questions!
As a student, do you have a question about McAuley? Want to hear what to expect from a current McAuley student? Email your question to Kathy Dietrich and she will get your question answered. Her email address is dietrichk@mcauleyhs.net