INSPIRED FOR LIFEwelcome to st. michael's catholic academy

Our namesake, St. Michael, is known as one of the principal angels. He is held in high

esteem in the Christian tradition as an angel who fights against Satan, rescues souls

and is a patron of the Church. As Christians call on St. Michael for protection, courage,

strength, truth and integrity, we call on him to support our mission to nurture these

qualities in our students, the next leaders of our world.

OUR MISSION | St. Michael’s Catholic Academy is a college-preparatory school founded by

laity within the Diocese of Austin to serve a diverse student body. Combining academic excel-

lence with faith formation and co-curricular learning opportunities, St. Michael’s prepares the

whole student for leadership, service and decision-making consistent with Catholic values.

INSP IRED FOR LIFE

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sometimes just a few people can change the lives of many. When the founders of St. Michael’s Catholic Academy came together to create a Catholic high school for

Austin, they envisioned an exceptional school that would combine academic excellence with faith formation

and co-curricular learning opportunities, providing a quality college preparatory education to a diverse stu-

dent population. Thanks to their vision, courage and determination, St. Michael’s Catholic Academy opened

in 1984 as one of the first Catholic schools in the nation established and funded entirely by laity.

The efforts of our founders, combined with the continued support of our school family, have helped St Mi-

chael’s to distinguish itself as an educational leader in the Austin community. We have continued to build on

this strong foundation to meet the needs of a growing student population, staying true to the vision of the

past while preparing for the future.

With over 25 years of tradition to stand on, St. Michael’s Catholic Academy is dedicated to becoming the

college preparatory school of choice in Austin and the premier Catholic high school in Texas.

We are a family of diverse students, engaged parents, accom-plished and caring faculty and a committed staff, but our sense of community doesn’t end there. In keeping with our Catholic values of service, we instill in our students a broader understanding of community—one that encompasses our local, national and global family.

We Create Community.

diversity makes us stronger. We uphold a

tradition of diversity. This tradition brings a richness of

backgrounds, perspectives and talents to St. Michael’s

that is invaluable to the academy’s educational en-

vironment. among other desirable qualities, diversity

fosters understanding, compassion, respect and curi-

osity. It also serves the common purpose of everyone

in our community: To prepare the whole student for a

life consistent with Catholic values.

INSPIRED FOR LIFE

St. Michael’s provides transportation to over 50 zip codes in the Austin area and approximately 30%

of St. Michael’s students represent ethnic minorities.

life as a student.St. Michael’s students begin their school day in a

creative and challenging environment and end

their day with a variety of co-curricular club and

activity options. Whether they participate in the

Model United Nations or join the Art Club, each

student has the opportunity to forge strong friend-

ships outside of the classroom—friendships based

on similar interests and talents.

We are where we eat. Student life often re-

volves around food and the socializing that goes

with it. Our beautiful dining hall provides high

quality, nutritious and reasonably priced breakfast

and lunch options in a college-type dining envi-

ronment. Outdoor tables are accessible year round

and a favorite way for our students to spend their

lunch break.

Seamless technology. Our campus is wire-

less and technology is deeply integrated into St. Mi-

chael’s curriculum.

life as a parent.Parents of St. Michael’s students are automatically

members in the Parents’ Club, which actively sup-

ports the students, faculty and staff. The Parents’

Club facilitates many of the important traditions—

like prom and project graduation—that make

St. Michael’s such a wonderful experience. Other

parent organizations include College Crusaders,

Athletic Booster Club, Band Parents and Arts Guild.

“We are blessed to have a school that welcomes the support of parents in every-thing it does. There is a strong circle of trust and support between parents and the faculty and administration.” – dIann WaTSon

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We Value Integrity.

By tHe Book. exceptional academics are the hallmark of

St. Michael’s. We are proud to further the long-standing tra-

dition of academic excellence for which Catholic schools are

known. our students build a solid academic foundation in the

core courses of english, mathematics, science, social studies

and foreign language, and they are given ample opportunity to

explore their individual interests in the arts, information tech-

nology and physical education. our curriculum also supports

faith formation with integrated theology classes.

our comprehensive, rigorous curriculum fosters an ap-

preciation for academic discipline that serves our graduates

well as they transition to a collegiate academic environment.

we believe that the best education is built on sound moral principles and institutional integrity. that’s why we strive to instill in our students integrity of character, a foundation for their learning and their lives. and that’s why we hire exceptional teachers and staff who live their principles each and every day.

“Small classes allow teachers to get to know each and every student on an individual basis.” – Holly Bayer

We Value Integrity.

our learning center.Through our Learning Center, we promote skills in

self-motivation that emphasize setting goals, tak-

ing risks, monitoring performance, making adjust-

ments when necessary and assuming responsibility

for oneself in all areas of academics. In addition,

the Learning Center provides reasonable accom-

modations to students with disabilities to ensure

their full participation in academic programs.

We also offer specified Writing and Math

Centers that provide intensive hands-on instruc-

tion for any and all types of academic purposes.

If you remain in my word, you will truly be my disciples and you will know the truth and the truth will set you free. – goSPel of john 8:v 32

INSPIRED FOR LIFE

“Throughout high school, the Writing Center

was an essential part of my development as a

writer. The Center facilitated meetings with

teachers in which I received advice tailored to

my specific writing questions. This help con-

tinues to benefit me in my writing-intensive

college courses.”

– KaTIe, SMCa ClaSS of ’08

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our faculty and staff.Our talented and dedicated professionals have

studied at 67 different colleges and universities in

the United States and abroad. Twenty-six faculty

members hold more than one advanced degree.

The average length of their classroom teaching ex-

perience is 15 years.

our classes.Small classes and an attractive student-teacher

ratio are the core of our college preparatory cur-

riculum. The average class size at St. Michael’s is

17 students, and the student-teacher ratio is 10:1.

These statistics guarantee that the benefits of our

academic programs and support services are acces-

sible to all students.

As a college preparatory curriculum, we of-

fer approximately 20 Advanced Placement classes,

which are approved by the College Board for col-

lege credit.

our sports program.There’s no better proving ground for personal in-

tegrity than participation in high school sports.

Winning or losing, competition has value that goes

well beyond playing the game. St. Michael’s com-

petes at the highest level of private school athlet-

ics. As a Texas Association of Private and Parochial

Schools (TAPPS 5A) school, we play some of the

most competitive private schools in Texas. But that

doesn’t stop us from bringing home trophies. Since

opening in 1984, St. Michael’s has won 26 state

championships in various sports.

Our coaches fully support St. Michael’s high ac-

ademic standards, which means athletes are given

the opportunity to excel in both their schoolwork

and their commitment to a team. This reputation

for both academic and athletic excellence attracts

college recruiters from across the country and is

the reason that Crusaders are currently competing

at the varsity level in colleges, including several at

the Division I schools across the country.

More than 70% of St. Michael’s students play in at least one of the 21 sports we offer.

INSPIRED FOR LIFE

Our athletes enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Seeker eight-lane running track, the Carter

Athletic Center, the Mark Felice Memorial Soccer Field and our recently renovated baseball field.

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Boys’ Teams: Baseball BasketballCross-CountryFootballGolf

LacrosseSoccerSwimmingTennisTrack

Girls’ Teams:

BasketballCheerleading/MascotCross-CountryGolfLacrosse

SoccerSoftballSwimmingTennisTrackVolleyball

s c i e n c e s p e a k e r s e r i e s .

a strong understanding of science is imperative for

students’ respect, awareness and sense of personal

responsibility for the order and beauty of creation. To

make scientific concepts more accessible to students,

St. Michael’s hosts a Science Speaker Series each se-

mester, for which a panel of students chooses and in-

vites local scientific experts to talk to students about

their field. The Science Speaker Series is a unique op-

portunity for students to learn about cutting-edge sci-

entific concepts from people who engage and apply

these concepts daily.

At no other school...

Our athletes enjoy state-of-the-art facilities, including the new Seeker eight-lane running track, the Carter

Athletic Center, the Mark Felice Memorial Soccer Field and our recently renovated baseball field.

e n t r e p r e n e u r s H i p c e n t e r f o r

e c o n o m i c a n d s o c i a l i n n o vat i o n .

St. Michael’s recognizes our responsibility as educa-

tors of the world’s emerging leaders. The purpose of

the entrepreneurship Center for economic and Social

Innovation is to cultivate the entrepreneurial initia-

tive of students and to provide guidance on how this

entrepreneurial spirit can be used for the betterment

of humankind.

The Center focuses on developing leadership,

service and ethical decision-making skills that are

grounded in Catholic values. over 40 volunteers— in-

cluding alumni and family members of current stu-

dents and alumni—mentor students in the develop-

ment of these and other entrepreneurial skills with

the goal to motivate students, as tomorrow’s leaders,

to become agents of positive social change.

St. Michael’s has over 20 student clubs.

C O M P e T I T I O N A M O N G S C h O O L S I S f I e r C e and we are constantly seeking new ways

to add value to a St. Michael’s education. While a St. Michael’s education is, by its very nature, unique, two

special programs are worth highlighting. The entrepreneurship Center for economic and Social Innovation

and our Science Speaker Series are prototypes for more such programs to come.

At no other school...

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We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence, therefore, is not an act but a habit. – arISToTle

we nurture self-expression and harvest mastery of technique. our teaching aims to increase overall aesthetic awareness and encourage creative solutions to real-life problems. we also attempt to build our students’ understanding and appreciation of the rich and varied traditions of visual and performing arts. St. Michael’s state-of-the-art facilities include six classrooms for performing and visual arts, an outdoor gathering space with amphitheater seating and the recently built 359-seat gloria delgado performing arts theatre.

We Spark Creativity.

arts g u i ld. The mission of St. Michael’s arts guild is to facilitate, coordinate and support the development

of the fine and Performing arts programs at St. Michael’s. The members of the arts guild include students’ fam-

ily members, faculty, staff and alumni who believe in the importance and value of arts education.

“The principle goal of education is to create people who are capable of doing new things, not simply of repeating what other generations have done—people who are creative, inventive and discoverers.”

— jean P IageT

We Spark Creativity. “If life is a stage, then we are all definitely performers. At St. Michael’s, I got my stamina for performing in all areas, and I will never forget that.” – Meghan, SMCa ClaSS of ’09, aTTendIng Savannah College of arT and deSIgn

dramaThe Drama Department traditionally stages two

full-length productions each year—a fall play and

a spring musical. Our Advanced Theatre class also

produces one or two plays each year, and our Varsity

Drama class competes regularly in both the Texas

forensic Association and the Texas Association of

Private and Parochial Schools (TAPPS) oral inter-

pretation and speech events. Our students have re-

ceived numerous individual honors at TAPPS State

Academic contests, including 30 individual state

championships over the last 11 years.

symphonic ensembleSt. Michael’s Music Department’s primary aim

is to instill a lifelong love and appreciation of

music in all our students—performers and lis-

teners alike. St. Michael’s performing students

have earned numerous All-region, All-Area

and All-State awards in TAPPS and ATTSSB for

symphonic ensembles, jazz ensembles, wind and

string solos.

danceDance courses at St. Michael’s are designed with an

emphasis on self-expression, technique and playful-

ness. Classes give students a comprehensive under-

standing of the basic techniques required to attain

practical movement skills, not only for a variety of

dance styles, but also for daily physical demands.

visual artsStudents in the Visual Arts Department learn to

appreciate the creative process in various visual

media. The visual arts curriculum focuses on nur-

turing a foundation of technique, visual vocabulary

and an understanding of the cultural and historical

importance of visual art.

INSPIRED FOR LIFE

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“Learning is by nature curiosity…trying everything, reluctant to leave anything, material or immaterial, unexplained.” – PhIlo, roMan PolITICIan

we are spiritual beings on spiritual journeys. as such, we re-joice in creating opportunities for reflection, prayer, sharing of faith and sacramental celebrations that bond our school community together through christ.

We Celebrate Spiri t.

P r A Y e r I N S P I r e S e V e r Y A C A D e M I C D A Y A T S T . M I C h A e L ’ S . We provide daily

opportunities for prayer, reflection and sacramental celebrations, and we engender in our community a pas-

sion for justice and peace through exceptional religious instruction and our service-learning program.

A capstone opportunity for students to deepen their faith and understanding of Christ is the Kairos retreat

program, a four-day retreat that is offered during a student’s senior year. In addition to retreats, liturgies,

service opportunities and other outreach efforts, campus ministry also provides opportunities for leader-

ship and empowers students with the skills necessary to minister to each other.

In celebrating our Catholic identity, we also embrace the gifts and insights that families from other Christian

or faith traditions bring to our community.

“Education is not merely a means for earning a living or an instrument for the acquisition of wealth. It is an initiation into life of spirit, a training of the human soul in the pursuit of truth and the practice of virtue.” — vI jaya laKShMI PandIT

We Celebrate Spiri t.

INSPIRED FOR LIFE

community participation is mandatory for st. michael’s

students. among other requirements, graduates must

complete 60 hours of community service and write a

personal reflection on service opportunities.

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Catholic education allows us to live our faith boldly as we learn, teach and grow in a world that needs the love of Christ so desperately. – KevIn M WhITe, CaMPuS MInISTer, SMCa

We Cultivate Opportunity.

“Outside the curriculum, which is top notch, and

the exceptional talent among teachers and students,

the tight-knit community is what really draws you

in and makes you proud to be a Crusader.” – KevIn o’Keefe, aluMnI ‘10

W e S U P P O r T O U r S T U D e N T S A S T h e W O r L D ’ S e M e r G I N G L e A D e r S . We know

that what we do today will affect who we are tomorrow. That’s why St. Michael’s offers individualized guid-

ance and counseling and numerous other resources to support our students’ college and career searches. In

addition, St. Michael’s hosts over 100 college visits during the fall Gap Year fair with over 30 organizations

represented and a variety of workshops and presentations regarding the college process. St. Michael’s also

hosts the hills of Austin College fair each fall, attended by more than 150 colleges. each year, 100% of our

graduates attend colleges worldwide. Many students receive millions of dollars in scholarships.

Time and time again, we are moved by stories of our alumni, who go on to become experienced,

accomplished and inspirational leaders in their communities. We are proud to say that our alumni are truly

living the mission of St. Michael’s through demonstrated leadership, service and decision making

that is consistent with Catholic values.

we are dedicated to educating the whole student—mind, body and spirit. we support students’ exploration of their individual and diverse interests, and we believe such explo-ration is the keystone for keeping the doors of possibility and opportunity open.

INSPIRED FOR LIFEINSPIRED FOR LIFE

We Cultivate Opportunity. “We know what we are, but we know not what we may be.” – William Shakespeare

Admissions procedure

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application (mandatory)We encourage you to apply online at www.smca.com. If you are unable to apply online, please contact the Admissions Office and a packet will be mailed to you. All applications require a non-refundable $100 application fee. Please view www.smca.com for appropriate deadline.

applicant Request for Release of Records (mandatory)Parents/Guardians should complete the top portion of the Applicant request for release of records form and submit it to the registrar of the applicant’s pres-ent school. The registrar should then forward the ap-plicant’s transcripts reflecting the last three years, any standardized test scores and discipline records. Your sig-nature on this form authorizes the applicant’s school to forward that information to us. If your child attended more than one school in the last three years, one Appli-cant request for release of records form must be sent to each school attended. These forms are considered con-fidential between the school(s) and SMCA. Please visit www.smca.com in order to download the form. Please view www.smca.com for appropriate deadline.

student interview (mandatory for freshman applicants)Once the application is complete, incoming freshman applicants are required to attend an interview. This is an opportunity for the students to ask questions about St. Michael’s and for us to get to know the students. Transfer students are encouraged to meet the Admissions Officer. To schedule an interview, please contact the Admissions Office at 512-328-2323. Please view www.smca.com for appropriate deadline.

shadow visit the shadow visit provides an opportunity for prospec-tive applicants to be introduced into st. michael’s com-munity by spending a half day of school with a current student. they will be able to attend all daily activities in-cluding classes, sports and lunch. the shadow visit can be scheduled by contacting the admissions office at 512-328-2323.

school tours Tours are offered on selected weekdays during the school year. Your visit will include a tour of the facility and a dis-cussion of St. Michael’s philosophy and instructional pro-grams given by the Admissions Office. Please schedule an appointment by contacting the Admissions Office at 512-328-2323.

open houses The Open houses provide an opportunity to hear more about St. Michael’s philosophy and programs from fac-ulty members and the principal. It is a great way to get an overview of the school. Please register by contacting the Admissions Office at 512-328-2323.

Admissions procedure continued on next page

teacher Recommendations (mandatory)A recommendation form should be given to the applicant’s current Math/Science and english/Language Arts teachers. Additional copies of the form may be completed and pro-vided to other school officials if desired. Completed forms should be mailed or faxed directly to the SMCA Admis-sions Office. This information is considered confidential between the teacher and SMCA. Please visit www.smca.com in order to download the form.

admission examination (mandatory)All applicants are required to have a standardized stu-dent evaluation. The Independent School entrance exam (ISee)* will be the only entrance exam accepted for applications. The ISee assessment evaluates students in areas of verbal and quantitative reasoning, reading comprehension, mathematics and writing skills. The examination is designed to offer an objective overview of students’ reasoning and achievement. further infor-mation about this test can be found at www.erbtest.org/parents/admissions/isee. Students with a disability who would like to receive testing accommodations should contact the ISee national office to discuss procedures.

immunization RecordsreQUIreD TO COMPLeTe APPLICATION. All stu-dents at St. Michael’s are required to remain current on required immunizations. Please submit a copy of these re-cords with the application so that they may be evaluated. If updates are needed, we will contact you to ensure your stu-dent is ready to begin school. Please visit www.smca.com in order to download the form.

financial aid St. Michael’s welcomes candidates to apply for tuition assistance so that they may have the opportunity to re-ceive a Catholic education regardless of their economic need. St. Michael’s annually provides assistance to over 150 students, or 35% of our student body. All financial aid awards are needs-based and are not required to be paid back by our families.

The St. Michael’s financial Aid Committee determines the financial aid award for each student who applies. fACTS Grant and Aid Assessment will be assisting the Committee by conducting the preliminary financial need analysis for St. Michael’s for the upcoming school

year. families with incoming freshmen who are applying for financial aid will need to complete an online appli-cation and submit the necessary supporting documen-tation to fACTS Grant & Aid Assessment. Please view more information at www.smca.com.

admissions decisions Decision letters and financial aid grants are mailed to pro-spective parents in mid March and contracts are due back to the school in early April.

transportation St. Michael’s students come from over 50 different zip code areas in and around Austin. There are three bus/van routes and stops available. There is a fee to partici-pate in the school transportation program. The current route stops are as follows:

North | holy family Catholic School, St. Theresa’s SchoolCentral | Spicewood Springs/Mesa, St. Louis ChurchSouth | St. Ignatius Church, Cathedral School of St. Mary

contact The admissions staff would be happy to help you during the

admissions process. We hope that you will call us with any

questions. We look forward to working with you.

admissions procedure continued

St. Michael’s Catholic Academy | 3000 Barton Creek Blvd. | Austin, Texas 78735 | www.smca.com