Admissions
As the second oldest high school in the state of Alabama, students, parents and alumni confirm that tradition, Catholic identity and overall school spirit are what separates McGill-Toolen Catholic High School from other high schools. We are extremely proud of our heritage in Catholic Education. We are privileged at McGill-Toolen to provide three important facets to our mission as educators: Faith, Knowledge, and Strength.
Our Catholic faith is at the heart of everything we do at McGill-Toolen. Emphasis on spiritual growth and moral responsibility contribute to our uniqueness. We are proud to say we have the best students, the best faculty and the best academic programs, all offered in an environment that celebrates our Catholic faith. We are the only high school in Mobile that features this incredible combination.
We are committed to the moral and spiritual development of young men and women. Here, faith is talked about, but even more, it is lived – in our worship, in how we treat one another, and in our service to those in need. In a community of faith and respect, our students are challenged to live meaningful lives – in service to God and to others. The ever-present task in front of our students, faculty, and staff is to then grow as disciples after the heart of Christ, seeking holiness and striving toward heaven.
We welcome students and families from all faiths and backgrounds, appreciating the richness of diversity..We offer a variety of in-school faith formation opportunities that include daily prayer, weekly adoration, monthly school Mass, reconciliation, our Education in Virtue program, and retreats. We also have a vibrant Campus Ministry program with two full-time campus ministers. The programs and activities offered by Campus Ministry help our students develop relationships with family, friends, and God.
Outside of the classroom we offer faith initiatives like Legion of Mary, Women of Virtue and Men of St. Joseph.
We believe that educational excellence is achieved through the offering of a rigorous and challenging curriculum taught by competent, enthusiastic, and caring faculty. The curriculum is college preparatory, which takes into account the individual learning styles, interests, and abilities of all students and provides for developing them. While all grade 9-12 courses at McGill-Toolen Catholic cover college-preparatory material, we offer four unique course levels:
- Advanced Placement
- Honors
- College Prep 2
- College Prep 1
Students are placed into specific levels based placement exam results, previous testing, and middle school grades. With four levels of instruction we can customize each students experience on a subject-by-subject basis according to their strengths. This placement allows students to sharpen skills where they excel, while improving them in another area. In addition, we offer a program for students with learning disabilities. Our teachers are a phenomenal resource in helping students master the material. Their unique teaching methods match the way students learn best, allowing them to feel comfortable and confident in and out of the classroom. Our teachers employ cutting edge technology, research, problem solving, collaborative learning, and critical thinking activities to help each student maximize his or her potential. We are an Apple Distinguished School and are equipped with the best technology for our students and teachers, including iPads for every student.
We offer college and career guidance and counseling programs to help students make informed education and career choices. We have four counselors, one for each grade level. This way, each grade level has a dedicated counselor to stay with them as they promote to the next grade. Our counselors get to know their students over a three- year period, so they can better help them find the right college fit their senior year.
McGill-Toolen Catholic graduates evolve into innovative leaders representing a diverse spectrum of the arts, medicine, business, philanthropy, and civic service. Grounded in Catholic faith, we collaboratively work with students, teachers, and parents to ensure the success of our scholars as they navigate their unique academic paths in order to become true innovators in the service of others.
- Adaptive Education: This program is designed to provide support services to students who have documented learning difficulties. Students receive help in a variety of study skill to enhance their academic performance in the classroom
- Annunciation Program: The Annunciation Program serves students with cognitive impairments and/or significant learning disabilities.
- Thomas Aquinas Scholars Academy: The St. Thomas Aquinas Scholars Academy is a program of study that is designed to challenge the most gifted and motivated students in a demanding course of study. Incoming freshmen whose placement test scores are in the national percentile range of 90 or above are eligible.
Strength is about much more than muscles and will. Strength is about respecting others and yourself. It is taking responsibility and giving credit where credit is due. Strength is about doing a favor and not expecting one in return. Strength is doing the right thing even when it is not popular. Strength is having faith in the face of doubtAt McGill-Toolen Catholic, you will discover the true meaning of strength in an inclusive community where the dignity of each person is respected so that all can thrive. We empower students to achieve beyond their expectations and share their gifts with the world in need.
On a campus that offers more than 80 extracurricular activities from athletics to academic, civic and social clubs, every student is encouraged to get involved. Extracurricular activities are a way to connect and create. And last but not least, connecting with people is an opportunity to learn how and when to lead, to follow, and to collaborate.
Athletics:McGill-Toolen Catholic offers 18 different sports and is committed to the highest standards of excellence in each sport. McGill-Toolen is a member of the Alabama High School Athletic Association. We offer sports at the varsity and junior varsity level of all of our programs and many have a freshman level of competition as well. Inspired by outstanding coaches, competitive schedules, and unparalleled facilities, our Yellow Jackets are challenged to reach their full potential.
Clubs and Programs:The wide variety of offerings provides opportunities for every student to enrich his or her classroom education. Students compete in regional, state, and national workshops, tournaments, performing arts and scholastic competitions. We have more than 30 clubs from community service organizations such as Friends of Exceptional Children and Key Club to academic clubs like National Honor Society and Scholars Bowl to faith-based clubs like Respect Life Club and Legion of Mary as well as fine and performing arts programs like Band, Chorus and Yearbook.
For more than 125 years, we have helped to shape strong young men and women in the best sense of the word.