Run by the Sisters of Mercy, it was located in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Portland.

[4] Located in Portland's Deering Center neighborhood, McAuley's classrooms and offices were housed in the main building, the gymnasium, and the Academy.

The main building and gym, designed by Portland architect Wilbur R. Ingalls, Jr., were connected by the glass-enclosed "mall," which acts as both atrium and cafeteria.

The former St. Joseph's Academy building housed the Advancement Office as well as Latin, Spanish, history, art, and some of the math and religious studies classrooms.

The land once held shrines to saints, stations of the cross, and a grotto to the Blessed Virgin Mother Mary.