Alter chose the Sisters of Mercy to establish a new high school in College Hill.

The Archbishop donated 15 acres of land and handed over the responsibility of constructing the school to the Sisters of Mercy.

The Sisters of Mercy broke ground on August 28, 1958, and in 1960 the school opened with an enrollment of 200 young women (freshmen only).

[7] On March 2, 2017, it was announced that in 2018, McAuley would merge with Mother of Mercy High School due to lacking enrollment numbers.

The credit requirements for graduation include 4 Theology, 4 English, 3.5 Social Studies, 3 Science, 0.5 Physical Education, 0.5 Health, 1 Fine Arts, 4 Mathematics, 0.5 Computer Literacy, and 2 Foreign Language.

[12][13] A joint vocal ensemble from McAuley and LaSalle High Schools won the Overall Grand Champion Award at the 2006 Nashville Music Festival in April.