In the 1980s, enrollment at Catherine McAuley was close to 300, but by 2005 was approximately 200 and for the 2015–2016 school year, was just 120.

[1][2] In 2014, the school's future was put in jeopardy when the Sisters of Mercy announced the sale of the property, which included the high school campus and the former motherhouse of the sisters.

[3] Some alumnae felt discontent with the loss of the school's name and Catholic identity, but many expressed hope for the future of the school as a nonsectarian establishment, which was partially a move to help increase enrollment.

[1][2] The Bishop of Portland, Robert Deeley, issued a statement afterward, writing that he was saddened by the decision, and wrote, "we regret the loss of a Catholic school in our diocese.

"[1] The six-week naming process yielded suggestions from faculty, students, parents and alumni.