List of 16 frequently asked questions.

• Why are St. Gabriel's and St. Michael's unifying? 

  St. Gabriel’s and St. Michael’s are so closely aligned in mission, Catholic values, and in our spirit of enrichment and positivity, not to mention location. We believe that, together, we can provide an even more exceptional Catholic experience for our students and families.

• Will school names change?

  As we begin this endeavor, each campus will maintain its current name.

• What does this mean about the schools' futures and financial health?

  It’s important to note that this merger was not motivated by financial considerations; both schools are fiscally healthy. Rather, it was motivated by great alignment with our mission and values, and out of a desire to create an even more robust Catholic education for our families. With that said, we are confident the future for our schools is bright.

• How will this merger affect current students and families?

  During this merger and beyond, our families can expect the same high-quality, attentive Catholic educational experience they expect and deserve from their school. Moreover, they can expect this to be led by the same dedicated faculty and staff. Each school’s activities and traditions will continue as planned, and significant attention has been and will continue to be dedicated to ensuring an exceptional student experience

• How will school leadership change?

  Colleen Lynch, current Head of St. Gabriel’s, will serve as Head of School in the new Pre-K 3 to 12 entity; Heidi Sloan, the current Head of St. Michael’s, will serve as the Head of the High School.

• How will staffing change at each school

  We are committed to preserving our talented and dedicated community of faculty and staff at our schools. As part of this merger, all faculty and staff automatically will be employees of the same entity.

• Will both schools' finances be combined? Will financial aid, operational expenses, etc. be evenly spread between the two schools?

  Our coming-together is completely mutual. We believe there is power, strength, and partnership, and a true partnership means equal benefits. Combining the schools' financial operations best positions us for future growth.

• How will this affect student education or educational philosophy?

  St. Michael’s Catholic Academy and St. Gabriel’s Catholic School share very similar philosophies, as we are rooted in Catholic values and aspire for the academic and character development of all our students. We both pride ourselves on academic excellence, and we remain dedicated to supporting our students and ensuring they have a safe, comfortable space in which to learn and grow.

• Will students at St. Gabriel's automatically be accepted into St. Michael's?

  As one joint school we are primed to create a natural transition from St. Gabriel’s to St. Michael’s. St. Gabriel’s students who participate in early admission will be guaranteed admission to St. Michael’s.

• How will this affect each school's culture?

  While we recognize our schools’ shared missions and values, we also recognize what sets us apart. We are confident that unification will allow us to honor and build upon these foundations, and we appreciate and uplift both schools’ unique culture and history. While our future is a combined one, our spirit, faith, and pride in each school remains undeterred.

• When will this unification officially occur?

  While this announcement marks the official launch of our joint entity, our families can expect the same exceptional educational experience they enjoy today. All the things you know and love about each school – including our foundational missions – will remain. Over the coming months, as we more closely integrate our operations, we will keep our community informed every step of the way.

• How will the school be accredited?

  We will maintain our full accreditations with the Texas Catholic Conference of Bishops Education Department (TCCB ED) and the Independent School Association of the Southwest (ISAS).

• Why is now the right time for this merger? 

  We are keenly aware of today’s competitive and challenging environment for independent schools locally in the Austin market, across Texas, and nationally. The unification of our schools will solidify our position as a superior, competitive, and – importantly – an accessible Independent Catholic school.

• How will enrollment be affected at all grade levels?

  This partnership will provide us with the resources and ability to honor and advance existing partner school relationships, as well as initiate new opportunities for increased enrollment and identify additional partner schools.

• How will this impact tuition?

  We do not anticipate tuition changes as a direct result of our merger. We will continue to evaluate annual tuition adjustment as we have done every year based on the ever-increasing costs of education, operating expenses, and the expansion of programs.

• How will Board leadership change? Will the Board of Trustees merge?

  Our schools will be governed by a blended Board of Trustees with equal representation from both schools. Christopher Dolce, current St. Michael’s Board Chair, will Chair our combined Board, while Ron Zboril, current St. Gabriel’s Board Chair, will serve as Vice Chair.