In 1972, the only Catholic high school in Austin closed. Ten years later, Austin was the only US major city without a Catholic high school. A small group of parents and Catholic lay leaders led by Dr. Leonard Dolce commissioned a study that revealed the Austin community would enthusiastically support such a school. In 1984, St. Michael's Catholic Academy opened its doors. It was one of the first Catholic schools in the nation to be established entirely by lay people. The land and the school are not owned by the diocese – a striking departure from typical Catholic schools. Although the Diocese of Austin has been extremely supportive, lay people have assumed full responsibility for the school. Since the school’s beginning, trustees, parents, faculty and staff have labored to realize its founding vision: to be a first-class Catholic secondary school that nourishes the minds, bodies and spirits of its students, preparing them for a challenging college education and a Christian adult life.