Established in 1866, CCSM has the distinction of being the first school in continuous operation within the city of Austin. Offering a Classical Catholic curriculum for pre-K through eighth grades, the school seeks to form knowledgeable and confident disciples of Christ who will have great success not only in this life but also and more importantly, in the next life.

One family who knows this well is the Sanchez-Vasquez family, whose four children have attended Cathedral School. They began their journey at the school in 2014 when their oldest daughter, Guadalupe, now 21 and a college student, enrolled in third grade. Their three younger children: Ximena, Tony and Sophia followed in her footsteps. Because keeping Catholic education affordable is a priority at CSSM, the family has thrived.

Teresa Pione, director of Admissions and Development for CCSM, said the school prioritizes helping families financially.

“Our priority is always tuition assistance, which we consider a vocation to which God has called us. It’s a blessing to serve the many very devout families who lead by example in their strong faith and sacrifice,” she said.

More than 85% of CSSM’s students apply for and receive financial aid, which is based on their parents’ income. Even with limited resources, everyone pays something, and the families highly prioritize a Catholic education for their children where they know they are safe, loved and being well-formed in virtue, discipline and academics.

“In order to do this, we develop partnerships with various grant organizations as well as generous individuals who share in our passion for affordable Catholic education,” Pione said. “We are constantly surprised at how God provides for all of us.”

The school worships together as a faith community focused on traditional Catholic values; provides a quality instructional program; and maintains a safe, disciplined and nurturing Christ-centered environment.

“Many young people in our world today are confused about various realities, from their identity to their purpose in life and everything in between,” Pione said. “Children deserve to know they are never alone, they have a purpose, are loved, and that each of us has a unique set of gifts and talents”.

Ximena, the second daughter in the Sanchez-Vasquez family, can attest to this. A diligent student who graduated from CSSM in 2023, she enjoyed her daily journals to Jesus in religion class and loved praying the rosary with her classmates. Today she is thriving at Austin Achieve Academy High School and is confident in who she is as a daughter of God.

The two youngest members of the Sanchez-Vasquez family are continuing their education at CSSM, which is located in the heart of downtown Austin, adjacent to St. Mary Cathedral. The school community is as diverse as the city it’s in, with families coming from more than 36 Austin-area ZIP codes.

“We are humbled and proud to be a Classical Catholic school in the heart of downtown Austin,” Pione said. “Here, you will find our faith is living and effective, our academics are engaging and dynamic, and our community is vibrant, diverse and welcoming.”

For more information about the school,

email tpione@cssmaustin.org or call (512) 476-1480 or visit www.smcschoolaustin.org.