Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a required Entrance Examination?
Yes. Applicants for entrance as a freshman to Carmel Catholic High School are required to take the High School Placement Test (HSPT). This test is used by Carmel Catholic as part of the process by which admissions decisions and placement decisions are made for students.
When is the Entrance Examination offered? When must I register?
The 2009 Entrance Exam will be administered at Carmel Catholic High School on January 10, 2009. The testing fee is $25.00. There is no need to register to take the test.
When is the “Application For Admission” due?
After taking the Entrance Exam, the deadline for the Application For Admission is January 23, 2009. There is a $325 application fee. In addition to the Application for Admission, parents must complete two authorization forms: “Records Release to Carmel Catholic High School” and “Entrance Exam Scores Release Form.” The entire admissions packet can be downloaded through the Entrance Exam/Application for Admission page.
When can I come to the school for a tour? What will I see on a school tour?
Carmel Catholic High School hosts an Open House every November from Noon to 3 p.m. During the Open House, a Student Ambassador will take you on a tour of our educational facilities. You will meet Carmel Catholic faculty, students, parents, Academic Department Chairs, athletic staff and extra curricular moderators. Everyone will be eager to answer your questions.
If you are unable to attend the Open House, please contact the Admissions Office to arrange a more convenient date to visit the school.
What is a “Shadow Day”? How can I participate?
Eighth grade students are encouraged to “shadow” a current Carmel Catholic student for the duration of a school day. You will be paired with one of our students, attend classes with this student, meet his/her friends and have lunch with him/her. It’s a great opportunity to observe our school family in action and experience firsthand what life at Carmel Catholic High School is like. Eighth graders wishing to participate in the Shadow Day program must contact the Carmel Catholic Office of Admissions to schedule their shadow day. Seventh graders may spend a Shadow Day at Carmel during the spring semester.
Why should I send my child to Carmel Catholic?
Carmel Catholic prides itself on the success of the holistic education – academic, spiritual, social and physical - offered in a community environment built on core values. Recognized as a four-time winner of the Blue Ribbon School Award for outstanding schools, Carmel offers an excellent college preparatory education. Opportunities for social development abound in the extracurricular clubs and activities; physical development in our very successful athletic program. The spiritual component at Carmel makes all the difference. Students examine their values, their God-given gifts and the responsibilities that accompany them in their Religious Education classes. They develop those gifts in our required ministry program. This experience has a ripple effect in the Carmel community creating an environment of respect and appreciation for the individual.
What do Carmel students have to say about the school?
At the end of the first quarter, freshmen were given a survey to get their input on their Carmel experience thus far. One of the questions asked, “What is the best part about being at Carmel Catholic?” Here are their answers:
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Is it difficult to make new friends?
Carmel has students from approximately 90 different feeder schools throughout Lake, Cook and McHenry Counties. Chances are you will know someone in your classes. In order to ease transition into high school, teams of junior big brothers and sisters conduct orientation sessions during an extended homeroom each week during first quarter. This provides multiple opportunites to meet people and to become familiar with clubs and activities available to students. Carmel’s school culture is one of inclusion. Kindness to others matters at Carmel Catholic.
What is the cost of tuition at Carmel Catholic?
Tuition for the 2008-2009 school year has been set at $8,160.00. There are a number of payment options available for managing your tuition account.
Is financial aid available?
Carmel Catholic High School has a financial assistance program available to families who qualify. Upon completion of the application and acceptance process, the families must complete a confidential financial assistance application and submit the application to the outside vendor who evaluates the applications for Carmel Catholic. The applications are available in March at both the 8th Grade Parent Orientation and the 8th Grade Registration Night or by contacting the Carmel Catholic Business Office. Submitting your application by April 1st maximizes your opportunity to receive assistance. Carmel Catholic evaluates the outside vendors’ recommendations and notification letters are mailed to the applicants at the end of May. In addition to the financial assistance offered by Carmel Catholic, a number of partial scholarships are given annually.
Are there scholarships available?
A limited number of need-based and academic scholarships are available to incoming freshmen each year.
Is there a dress code at Carmel Catholic?
Yes, all students wear polo or oxford cloth shirts with the Carmel name embroidered on the front. The shirts are purchased from Land’s End. Uniform skirts are purchased from a separate vendor and khaki pants are purchased from Land’s End. Girls have the option of wearing khaki slacks or the uniform skirt, most girls choose to wear the uniform skirt. In addition, all students will be required to wear a name tag which is issued to them at Freshman Orientation.
What is the average ACT score at Carmel Catholic?
Class of 2007 ACT Composite Score: 25.2 compared with the State ACT Composite Score: 20.5; National ACT Composite Score: 21.2
How does Carmel accommodate students of different ability levels?
Carmel carefully places students in the appropriate classes based on test scores and counselor recommendations. Because students may have different talent levels, students may be in an honor’s or advanced placement course for one subject and in a college preparatory course for a different subject. We strive to provide a challenging level that will allow the student to be successful. During the year or from year to year, students may move from one challenge level to another.
Does Carmel Catholic have weighted grades?
Yes, students in honors or advanced placement classes earn additional GPA points for grades of “C” or higher.
What is the average number of students in a class?
Enrollment is limited to 25 students.
Do you have to be Catholic to attend Carmel Catholic High School?
No, approximately 10% of the student body is non-Catholic. All students are required to take religion classes and fulfill a 40-hour ministry requirement each year.
What can you tell me about the faculty?
Carmel Catholic is staffed by 91 full-time certified faculty, 61 of whom have advanced degrees and many others are working toward that goal. Eighteen Carmel faculty members are Carmel Alums! The school’s standards are high, but involved faculty and a low student-to-faculty ratio (16-1) allow for the individual attention that helps students reach their full potential.
What is the procedure for transferring to Carmel Catholic from another high school?
Students interested in transferring to Carmel should call the Director of Admissions at 847-388-3320.
How can I learn more about Carmel Catholic High School?
Please browse this website for more information or call the school at 847-566-3000.
Other Quick Facts About Carmel Catholic High School
Founded: 1962
Sponsored By: The Order of the Carmelites and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM).
Location: Mundelein, Illinois
2008-2009 Tuition: $8,160
Enrollment: 1430
College Preparatory, Coeducational Community
Accreditation: Carmel Catholic High School is accredited by the State of Illinois, the National Catholic Education Association, and the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools.
National Awards: National Blue Ribbon School: 1985, 1996, 2002, and 2007; Designated Top 50 Catholic High Schools Nationwide, Catholic High School Honor Roll; Catholic Schools for Tomorrow Award for Innovations in Education
Faculty: 84 classroom teachers and 5 full-time guidance counselors, one full-time social worker and one full-time college and career coordinator.
School Year: The academic year includes two semesters. Each semester is divided into two quarters. School begins in mid-August and concludes in the first week of June. The “high-standards” environment fosters academic excellence.
Student/Teacher Ratio: 16:1
Average Class Size: 24 students
Honors Courses: 35
AP Courses: 15
College Acceptance: 99%
Alumni: A thriving community of more than 13,000 alumni participates in social, fundraising and educational opportunities.
Athletics/Student Activities: Approximately 85% of Carmel students participate in after school athletics or activities. Carmel Catholic is a member of the East Suburban Catholic Conference (ESCC); 21 Boys’ and Girls’ sports and many clubs and activities are offered.
Graduation Requirements: Students are required to earn 23 units of credit including: 4 years of English, 4 years of Religion, 3 years of History/Social Science, 3 years of Mathematics, 3 years of Science, 2 years of World Languages, Fine Arts or Vocational Education, 1 year of Physical Education/Health, .5 year Introduction to Computers, and 160 hours of Ministry work.
School Colors: Brown and Gold
Team Name: Corsairs
