Carmel Catholic High School
Five-Time National Blue Ribbon School - Excellence in STEM and Innovation
Carmel Catholic High School, a five-time National Blue Ribbon School winner, is located on a beautiful 50-acre campus in Mundelein, Illinois – a safe, affluent suburb just a quick trip away from Chicago. Only six schools in the country have earned this prestigious award five times.
Quick answers
Tuition, selectivity, and admissions overview
Carmel Catholic High School is one of the schools families often compare in the San Diego private high school search. This summary brings together tuition, acceptance-rate context, deadlines, testing, and local guardian considerations before the full profile below.
Data context
Tuition, testing, and application dates follow school-published sources.
Suggested next step
Confirm grade-level availability first, then decide whether to complete materials now or plan for the next cycle.
Application Deadline: Rolling / Application Deadline: October
$20k - $65k+
TOEFL 60-80 or equivalent
Off-Campus Residence and Homestay
Our Mission
“Centered in Jesus Christ, Carmel Catholic is a college preparatory high school, empowering students to be servant leaders filled with zeal for faith and scholarship. Rooted in the charisms of the Order of Carmelites and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary, our Catholic community embraces a tradition of dignity, diversity, and justice.
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Key Info
Grades
Grades 9-11
Language Requirement
TOEFL 60-80 or equivalent
Cost of Attendance
$20k - $65k+
Accommodation
Off-Campus Residence and Homestay
Admission Information
Fall Admission
August/September Start
•Application Deadline: Rolling
Primary admission season with full academic year experience and access to all programs and activities.
Spring Admission
January Start
•Application Deadline: October
Mid-year admission available for qualified transfer students.
Application Requirements
- Completed online application
- Official transcripts from all previous schools
- English proficiency test (TOEFL 60-80 or equivalent)
- Teacher recommendations
- Personal statement
- Student interview
- Immunization records
- Catholic baptismal certificate (if applicable)
Why Study at Carmel Catholic High School?
Five-Time National Blue Ribbon School
As a top high school in Chicago, Carmel Catholic has won the coveted National Blue Ribbon School Award five times. Only six schools in the country have earned this award five times, demonstrating exceptional academic excellence and commitment to student success.
Expansive STEM Offerings
Carmel has a wide range of unique STEM courses, including a Project Lead the Way advanced engineering program, computer science, and an astronomy course taught by a NASA ambassador. The school also has a world-championship winning robotics team and a cutting-edge Business INCubator Lab where students can launch their own startups.
100+ AP, Honors and Dual Credit Courses
Students have access to a wide range of advanced coursework, with options to earn college credit. The extensive curriculum prepares students for admission to top universities, with 100% university acceptance rate and $44.4 million in scholarships earned by recent graduates.
Life at Carmel Catholic High School
Study in Chicago, Illinois, United States
Carmel Catholic is located in Mundelein, Illinois, just a quick trip away from the heart of Chicago. Chicago North Shore is an affluent area with beautiful nature, local shopping malls and a variety of restaurants. The culture and excitement of Chicago are just over an hour train ride away.
Chicago Population 2.7 Million
Vibrant metropolitan area with world-class culture, dining, and entertainment
Easy Access to Two International Airports
O'Hare International Airport (ORD) and Midway International Airport (MDW) provide convenient travel connections
Close to Top-Ranked Universities
Near Northwestern University (#9), University of Chicago (#12), and Loyola University
Campus Life at Carmel Catholic
Explore our 50-acre campus with world-class facilities
Carmel Catholic Campus
Beautiful 50-acre campus in Mundelein, Illinois
Carmel Catholic High School Facts
Discover the impressive statistics that make Carmel Catholic exceptional
Academic Excellence
Carmel Catholic offers exceptional academic programs that prepare students for success at top universities and beyond.
100+ AP, Honors and Dual Credit Courses
Project Lead the Way Engineering Program
Business INCubator Lab with Real Startup Funding
World-Championship Robotics Team
Five-Time National Blue Ribbon School Award
Computer Science and Astronomy Courses
NASA Ambassador-Taught Programs
R.E.A.C.H. Academic Resource Center
Free Tutoring and Academic Support
College-Level Courses at City College of San Francisco
Small Class Sizes with Individual Attention
100% University Acceptance Rate
175 Universities Visit Campus Annually
$44.4 Million in Scholarships Earned
Average ACT Score of 25.2
Strong College Preparatory Curriculum
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Carmel Catholic High School's acceptance rate?
Carmel Catholic has not released a public admissions acceptance rate. Students are admitted based on entrance test results, academic records, and recommendations. Aggregator-site percentages should be treated as unverified estimates.
How much does Carmel Catholic High School cost for 2026-27?
Tuition typically ranges from $15,000-$20,000+ depending on Catholic / non-Catholic family status and any boarding-equivalent options. Families should confirm exact current-year tuition and fees with the school's admissions office.
How many students attend Carmel Catholic High School?
Carmel Catholic serves approximately 900 students across grades 9-12 in Mundelein, Illinois. It is a regional Catholic high school in the Carmelite tradition, drawing students from Lake County and northern suburbs of Chicago.
Is Carmel Catholic open to non-Catholic students?
Yes. Carmel Catholic is a Catholic college-preparatory high school in the Carmelite tradition, but admits students of all faiths. Religion classes, Mass, and Carmelite-tradition formation are part of the curriculum. Non-Catholic students typically thrive when their families value the school's Catholic identity.
Does Carmel Catholic accept international students?
Yes. Carmel Catholic accepts international applicants. Application requirements typically include entrance test scores, transcripts, recommendations, and English-proficiency evidence. International families should plan local guardianship and housing separately.
What standardized tests does Carmel Catholic require?
Carmel Catholic uses Catholic-school entrance testing similar to the HSPT or High School Placement Test, depending on the year. Confirm current testing requirements directly with the admissions office.
When is the application deadline for Carmel Catholic?
Carmel Catholic typically opens applications in fall with priority decisions announced in winter. Applications after the priority window are considered as space allows. Check the current 2026-27 deadlines directly with admissions.
Does Carmel Catholic offer financial aid?
Yes. Carmel Catholic offers need-based tuition assistance and may offer merit scholarships for academic or athletic excellence. Apply early and discuss aid availability directly with the financial aid office.