Chicago North Shore (Carmel Catholic High School)

• Location: Mandelain, Illinois, USA,
• Year of foundation: 1962,
• Number of students: about 1100-1150,
• Number of teachers and staff: about 150,
• Language of instruction: English,
• Type of education: mixed (grades 9-12).

Carmel Catholic High School (Chicago North Shore) is a Catholic preparatory school in Mandelain, Illinois. It accepts students in grades 9-12, offering one of the widest educational catalogs among private schools in the Chicago region — 197 courses of five levels of difficulty. The school's mission is to prepare students for college and nurture leaders filled with a zeal for knowledge, in the spirit of dignity, diversity and justice. Students come from four counties in two states, more than 100 schools, and more than 10 countries.

The 55-acre campus includes a chapel, an arena, a stadium, a fine and performing arts center, a state-of-the-art engineering center, and a fitness center. 

Carmel Catholic High School is a prestigious educational institution that creates excellent conditions for international students. The main task is to help students achieve outstanding academic results through first—class programs, qualified teachers and modern technical equipment. Special attention is paid to drawing up an individual plan for each student, revealing his talents, abilities and interests. As a result of studying, teenagers learn important social skills, get to know themselves better, and develop personal qualities. Every year, 100% of graduates enroll in US universities, and more than 150 colleges visit the campus to recruit students.

Sam Jones

Recruitment Director for Partnership with INTO Universities (Europe and Central Asia)

How to enter a TOP American university? Will graduating from high school in the United States improve chances of admission to Ivy League?

It is not strictly necessary to graduate from an American school, but of course it will help in terms of cultural experience and adaptation to the American education system. From foreign students, the results of ACT or SAT tests are required less and less, but it will be necessary to confirm the level of the English language - as a rule, it is TOEFL or the equivalent. Plus a personal statement, of course.

Carmel Catholic High School offers a college preparation program in several areas:

• Business, technology,
• Engineering,
• English language,
• Visual and performing arts,
• Mathematics,
• THE MEDIA,
• Physical education, health,
• The science,
• Social research,
• Theology,
• World languages.

The studying is conducted in five areas: Dual Credit, Advanced Placement, Honors College Prep, Upper College Prep, College Prep. Dual Credit and AP courses are graded on a 5.0 scale. The university uses a rotating schedule model: each subject is attended twice every three days.

Since 2012, every student receives a personal Chromebook with a Google Workspace license.

Specialized classes complement the basic curriculum, so students can easily combine their preparation for admission with school education. The REACH Center is open daily from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m. and provides tutoring in math, science, and English. The Serna Learning Resource Center (founded in 2009) supports students with special educational needs. The Health Center provides psychological support through a school psychologist and counselors.

International students are provided with comprehensive support through the Amerigo Education program: additional language classes, assistance in passing complex subject topics, assistance in solving organizational issues — from housing selection to applying to university.

Students in grades 9-12 study at Carmel Catholic. The curriculum stipulates 197 courses of five levels of difficulty: from Basic College Prep to Dual Credit and Advanced Placement. The school offers more than 45 AP and Dual Credit courses, 20 of which are in the STEM field. Dual Credit is implemented jointly with several partner universities:

• College of Lake County (free for students),
• Loyola University,
• Rochester Institute of Technology,
• Missouri University of Science & Technology.

Academic fields are:

• Business and Technology,
• Engineering,
• English, visual and performing arts,
• Mathematics, media, physical education and health, natural sciences, social studies, theology, world languages.

The business education program is based on a three-tier system:

1. Basic level (grades 9-10),
2. Specialization (11th grade: entrepreneurship, logistics or finance and investment),
3. Advanced level with cases and portfolios (12th grade).

The inclusive Saint Joseph's Community of Learners program is designed for students with intellectual disabilities. It provides studying in shared classrooms, peer mentoring, and an individual plan. Upon completing studies, a Certificate of Completion is issued.

During the summer, the campus organizes short-term academic courses for students in grades 7-12 (engineering, mathematics, science, and others), as well as camps for students in grades 5-12. Advanced math courses and an introduction to engineering (with Saturday and evening classes) are available for students in grades 7-8 from partner schools.

Carmel Catholic High School is among the most decorated private schools in Illinois. The athletics department has collected 17 state championships, 49 sectional and 129 regional titles, and 159 state championship appearances. In 2025, the robotics team won the state championship, having previously won regional and world competitions.

• Five-time recipient of the National Blue Ribbon School title (one of four private schools in the US with this achievement).
• Distinguished School status from Project Lead the Way (PLTW) for achievements in engineering education.
• In 2025, 100% of students who took AP English Language and Composition scored 3 or above, 74% scored 4 or 5.
• In 2025, 93% of students who took AP English Literature and Composition scored 3 or above, 82% scored 4 or 5.
• Victory in all divisions of the Mayor's Cup STEM Challenge: JV Mathematics, Varsity Mathematics, and Engineering.
• The Advice Beyond the Classroom team won the state championship for the second consecutive year.
• The Orchesis Dance Company performed at the State Showcase 2026 Illinois High School Dance Festival.
• The Athletic Hall of Fame was established in 1990 and accepts new inductees annually.

• The school was founded by the Carmelite Order and the Sisters of Charity of the Blessed Virgin Mary (BVM). The first graduating classes completed separate schools — for boys and for girls — in 1966–1971.
• The alumni community numbers more than 19,000 people over six decades; in April 2026, an Emeritus Reunion was held for the first six graduating classes (1966–1971).
• Since 2012, Carmel Catholic has been the first school in Lake County with a "1 to 1" program: every student receives a personal Chromebook.
• The school is considered Catholic, but accepts students of all faiths.
• Students come from four counties in two states and more than 100 schools, with about 50 international students from more than 10 countries.
• The annual Street Scenes event has raised $13 million over the years to support students.
• The Corsairs Care event traces its history back to 1979 (in 2026, it took place for the 47th time).
• Students work on real engineering projects: safety systems for railways, specialized lacrosse equipment, devices for people with diabetes.
• The Bold & Inspired development campaign programs are being studied by the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee — the results will allow other schools to replicate this model.
• Many school staff members are alumni of the school.

Graduates of Carmel Catholic High School annually enroll in American universities, from large public to prestigious private ones.

• Boston College,
• Cornell University,
• Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT),
• Ohio State University,
• Michigan State University,
• Pepperdine University,
• Oberlin College,
• Maryland Institute College of Art,
• Lake Forest College.

Popular fields of study include engineering, business, fine arts, law, and medicine.

International students live in host families that are carefully selected and regularly screened. The students occupy a private bedroom and have access to all common areas in the house: kitchen, bathroom, living room, courtyard. The host families provide two meals a day — daily breakfasts and dinners with the family. The placement is organized through the partner program Amerigo Education, whose team is present on campus and provides support in any matters.

There is a canteen on campus with several concept stations: sandwiches and soups (Bread & Bowl), salad bar (Good Greens), Grill, pizzeria (Crust), international cuisine (Hemispheres), homemade food (Hearth), takeaway (Dash). Gluten-free meals are available at most stations, and vegetarian and diet options are available. Students with food allergies are provided with individual consultations and an alternative menu tailored to the needs of the student.

The extracurricular activities of Carmel Catholic High School students are exceptionally diverse: 95% of students participate in more than 45 clubs and 26 interscholastic sports teams. The school has 31 sports teams: this is an outstanding indicator among private schools in the region.

• Sports directions (autumn): cross-country, esports, American football, golf, hockey, soccer, volleyball, tennis, cheerleading, dancing, flag football.
• Winter: basketball, wrestling, gymnastics, cheerleading, dancing.
• Spring: baseball, lacrosse, tennis, track and field, volleyball, esports, soccer, softball.

Themed clubs cover a wide variety of student interests: anime, fine arts, literature, classical history, the student newspaper, debates, ecology, cinema, computer and board games, photography, ping pong, Spanish, airsoft, robotics and many others. Carmel Digital Network (CDN), a student television and radio company, hosts a daily morning news show and reports on school events.

Foreign programs are offered throughout the academic year and every summer: week-long trips to Iceland, Italy, Spain, France, Costa Rica, Morocco and other countries. The ratio of students to teachers on trips is 9:1; as a result, students receive a transcript and a college credit. A major Street Scenes charity event is held annually (in February): more than 40 live bands, theatrical performances, and a silent auction. The Corsairs Care event, a charity walk, has been held since 1979.

• The school has been awarded the National Blue Ribbon School title five times, and it is one of four private schools in the United States with this achievement.
• 100% of graduates go to universities every year, and more than 60% are included in the Honor Roll every year.
• Accreditations: Illinois State Board of Education, National Catholic Education Association (NCEA), Cognia.
• Distinguished School status of Project Lead the Way (PLTW) for achievements in engineering education.
• There are more than 45 Advanced Placement and Dual Credit courses, 20 of them in the STEM field; a total of 197 courses with five levels of difficulty.
• Since 2012, the 1—to-1 program has provided every student with a personal Chromebook, which is the first Lake County school with such a program.
• There are 31 sports teams, 95% of students participate in more than 45 clubs and 26 interscholastic sports teams.
• About 50 international students from more than 10 countries, students come from more than 100 schools.
• Member of the Illinois Green School Project from the 2022-2023 academic year.
• Every fifth student is enrolled in engineering courses, and the robotics team won the state championship in 2025.
• The alumni community has more than 19,000 members over six decades.

The school is located in Mandelain, Illinois, a suburb of Chicago, the third largest city in the United States. The campus covers 55 acres with extensive open spaces, the Mary Garden, St. Titus Brandsma Chapel, Baker Stadium, Salvi Arena, and the Kathy A. Nammers Reception Center. The campus has a pre-school department with modern facilities and an orchard. A large-scale campaign is underway to transform the campus: it is planned to open a new Corsair Student Center in 2026, expand the auditorium lobby, and establish a family garden.

• 55-acre campus with extensive outdoor/indoor learning spaces,
• The Center for Fine and Performing Arts with an area of about 3,065 square meters. m.: classrooms and rehearsal rooms, a dance studio, a black box theater, a Mac computer lab, fine art studios, a ceramic studio, an art gallery, a darkroom,
• Fitness center with an area of about 1115 sq. m. next to the arena, accessible to all students and staff,
• Engineering center with advanced equipment; modern innovative laboratory with 3D printer,
• Mac labs with Adobe Creative Suite, well-equipped TV studio, large format printing, scientific computer resources,
• Soccer field, Basketball Court, Baseball Field, Gym, Baker Stadium,
• Library (information center): subscription to more than 30 databases, about 10,000 books, magazines and newspapers; open from 7:00 to 17:00,
• Health and Psychological Support Center (Student Wellness Center), school psychologist and counselors,
• Multicultural Center: a space for communication, speakers, DEI programs, books and videos,
• The REACH Center
• Training Center with tutors in mathematics, natural sciences and English (daily from 7:00 to 16:00).

The academic year consists of two semesters and lasts from September to the end of May. The school's offices are open from 7:30 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. on school days. Classes are held on weekdays: the first lesson is 15 minutes longer than the others, and includes prayer and announcements. Consultations on academic, social and spiritual issues are held daily between the first and second lessons. 

The fixed tuition includes most of the subject fees in physical education, engineering, natural sciences, English, mathematics, social sciences and foreign languages, as well as fees for field spiritual retreats, graduation and technological support.

An approximate list of additional expenses includes:

• Registration fees,
• Accommodation, meals,
• Some books, stationery, personal use materials,
• School and sports uniforms,
• Transportation (bus pass, parking pass),
• Dual Credit courses through partner universities,
• Registration fees for AP exams and extracurricular activities,
• Some foreign trips and excursions,
• Medical insurance,
• Pocket expenses.

The school offers flexible payment options: an annual plan (one payment), a semi-annual plan (two payments), as well as 12-month and 10-month installment plans.

The school accepts applications using the rolling admissions system. Prospective students can pre-visit the campus on guided tours (on Wednesdays at 8:00 and 11:45) or spend a day with an active student as part of the Shadow Day program (sign up for at least two academic days). The annual open House day takes place in November.

Smapse specialists are guaranteed to accompany you at all stages of admission.

Every year, 100% of Carmel Catholic High School graduates enter universities. More than 150 colleges visit the campus annually to recruit students, which attests to the school's high reputation in the academic community. More than 60% of students qualify for the Honor Roll, and in 2025, 100% of students who took the AP in English (Language and Composition) scored at least 3 points.

Every year, from 12 to 24 graduates continue their studies in the field of fine and performing arts — an annual "Signing Ceremony" is held for such graduates. Graduates work in the aerospace industry, law, IT, business, and law enforcement; one of the 2016 graduates even participated in NASA's program to return humans to the moon.

Foreign applicants enter through the partner program of Amerigo Education. The school accepts applications using the rolling admissions system.

• Personal documents: passport, visa or residence permit, medical insurance, health certificates.
• Official transcript for the last two academic years: original and English translation.
• English Language test results: TOEFL (from 50) or equivalent.
• Two letters of recommendation from teachers of mathematics and English.
• Individual achievements in extracurricular activities.

Carmel Catholic High School has one of the most developed financial support programs among private schools in the region: the annual amount of scholarships and financial assistance is about $4 million. About 30-50% of families receive a reduction in tuition, more than 25% receive payments based on need. The average amount of financial assistance is $8,092 per year.

• Scholarships for academic performance (based on the results of the entrance test): 97-99th percentile — $2,500 per year; 94-96th percentile — $1,500 per year; 90-93th percentile — $1,000 per year.
• Stella Maris grants: funded by the community, help families in need of lower tuition fees, combined with other types of assistance.
• Parish Scholarships: An annual scholarship for a St. Joseph Catholic School; scholarship for members of St. Mary of Vernon Parish (Gorman Sullivan, O. Carm. Memorial Scholarship).
• The Tuition Assurance program helps students who have lost a parent complete their studies. Over the past 5 years, 14 families have used the program.
• Applications for financial assistance are submitted through the FACTS Grant & Aid Assessment system (collection of $30). Families of first-year students apply from October 15, 8th grade, with a priority deadline of December 31 (current and transfer students until April 1).
• The Bold & Inspired campaign: The scholarship goal is over $2 million in additional funding.

• Guardianship services during the studies
• Student supervision