How do you know you've found the right high school?
Sometimes it's not during an open house, cheering on the Corsairs to victory, or while reviewing course offerings.
Sometimes it's a Carmel senior who, out of the blue, notices an incoming freshman's sweatshirt at a bowling alley and goes out of her way to say, "You're going to love it here."
Sometimes it's a shadow host whose enthusiasm makes a nervous 8th grader feel at home before she ever enrolls.
And sometimes it's watching your child walk through the doors on the first day and realizing the community, confidence, and opportunities you sought are already taking root.
For the families of freshmen Elizabeth Spaccaferro and Philamena Patel, and junior Wyatt Van Boening, those moments confirmed what they already suspected: Carmel Catholic was more than a high school. It was a place where their children would not only be prepared to enter college but do so as confident, grounded, and capable people.
Finding a Place to Belong
For many families, the high school search starts with academics. What often seals the decision is something harder to measure: a sense of community.
Elizabeth Spaccaferro and her parents experienced Carmel long before freshman year through engineering programs, shadow days, academic competitions, football games, and community events. With every visit, Carmel kept moving higher on their list.
"We realized Carmel provided the full package," say her parents, Stephanie and Rosario. "Academics, clubs, community, and opportunities tailored to each student's abilities."
Then came that unforgettable bowling alley encounter. A Carmel senior, working as a server at the bowling alley, noticed Elizabeth's sweatshirt, introduced herself, and spent several minutes talking about her experience.
"The fact is, she didn't need to explain Carmel's strength of community," Stephanie says. "She exhibited everything we needed to know."
Now a freshman, Elizabeth says the reality has matched the promise.
"The Carmel community has been extremely nice and welcoming," says the graduate of Frassati Catholic Academy. "I'm most excited about becoming part of a new community and building relationships."
Philamena Patel felt that same sense of belonging during a shadow day.
Coming from East Lake Academy, where her graduating class consisted of just 10 students, she wasn't sure what to expect from a larger high school environment. One day on Carmel's campus changed everything.
"I quickly knew Carmel was for me," she says. "I felt welcomed all day long and I felt at home."
The student she shadowed shared stories about classes, activities, and life at Carmel with an enthusiasm that made a lasting impression.
"Her energy and love for Carmel were contagious," Philamena says.
For her parents, Jennifer and Biren, that experience confirmed what they had been looking for.
"We loved the warm welcome Philamena felt every time she set foot on campus," Jennifer says. "From that point on, she knew Carmel was where she wanted to be."
Growing in Faith and Purpose
While academic rigor was important to all three families, they were equally focused on finding a school that would help their children grow as people.
Elizabeth's parents were searching for a challenging academic environment grounded in Catholic values.
Philamena's family wanted a school with a thriving Campus Ministry program, strong performing arts opportunities, and a faith community where their daughter could grow spiritually while building lasting friendships.
Wyatt Van Boening's parents, Susan and Simon, were looking beyond test scores and college admissions. Wyatt’s two older brothers graduated from their local public high school. He and his parents felt a more personalized educational and extracurricular experience could benefit him.
"We wanted a high school experience that went beyond what a traditional public school could offer," Susan says. "We wanted an environment that would challenge him academically and help shape his character, values, and faith."
You also tend to believe in a place that believes in you. Three years in, Wyatt has noticed that no matter where students come from or where they stand academically as freshman, “Carmel is a place that if you show up and work hard the school will give you every opportunity to exceed your goals.”
Philamena has already immersed herself in choir, drama, and the Liturgical Choir, where she helps lead worship at school Masses. As a Zac Plantz Scholar, she is inspired by the legacy of service and compassion the scholarship represents.
"I hope to honor him while at Carmel, especially by how I treat each person whom I encounter," she says.
It's exactly the kind of growth families hope for when they choose a Catholic education, where faith, service, leadership, and learning come together.
Becoming More Than They Imagined
Every student arrives at Carmel with unique talents and interests. What excites parents is how many opportunities exist for those interests to grow.
For Elizabeth, the spark was engineering. After participating in Carmel's middle school programs, she saw firsthand the possibilities available to students with an interest in STEM.
"Carmel offered a challenge for me," she says. "The engineering opportunities were a great introduction to what makes Carmel unique."
For Philamena, it was the performing arts program. After meeting Choir Director Mrs. Haqq during the admissions process, she could already picture herself on stage. Today, choir and drama are among the highlights of her school day.
For Wyatt, Carmel has provided opportunities to thrive both in the classroom and on the football field.
"In athletics, we get a lot of one-on-one attention from high-caliber coaches," he says. "In the classroom, my teachers are always pushing us and supporting me."
His parents see that balance as one of Carmel's greatest strengths.
"We wanted a school where our child could truly have it all," Susan says. "An exceptional education, elite extracurricular opportunities, a strong sense of community, and a meaningful foundation of faith."
That's why families continue to choose Carmel Catholic.
Not simply because of what students accomplish here, but because of who they become here. Students are challenged academically, prepared for college, encouraged to serve, grounded in faith, and given countless opportunities to discover their passions and purpose.
A place to belong. A reason to believe. Every opportunity to become.