Academic Departments

The world of business and technology affects our lives on all levels. It is important that students gain an overall understanding, incuding its workings, its complexities, and its effects on their daily lives, not only as persons directly involved, but also as consumers, investors and creators in today’s global economy.

Department Chair: Mrs. Shelley Lindgren

Through design challenges and a distinct problem-solving model, introductory students learn how to model, improve and develop products, both in and out of the classroom. Students learn to sketch and illustrate solutions by hand and with sophisticated three-dimensional modeling software. Emphasis is placed on documenting the design process when analyzing and considering solutions. Students develop problem-solving skills and become leaders in terms of identifying and solving problems. Students are also introduced to a variety of engineering disciplines through coding and robotics to build on their problem-solving skills.

Our Engineering Center provides state-of-the-art resources and learning spaces. Carmel Catholic was named a Project Lead the Way Distinguished School for increasing student access, engagement and achievement in engineering.

Our robotics teams have won state, national and world competitions, most recently winning state in 2022.

English language skills serve as the foundation for communication. The responsibility of the English teacher is to help students use language to make sense of their own lives and to understand the lives of those they meet in the world. As a subject, English embodies the skills of reading, writing, speaking, researching and listening, as well as the content areas of literature and grammar, both of which contain identifiable bodies of knowledge. In all facets, however, the study of English serves to develop each learner’s practical communication skills and broader vision of relatedness among people.

The Fine and Performing Arts Department offers a hands-on educational experience allowing students to express themselves through song, dance, theater, visual arts and instrumental music. Our faculty fosters a learning environment conducive to creative development and exploration, while enriching students' creative, social, academic and spiritual development.

The Mathematics Department’s philosophy is based upon an abiding respect for the individual and the learning process. The development of the constructs of mathematics trains the mind to think in a logical, creative and inquiring manner. The same constructs are essential in a technology-driven society. The life skills of the individual require a fundamental understanding of mathematics ranging from basic arithmetic to the implementation of mathematics into today’s technology. The challenge is to develop the talents of each individual to his or her maximum ability, resulting in the desire for lifelong learning.

Physical Education consists of various wellness activities and health-related topics presented to enhance students’ overall health today and in the future. It is our goal that students appreciate that good health is a precious gift from God that should be respected, cared for and nourished. Through the development of a physically active lifestyle, students become aware that the risk of illness can be reduced through positive health behaviors. Our focus consists of team sports, games, fitness, dance and rhythms as well as lifetime sports and activities. Within the context of these activities, we stress the goals of sportsmanship, teamwork and Christian ethics. Students are given the knowledge and the opportunity to take responsibility for their own health.

Science is a dynamic discipline in which we seek to understand the universe. We must, therefore, grasp as foundation the body of knowledge that others before us have achieved and be able to confront—imaginatively and creatively—the questions that will widen and constantly increase our understanding. Technology, which grows out of scientific discovery, continually changes the world in which we live and is at the forefront of our science curriculum.

Social Studies binds us together in the present and meets the challenges of the future. Social Studies opportunities at Carmel Catholic High School focus on preparing students to live in a global community and to function effectively as citizens in a democratic society. They are called to respect the traditions and cultural diversity of the world and to stimulate a hierarchy of critical thinking skills as a means of problem-solving.

Through academic scholarship, prayerful reflection and ministry, the Theology Department promotes an integration of the Christian faith into the daily lives of our students. Aware of the cultural and religious diversity of the Carmel community, we foster respect and dialog among all, believing that diversity is an essential ingredient of the Church's universality.

The mission of the World Languages Department is based upon the Catholic view of humankind as a special gift from God. We recognize that all students benefit aesthetically, intellectually, psychologically, socially and spiritually from the study of another language. Language study is a combination of learning communication skills and becoming familiar with the culture of other civilizations: their customs, history, art and literature. This experience enables students to respect other people’s ideas, ways of thinking and behaviors and values, and at the same time helps students to reassess their own values. World language study plays a major role in the total educational program by preparing students to live their lives more fully and to strive for harmony and understanding in a global society.

Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy

Carmel recognizes high school graduates who have obtained a high level of proficiency in Spanish, Chinese or French by offering the Illinois State Seal of Biliteracy. The Seal of Biliteracy is noted on the student’s high school transcript and diploma. Students can also earn free college credit from many colleges and universities based on having earned the Seal of Biliteracy. Learn more.