Mount Carmel Academy School

Envision a place where young women find their voice. Mount Carmel Academy, nestled in the Lakeview area of New Orleans, has been empowering girls since 1833. The Sisters of Our Lady of Mount Carmel, hailing from Tours, France, embarked on a mission to educate young women. Their legacy continues to this day at Mount Carmel Academy. In 1916, Mother Clare Coady laid the groundwork for the modern Mount Carmel Academy. She insisted on accredited high school programs and rigorous teacher training for the sisters. Mount Carmel Academy boasts a rich history of remarkable principals. Sister Mary Angela Duplantis, the first principal, led the school from 1926 to 1955. Sister Mary Grace Danos, principal from 1955 to 1980, oversaw the school’s expansion. Today, Beth Ann Simno leads as the fourth principal, continuing the tradition of excellence. The school’s motto, “Zelo zelatus sum pro Domino Deo exercituum,” translates to “With zeal have I been zealous for the Lord God of hosts.” Mount Carmel Academy’s Cubs compete in the LHSAA. The campus, located on Milne Boulevard, offers a variety of sports including cross country, swimming, volleyball, soccer, basketball, and more. The school colors, brown and white, symbolize the strength and purity of the Carmel spirit. Mount Carmel Academy is more than just a school. It is a place where young women discover their potential, embrace their faith, and become leaders of tomorrow. From academics to athletics, Mount Carmel Academy has consistently earned accolades, including recognition as a Top 50 Catholic High School and a Blue Ribbon School. The school’s commitment to excellence is evident in its STEM certification and 50 years of continuous accreditation from the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools. Even Hurricane Katrina couldn’t extinguish the Carmel spirit. Despite severe flood damage, Mount Carmel Academy reopened in January 2006, becoming the first school in the New Orleans area to do so. This resilience embodies the spirit of Mount Carmel Academy, a place where young women learn, grow, and rise above any challenge.