Each school year at Carmel begins with a shared commitment to peace. Through our opening-day Peace Ceremony and our recognition as an International Peace Site, students are reminded that peace begins with how we treat one another and continues in how we care for our community and the world around us.

A favorite Carmel fall tradition, the Barn Dance brings students, families, friends, and alumni together for an evening of square dancing, a potluck dinner, a bonfire, and plenty of time to reconnect. After weeks of practice, our students are ready to take the lead and teach their families a few moves!

Halloween at Carmel is a day filled with costumes, games, dancing, pumpkin carving, sweet treats, and plenty of fun together. From the scavenger hunt and donut hang to our Halloween parade and costume awards, it’s a celebration the whole school community gets to enjoy.

A beloved Carmel tradition, our Thanksgiving Opera & Feast brings students of all ages, families, friends, and alumni together before the holiday break. The children take the stage, families help fill the table, and the whole community gathers to share a meal and celebrate together.

Twice each year, Carmel students ages 3 through 18 come together to put on a school-wide production. From rehearsals and student input to the final performance at the Warrenville Community Center, each play is a chance for students of all ages to create, perform, and work together.

One of Carmel’s favorite winter traditions, the Snowvernighter gives students a chance to spend an evening, and for many the whole night, at school with their friends. With games, tents, a baking contest, plenty of snacks, and morning sledding when the weather cooperates, it’s a fun and relaxed night spent together.

Fat Tuesday at Carmel is a day for colorful costumes, creativity, and plenty of fun. The celebration ends with our annual Talent Show, where every student gets a chance to share something they enjoy or do well with the whole Carmel community.

The annual CMA Science Fair gives students a chance to explore a question, conduct an experiment, and share what they discover with the Carmel community. With support from their families and Directors or Directresses, students take their science learning beyond the classroom and proudly present their work.