Mount Carmel Academy history

In 1916, Mother Clare Coady built the foundation for the present-day Mount Carmel Academy by establishing accredited high school programs and requiring that sisters receive the proper professional teaching training.

Yet by the 1920’s the Catholic presence in Tenafly greatly increased.

In 1923, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School opened in Ridgewood with thirty-five students under the leadership of the principal, Sister Fidelis Angela.

In 1926, she chose the developing Lakeview area to build a four-story building, which provided a residence for the Sisters and housed a day and boarding school, a novitiate, and a Catholic Normal School to train teachers.

In 1943, the management of the school was turned over to the Benedictine Sisters, who renamed the school San Ysidro Academy.

Then in the 1950’s the East Hill of the borough was developed with large and beautiful houses.

In 1952 Father Gregory Bergen, O.Carm built the current Church and School.

In June 1954, our first Kindergarten graduation took place and each graduate was presented with a huge, colorful lollipop as both recognition of their accomplishments and a symbol of their “big” dreams for the future.

In 1956, under the order of Bishop Mark Carroll, and in conjunction with the Society of Jesus of St Louis, (we know them as the Jesuits), an all-boys high school opened on the east side of Wichita at Central and Woodlawn.

In the 1960’s Father James McGill built the rectory, convent and new school wing.

In 1961, MCA moved from its West Douglas location to East Central after a donation of land and the promise of a new campus.

In 1971, under pressure to reduce debts, Bishop David M. Maloney announced the consolidation of Chaplain Kapaun Memorial and Mount Carmel Academy, forming Kapaun Mt.

The motherhouse remains home for the Sisters today and houses Cub Corner Pre School, a child development program that opened in 1987.

In 1990, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School and St Catharine School joined forces and became St Catharine Interparochial School and subsequently received Middle States accreditation.

In 1992, the Diocese of Wichita parishes expanded the United Catholic Stewardship model for educational funding to include the Catholic high schools.

In 1999, KMC updated its facilities following a comprehensive Facilities Master Plan.

The 36,000 square foot Mother Thérèse Chevrel Assembly Center opened in May 2005.

In response to parent demands and the opportunity to continue reinforcing the school enrollment, during the summer of 2008, the school purchased a portable classroom to start the Pre-Kindergarten program and a Learning Center for students with special needs and enhance reading and writing skills.