Cathedral-Carmel is an institution where excellence in Catholic education has been a tradition for 160 years! We are a co-educational elementary school serving PreK through 8th grades.
Established in 1846, CCS is the oldest school in Lafayette.
The administration, faculty, and staff are composed of lay and religious teachers and professionals distinguished with masters and masters-plus certification.
Our school is dedicated to the fulfillment of “teaching minds and touching hearts” through a faith-filled academic community in the tradition of the Sisters of Mount Carmel and the Christian Brothers of St. John Baptist de LaSalle.
Academics at Cathedral-Carmel School focuses upon the preparation of our students to become life-long learners.” We believe that the education students receive in elementary years is the fundamental and foundational basis for growth and achievement in their adult lives.
Cathedral-Carmel School offers a school environment that provides solid Christian values and morals, “state of the art” technology, and high academic standards.
We encourage you to visit our campus and experience for yourself why we say that at Cathedral-Carmel School our mission is “teaching minds and touching hearts.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked LA School
- Grades: Prekindergarten-8
- Enrollment: 819 students
- Application Deadline: None / Rolling
- Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Top Rankings
Cathedral-carmel School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Louisiana for:
Category
Attribute
Student Body
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades Prekindergarten-8
Student Body
Total Students
819 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
1%
State avg.: 22%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
42 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
20:1
National avg.: 13:1
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
None / Rolling
Application URL
Source: National Center for Education Statistics (NCES)
Frequently Asked Questions
What schools are Cathedral-carmel School often compared to?
Cathedral-carmel School is often viewed alongside schools like St. Pius Elementary School by visitors of our site.
What is Cathedral-carmel School's ranking?
Cathedral-carmel School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Louisiana for: Largest student body.
When is the application deadline for Cathedral-carmel School?
The application deadline for Cathedral-carmel School is rolling (applications are reviewed as they are received year-round).
In what neighborhood is Cathedral-carmel School located?
Cathedral-carmel School is located in the Downtown Lafayette neighborhood of Lafayette, LA. There are 2 other private schools located in Downtown Lafayette.
School Calendar
View the Cathedral-carmel School yearly calendar below. Note key dates such as:
Event
Date
Fall Break (No School) (Cathedral-Carmel School)
October 17, 2025 (Friday)
Thanksgiving Break (No School) (Cathedral-Carmel School)
November 24, 2025 (Monday)
Easter / Spring Break (No School) (Cathedral-Carmel School)
April 03, 2026 (Friday)
PreK & KG Last Day of School (Cathedral-Carmel School)
May 20, 2026 (Wednesday)
Last Day of School (Cathedral-Carmel School)
May 22, 2026 (Friday)
Related Schools
Show me:
Popular comparisons: Cathedral-carmel School vs. St. Pius Elementary School
People that viewed Cathedral-carmel School also viewed these schools: St. Pius Elementary School, St. Cecilia School, Westminster Christian Academy, Our Lady Of Fatima School and Gethsemane Christian Academy.
The nearest high school to Cathedral-carmel School is First Baptist Christian School (0.3 miles away)
The nearest elementary school and preschool is Ashton Grace Montessori School (0.2 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
St. Pius Elementary School
(Catholic)
205 E Bayou Pkwy
Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 237-3139
Lafayette, LA 70508
(337) 237-3139
2.8 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 699 students Avg. class size: 24 students Sports: 11 | Extracurrculars: 6
St. Cecilia School
(Catholic)
302 W Main St
Broussard, LA 70518
(337) 837-6363
Broussard, LA 70518
(337) 837-6363
6.3 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 461 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
186 Westminster Drive
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-8607
Opelousas, LA 70570
(337) 948-8607
17.1 miles
Gr: PK-12 | 434 students Avg. class size: 22 students Sports: 11 | Extracurrculars: 7 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
Our Lady Of Fatima School
(Catholic)
2315 Johnston St
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 235-2464
Lafayette, LA 70503
(337) 235-2464
1.2 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 888 students Tuition & acceptance rate listed
701 E Pinhook Rd
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 233-2750
Lafayette, LA 70501
(337) 233-2750
1.2 miles
Gr: PK-8 | 44 students
School Reviews
5 9/3/2020
Best school for developing every area of a students life. Competitive in all areas. Quality academics, great drama department and very competitive athletic program. Spirituality is the center of all things at Cathedral Carmel and the leadership from the Priests to the teachers is outstanding. They are approachable and relatable to the students. Finally, the students graduate well equipped for high school and life with the pride and traditions of having experienced an institution that has been in existence over 175 years. We had difficulty getting a spot for our children, while all other schools in the area had plenty of room. I suppose this is a testament to the greatness of the school. Advice: get your children on the list asap.
Endorse Cathedral-carmel School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Transferring from Public to Private School Mid-Year: What to Expect
Considering a mid-year transfer from public to private school? Learn what to expect with admissions, academic placement, social adjustment, and financial aid to ensure a smooth transition.
A Guide to Day vs. Boarding School: Which Is Right for Your Family
Discover the key differences between day and boarding schools to determine the best fit for your child. Explore benefits, costs, lifestyle factors, and questions to help guide your family’s decision.
The A to Z of Private Schools 2025
Explore the A to Z of private schools in 2025—from admissions to tuition—offering parents and educators clear insights into today’s options.
