Success Stories

Carmel Catholic High School

Empowering students to be reflective thinkers, grateful stewards and responsible faith-driven leaders

Who they are

Based in Mundelein, Illinois, Carmel Catholic High School is a private institution serving students in ninth through 12th grade. Originally founded in the 1960s as separate schools for boys and girls, Carmel Catholic merged into its current co-ed structure in 1988. As the school approached its 50th anniversary, Carmel Catholic retained Evolve team members to develop a strategic plan to guide the school’s future growth. The school needed a solid strategy to address aging infrastructure, changing demographics in the Catholic community and competition with excellent local public high schools.

The Impact

The consulting team delivered a five-year strategic plan that provides Carmel Catholic with a clear path toward the future, including detailed tactics and timelines to help the school meet its goals. Equipped with a plan to achieve its vision, Carmel Catholic is now well-positioned to meet the academic, physical, social and spiritual needs of the region’s young minds for years to come.

Key Project Elements
  • Performed SWOT analysis
  • Tested the school’s mission and vision statements
  • Surveyed nearly 1,800 individuals via online surveys, focus groups and individual interviews
  • Performed regional industry benchmarking
  • Trained the seven subcommittees
  • Developed five-year strategic plan with goals in seven key areas
Services Provided
  • Organizational assessment
  • Training
  • Strategic planning

How We Work Together

From January through July 2016, Evolve consultants worked closely with Carmel Catholic President Dr. Brad Bonham, the strategic planning committee and seven subcommittees to develop a comprehensive plan that would support the school’s next phase of growth. During the process, our team gathered feedback from nearly 1,800 individuals through surveys, focus groups, and one-on-one interviews and performed a competitive analysis of a dozen high schools. Armed with these insights, the consultants worked with Carmel Catholic to review its goals in seven key areas, including academics, facilities, Catholic identity and student life.

“My experience with our consultants was outstanding. I am extremely happy with the high quality of their work. Tina Herpe did a tremendous job leading Carmel Catholic through the strategic planning process. The team's support exceeded all my expectations, and they were instrumental in the success of our plan.”

DR. BRAD BONHAM, PRESIDENT