In 1954, Our Lady of Mount Carmel Catholic Church began efforts to establish a parish school. With the church as the center of the parishioners’ social activities and the spirit of parish-wide participation, events were held which provided both fun and funds. Through events such as live-turkey raffles and spaghetti suppers, public auctions and rummage sales, “jitney supers” and dances, the parish was able to raise $133,239.13 by mid-1954. On October 15, 1954, official approval to erect a parish school was granted.
Groundbreaking took place in December 1955. By September 1956 the school, staffed by the Sisters of St. Dominic of Sparkill, had opened its doors. 147 students in Kindergarten through Fourth Grade began their first semester at Our Lady of Mount Carmel Elementary School. In October 1956, the School's cornerstone was in place and a public open house held.
On June 23, 1957, the formal dedication of the school by His Eminence Francis Cardinal Spellman took place. The ceremony was attended by the Mayor and neighboring Clergy and Sisters. St. Albert’s Priests’ Choir added to the solemnity of the occasion. The children of Our Lady of Mount Carmel School served as an honor guard for his Eminence.
Today, Our Lady of Mount Carmel School is part of the Ulster/Sullivan/Orange Catholic School Region of the Archdiocese of New York. We continue to serve students and families academically, socially, and spiritually. As part of the Archdiocese of New York, our school combines current teaching and technology in a caring environment where students become independent academically, socially, and developmentally.