The school was built in the Spanish Colonial Revival style, and was the first school in Los Angeles constructed subject to the new seismic building code which came about in the aftermath of the
1933 Long Beach earthquake. The name of the school is in reference to
Mount Carmel, the mountain range in northern
Israel where, according to
Biblical tradition, the prophet
Elijah rebuilt an altar. Although classes had begun in November 1934, the school wasn't officially dedicated until 1935 by Bishop
John Cantwell. At one time the school served boys from 40 parishes in the
Los Angeles Archdiocese. Father Gus Carter, class of 1942, returned in 1952 and became athletic director. He would leave Mount Carmel in 1959 to found
Crespi Carmelite High School in
Encino. The Carmelites announced in 1976 that the school would be closed due to declining enrollment. Enrollment had fallen to 276 students from 600 in the early 1960s. The Mt. Carmel Alumni Association is still active. It awards scholarships through a foundation to students of Catholic schools in Los Angeles. In addition the association sponsors an annual golf tournament which raises funds for retired Carmelite priests. == Athletics ==