Mt. Carmel High School has become a 2005 Distinguished High School. The school is one of 100 high schools in California who received the honor on May 20 in Anaheim, California. The is the third California Distinguished School Award for Mt. Carmel. The other awards were in 1986 and 1999. Mt. Carmel also received the national Blue Ribbon School Award in 1989 and 2000.

The California School Recognition Program, begun in 1985 by the California Department of Education (CDE), honors elementary and secondary schools in alternating years. It recognizes schools that are successfully implementing the priorities of the State Superintendent of Public Instruction and the State Board of Education. Schools that apply undergo a comprehensive self-assessment that involves the entire school community, including teachers, parents and students, and community and business leaders.

Schools are identified as eligible to participate based upon their accountability data. The California Department of Education uses a rigorous competitive application model which requires schools to demonstrate elements common to exemplary schools. They include:

• Powerful standards, assessments, and accountability
• Visionary and collaborative leadership
• Research-based curriculum and instructional practices
• Learning support services for all students including those with special needs
• Academic guidance and counseling
• School culture
• Effective professional development
• Extensive family participation
• Partnerships with business and community
• A safe, clean, and healthy learning environment

To win the award, schools are required to meet California Department of Education eligibility standards for student performance. School districts are asked to describe their assessment and accountability systems, including the use of multiple measures and how they are used to determine whether students meet grade-level standards. Those schools qualifying for consideration as distinguished schools have to show the use of reliable measures and high standards for all students.

Next, in a detailed 23-page application based on the best practices of exemplary schools, each school was required to cite evidence of standards and accountability, effective instructional practices, support for student learning, a well-organized curriculum, integration of technology, safe schools, and parent and community support. Curriculum experts screened the applications at the state level, with the highest-scoring applications slated for site visits by state review teams. Mt. Carmel received the highest score possible on its application (an 8.0). The review teams spend a day at each of the qualifying schools where they meet with teachers, classified staff, parents, and students. They review student performance data and carefully observe the quality of teaching in the classrooms.