Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School

Bishop O'Connell High School is a Catholic coeducational community located in Arlington, Virginia.
The spiritual atmosphere is enriched by the presence of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
Our mission is to provide students an education rooted in the life of Christ and to foster the pursuit of excellence in the whole person.
We believe in the full development of the human person, including the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical aspects of one's being.
Commitment to academic excellence is an integral part of our identity as a Catholic school.
We believe that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process, and when each student has appropriate opportunities for success.
We believe that student self-esteem is enhanced by positive relationships and mutual respect among and between students and faculty; that students thrive in a supportive yet stimulating climate which affirms the dignity of all persons; and that we are called to educate students of diverse economic, cultural, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked VA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,180 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $16,535
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 10 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Top Rankings

Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:

School Overview

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Muller Academic Services Program for students with documented learning disabilities
Year Founded
1957
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
Awards
 Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 1994

Student Body

Total Students
1,180 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
35%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School Student By Grade

Academics and Faculty

Total Classroom Teachers
106 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
81%
Average Class Size
18 students
Number of AP Courses
28 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Art History, Art/Drawing, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Political Systems, Computer Science, English Language, English Literature, Environmental Science, French Language, Latin, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Modern European History, Music Theory, Physics B, Physics C (E &M), Physics C (Mechanical), Psychology, Spanish Language, Spanish Literature, Statistics, United States Government, United States History
Average SAT score
1220
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Fall/Spring Casual; Winter more formal with jacket

Tuition and Acceptance Rate

Admission Deadline
Jan. 10 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies based on whether the student is Catholic
% on Financial Aid
30%
Admissions Director
Michael Cresson
Admissions Associate
Kathryn Haas

Sports

School Notes

  • A Catholic co-educational community since 1957
  • Small class sizes with teachers who care
  • Financial assistance available
  • Convenient location with bus transportation provided (walking distance from East Falls Church Metro)
  • 70 different Clubs that students participate in
  • Dual Enrollment Courses available through Marymount University
  • One of a kind Global Studies Program
  • Project Lead the Way Engineering Curriculum
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School cost?
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School's tuition is approximately $16,535 for private students.
Does Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School offer a summer program?
Yes, Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School offer?
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School offers 21 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for most sports offered.
What is Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School's ranking?
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School?
The application deadline for Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School is Jan. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
What neighborhood is Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School located?
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School is located in the East Falls Church neighborhood of Arlington, VA.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
I have 1 DJO grad and a current 11th grader. We could not be any happier with DJO. They have received an awesome education that has and will prepare them for college while making many great friends. A very all-around balance school!
- Posted by
5  
Great school. The instructors encourage open discussions and idea sharing amongst students. It is definitely not a stagnant environment.
- Posted by
5  
Great Academic Program Outstanding Teachers Excellent Coaches
- Posted by

Endorse Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High 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
Endorse this school:

Recent Articles

Private School Search Tips
Private School Search Tips
We look at several ways you can use to search for private schools. Whether you are beginning the search process for a school for your child or just want to find out more about particular schools, we offer some tips and tricks to make searching more efficient.
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Secrets to Becoming a Great School
Discover the essential ingredients that drive academic success and cultivate a thriving school community.
All About JROTC
All About JROTC
Explore the multifaceted advantages of Junior Reserve Officers' Training Corps (JROTC) programs in private schools. Delve into how JROTC cultivates leadership, discipline, and citizenship skills among students, contributing to their holistic development and future success.

Quick Stats (2024)

  • Top Ranked VA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,180 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $16,535
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 10 / rolling
  • Source: Verified school update

Request Information

Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Arlington, VA is $14,117 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

Quick Links