Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School (Top Ranked Private School for 2026-27)

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Quick Facts (2026-27)

Top Ranked VA School
Grades: 9-12
Enrollment: 1,153 students
Yearly Tuition: $16,535
Acceptance rate: 90%
Average class size: 18 students
Application Deadline: Jan. 10 / rolling
Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

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

School Facts

Religious Affiliation

Catholic

Grades Offered

Grades 9-12

Students By Grade

View Data

Distribution of Students By Grade
Grade	Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School
9	275
10	262
11	314
12	302

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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

View Summer Program Details

School Calendar

View School Calendar

Awards

Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 1994

Campus Size

20 acres

School Motto

To provide students an education rooted in the life of Christ.

Student Body

Total Students

1,153 students

Student Body Type

Co-ed

% Students of Color

33%

State avg.: 31%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers

101 teachers

Student-Teacher Ratio

11:1

National avg.: 11:1

% Faculty w/Advanced Degree

81%

Average Class Size

18 students

Average SAT score

1220

(Out of 1600)

Classroom Dress Code

Casual

Fall/Spring Casual; Winter more formal with jacket

Number of AP Courses

28 courses

List of Courses Offered

Link to List of Courses

Advanced Courses

Art HistoryArt/Drawing

BiologyCalculus AB

Calculus BCChemistry

Comparative Political SystemsComputer Science

English LanguageEnglish Literature

Environmental ScienceFrench Language

LatinMacroeconomics

MicroeconomicsModern European History

Music TheoryPhysics B

Physics C (E &M)Physics C (Mechanical)

PsychologySpanish Language

Spanish LiteratureStatistics

United States GovernmentUnited States History

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School Membership(s)School Assoc.

National Catholic Educational Association (NCEA)
Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline

Jan. 10 / rolling

Yearly Tuition Cost

$16,535

View national tuition avg.

Tuition Notes

Tuition varies based on whether the student is Catholic

% on Financial Aid

30%

Acceptance Rate

90%

National avg.: 82%

Admissions Director

Michael Cresson

Admissions Associate

Kathryn Haas

Application URL

Online Application

Sports

Total Sports Offered

21 sports

Sports

TennisTrack and Field

VolleyballWinter Track

Wrestling

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Colors

Royal blue, Silver

School Mascot

Knights

School Notes

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.

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

Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
- Dominic K., Duke University -
- Samantha R., University of Notre Dame -

Source: Verified school update

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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.

What schools are Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School often compared to?

Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School is often viewed alongside schools like Bishop Ireton High School by visitors of our site.

What is the acceptance rate of Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School?

The acceptance rate of Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 79%.

Who are famous alumni from Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School?

Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School famous alumni include: Dominic K., Duke University and Samantha R., University of Notre Dame.

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, Oldest founding date and Largest endowments.

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 ).

In 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 10/20/2021

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 Parent - C. Clark

5 2/14/2020

Great school. The instructors encourage open discussions and idea sharing amongst students. It is definitely not a stagnant environment.

- Posted by Parent - Parent

5 7/3/2013

Great Academic Program Outstanding Teachers Excellent Coaches

- Posted by Parent - billy

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Arlington, VA is $16,100 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).

The average acceptance rate in Arlington, VA is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).