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 (2024-25)
- Top Ranked VA School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 1,153 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:
Category
Attribute
Advanced Degrees
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
School History
School Overview
School Membership(s)School Assoc.
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
School Calendar
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 1994
Student Body
Total Students
1,153 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
33%
State avg.: 31%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
101 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
(Out of 1600)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Fall/Spring Casual; Winter more formal with jacket
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Jan. 10 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$16,535
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies based on whether the student is Catholic
% on Financial Aid
30%
Admissions Director
Michael Cresson
Admissions Associate
Kathryn Haas
Sports
Total Sports Offered
21 sports
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 ).
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 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!
5 2/14/2020
Great school. The instructors encourage open discussions and idea sharing amongst students. It is definitely not a stagnant environment.
5 7/3/2013
Great Academic Program
Outstanding Teachers
Excellent Coaches
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