BISHOP McNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL is a Catholic, independent, college-preparatory high school educating hearts and minds rooted in the Holy Cross tradition.
We have 61 years of educating youth in the Washington, DC area and a legacy of over 15,000 alumni who demonstrate every day our belief in the unique, God-given talents of every young person who walks through our doors.
We challenge our students to be innovative, creative, and caring individuals as we focus on academic excellence, leadership development, and a passion for a life rooted in Christ.
Quick Facts (2025-26)
- Top Ranked MD School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 894 students
- Yearly Tuition: $22,000
- Acceptance rate: 60%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 12 / Mar. 6
- Source: Verified school update
Upcoming Events
Top Rankings
Bishop McNamara High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Diagnosed Learning Differences (St Joseph Program), Developmental Delays (St Andre Program)
Year Founded
1964
Colors
Maroon, Gold
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2024
Student Body
Total Students
894 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
93%
State avg.: 38%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
100 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
9:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
64%
Average Class Size
18 students
Number of AP Courses
18 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP African American StudiesAP Biology
AP Calculus ABAP Calculus BC
AP ChemistryAP Computer Science A
AP Computer Science PrinciplesAP Drawing
AP English Language & CompositionAP English Literature & Composition
AP Environmental ScienceAP French Language & Culture
AP LatinAP Physics 1: Algebra-Based
AP Physics C: MechanicsAP Psychology
AP Spanish Language & CultureAP Statistics
AP Studio Art 2-D DesignAP US History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
khaki pants, sweaters/sweater vest/cardigan, khaki skirts
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 12 / Mar. 6
Yearly Tuition Cost
$22,000
Tuition Notes
Tuition 10-month plans offered.
Summer Program Cost
$400
Summer Program Cost Notes
$400 per course
Acceptance Rate
60%
National avg.: 81%
College Acceptance Rate
100%
Admissions Director
Rashad Wilkerson
Admissions Associate
Kendall Isadore
Application URL
Sports
Total Sports Offered
21 sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
33 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Arts and Music Programs:
Black Cultural AllianceBowling Club
Chess ClubCooking Club
England ExchangeFellowship of Christian Athletes
Filipino American Cultural EnlightenmentFitness Club
Foreign Language Honor SocietiesFrontiers of Justice
Government Internship ProgramMcNamara Yearbook Club
Mock TrialMu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society
National Honor SocietyPhotography Club
Poetic JusticeProject Earth
Spain ExchangeSpeech and Debate Club
Step TeamTeens in Action
The Stampede (school newspaper)Vita Semper (Pro-life)
Webmasters ClubYoga Club
Youth for Christ
Arts and Music Programs:
Artisans GuildIntramural Basketball
Shakespeare FestivalTech Crew
The Inkwell (student art &creative writing)Tri-M Music Honor Society
School Notes
- School Motto: Empowered leaders, inspired by the Gospel, transforming the world.
- School Mascot: Mustang
Bishop McNamara: Providing a world-class schoolexperience for all our students
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bishop McNamara High School cost?
Bishop McNamara High School's tuition is approximately $22,000 for private students and $400 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Bishop McNamara High School?
The acceptance rate of Bishop McNamara High School is 60%, which is lower than the national average of 78%. Bishop McNamara High School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Maryland with low acceptance rates.
Does Bishop McNamara High School offer a summer program?
Yes, Bishop McNamara High School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Bishop McNamara High School offer?
Bishop McNamara High School offers 21 interscholastic sports: Archery, Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Rugby, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Winter Track and Wrestling. Bishop McNamara High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for most sports offered.
What is Bishop McNamara High School's ranking?
Bishop McNamara High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Bishop McNamara High School?
The application deadline for Bishop McNamara High School is Dec. 12 / Mar. 6.
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The nearest high school, elementary school and preschool to Bishop McNamara High School is From The Heart Christian School (1.8 miles away)
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School
Location
Miles
Quick Facts
5715 Emerson Street
Bladensburg, MD 20710
(301) 864-4532
Bladensburg, MD 20710
(301) 864-4532
6.6 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 540 students Avg. class size: 19 students Sports: 14 | Extracurrculars: 24 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
4313 Madison St
Hyattsville, MD 20781
(240) 764-2202
Hyattsville, MD 20781
(240) 764-2202
7.9 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 807 students
6707 Woodyard Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
(301) 599-9600
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
(301) 599-9600
4.8 miles
Gr: PK-6 Avg. class size: 15 students Sports: 1 | Extracurrculars: 2 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
6501 Surratts Road
Clinton, MD 20735
(301) 868-1600
Clinton, MD 20735
(301) 868-1600
6.6 miles
Gr: K-12 | 393 students Avg. class size: 18 students Sports: 9 | Extracurrculars: 3 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
113 St Mary's Place
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 725-3228
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 725-3228
17.8 miles
Gr: 9-12 | 410 students Avg. class size: 17 students Sports: 16 | Extracurrculars: 24 Tuition & acceptance rate listed
School Reviews
5 5/20/2016
Bishop McNamara is a place where young adults from all walks of life can be themselves. When we look at the halls of McNamara we see 100% diversity. This is from color to size, from wealthy families to poor, from solid homes to broken ones, from young adults with high self-esteem to those broken souls in need of repair. It is that 100% diversity which makes this school tick in a different way from any other school we have been involved with. From the quirky to the future quantum physicist everyone finds a home in this school.
We witness firsthand the love that binds the faculty, students and parents daily. The way a student who will never play a sport but loves them is not left out. That child is woven into an intricate framework as a leader by being a statistician, manager, summer basketball camp commissioner or the president of the spirit club who supports athletics. Niches are not found for young adults here, they are created by the believers in this education of life by faculty and staff. This goes for all aspects of the school, academics, fine arts and spiritual formation. BMHS is a place for your family to find a purpose to serve and call home.
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