Academic Profile
In May 2012, a total of 108 students were recognized as AP Scholars, including:
National Scholars - 5
AP Scholars with Distinction - 39
AP Scholars with Honors - 28
In the last ten years, O'Connell has had 38 National Merit Finalists and 187 commended scholars.
Enrollment: 1,221 students
- 83% Roman Catholic; diversity of other faiths represented
- Average class size: 19
- Student to faculty ratio: 12:1
Faculty/Administration
A faculty of both religious and lay men and women staff Bishop O'Connell High School. Seventy-eight percent hold a master's degree or higher. The Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary (I.H.M.) have taught at the school and served in its administration since its founding in 1957.
Curriculum
All students follow a demanding college preparatory curriculum designed to ready them for admission to the leading colleges and universities. The Muller Academic Services Program provides support for students with documented learning disabilities. Coursework is available at the Honors and Advanced Placement levels. Dual credit and dual enrolllment opportunities are also available through a partnership with Marymount University. The Global Studies Certificate Program offers optional beyond-the-classroom learning experiences focused on themes of world importance.
Advanced Placement (AP) Courses
O'Connell offers 23 AP courses, covering 26 subject areas for AP testing:
Art/Drawing, Art History, Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Political Systems, Computer Science, English Language and Composition, 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 and United States History.
Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment Programs
Global Studies Program
ACCREDITATION
Bishop O'Connell is accredited by the Virginia Catholic Education Association and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.
Bishop O'Connell High School is the
only Arlington Diocese high school to be named as a
Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education.
