About Us
Bishop Denis J. O'Connell High School is a faith-filled community of learning, rooted in a tradition of service and excellence.
Founded by six local parishes in 1957, our school was built to serve the rapidly growing suburban Catholic population in the Washington, D.C. area. Today, our student body of approximately 1,200 students reflects the diversity of this community.
The spiritual atmosphere at O'Connell is enriched by the presence of the Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary, who have served the school population since its doors opened in 1957.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR CATHOLIC IDENTITY
Bishop O'Connell offers expanded services to provide an inclusive Catholic high school experience for students with cognitive and intellectual disabilities, enriching the learning environment for all students.
READ MORE ABOUT OUR INCLUSIVE CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOL EXPERIENCE
Bishop O'Connell is one of four diocesan high schools in the Catholic Diocese of Arlington, accredited by the Virginia Catholic Education Association and the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools - Council on Accreditation and School Improvement.
In 1992-1993, Bishop O'Connell High School was named as a Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education, and was named to the 2018-2023 Catholic Education Honor Roll by the Cardinal Newman Society.