Academic Profile

Enrollment: 1,230 students

- 73% Roman Catholic; diversity of other faiths represented
- Average class size: 18
- Student to faculty ratio: 11:1

Faculty/Administration

A faculty of both religious and lay men and women staff Bishop O'Connell High School. Seventy-two 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 enrollment 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)

O'Connell offers AP courses in 29 subject areas:
Biology, Calculus AB, Calculus BC, Chemistry, Comparative Government & Politics, Computer Science A, Computer Science Principles, Cybersecurity, Drawing, English, Language & Composition, English Literature & Composition, Environmental Science, European History, French Language & Culture, Human Geography, Latin, Macroeconomics, Microeconomics, Music Theory, Physics 1, Physics C (E&M), Physics C (Mechanics), Pre-Calculus, Psychology, Spanish Language & Culture, Spanish Literature & Culture, Statistics, U.S. Government & Politics, and U.S. History.

In May 2024, a total of 190 students were recognized as AP Scholars, including:
AP Scholars with Distinction - 50
AP Scholars with Honors - 29

Discover Our Unique Academic Programs

Bishop O’Connell High School is committed to providing students with a multitude of curriculum choices in the fields of science, technology, engineering and mathematics (STEM).

STEM Program

Bishop O’Connell High School established the Global Studies Certificate Program to prepare students to be well-informed, self-motivated adults with the skills, confidence and moral perspective needed to succeed as leaders in the 21st century.

Global Studies

Through the Dual Credit and Dual Enrollment programs, participating O’Connell seniors may earn college credit while in high school from Catholic University as well as Marymount University.

Dual Credit

Meet Our Graduates

O’Connell has given me the opportunity to flourish and grow academically, athletically, socially, and faithfully. It is a place for growth and a gateway to a vast range of opportunities and pathways. I am very thankful for literally everything that the school has provided, because without every bit of it, I wouldn't be who I am today.

- Nick O. '23
(University of Michigan)
Read more...

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 was named as a Blue Ribbon School by the Department of Education, and a School of Excellence by the Cardinal Newman Society.