Application Process

Thank you for your interest in Bishop O'Connell High School!

9th Grade Applicants

Students applying to 9th grade will need to submit the following:

Online Application ($55)
Copy of Birth Certificate
7th Grade Transcript
8th Grade Transcript
Teacher Recommendation Letter (one required; must be completed by a current academic teacher)
Discipline Form
HSPT Scores
A copy of current IEP/SAP/504 Plan and any accompanying documents, if applicable
Psychoeducational testing documents, if applicable

Once the application has been submitted, families can send a request to their school for the required documents and monitor the status of their application file in the admissions portal.

DOWNLOAD the Freshman Admissions Guide

10th Grade Application Requirements

Admissions decisions for transfer students are made on a rolling basis. Prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications early.

Students applying to the 10th grade will need to submit the following:

Online Application ($55)
8th Grade Transcript
9th Grade Transcript
Teacher Recommendation Form (one required; must be completed by a current academic teacher)
Discipline Form
Copy of Birth Certificate

Once the application has been submitted, families can send a request to their school for the required documents and monitor the status of their application file in the admissions portal.

11th Grade Application Requirements

Admissions decisions for transfer students are made on a rolling basis. Prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications early.

Students applying to the 11th grade will need to submit the following:

Online Application ($55)
9th Grade Transcript
10th Grade Transcript
Teacher Recommendation Form (one required; must be completed by a current academic teacher)
Discipline Form
Copy of Birth Certificate

Once the application has been submitted, families can send a request to their school for the required documents and monitor the status of their application file in the admissions portal.

12th Grade Application Requirements

Admissions decisions for transfer students are made on a rolling basis. Prospective students are encouraged to submit their applications early.

We accept senior transfers on a case-by-case basis. In addition to the application, Senior transfer applicants are also required to interview with members of the Admissions Committee.

Students applying to 12th grade will need to submit the following:

Online Application ($55)
9th Grade Transcript
10th Grade Transcript
11th Grade Transcript
Teacher Recommendation Form (one required; must be completed by a current academic teacher)
Discipline Form
Copy of Birth Certificate

Once the application has been submitted, families can send a request to their school for the required documents and monitor the status of their application file in the admissions portal.

DOWNLOAD the Transfer Admissions Guide

Bishop O’Connell High School welcomes international students from around the world, and currently has students enrolled from China, Vietnam, South Korea, Guatemala, Guinea, Columbia, Germany, Honduras, Canada, Georgia, Brazil, Saudi Arabia, and Switzerland.

DOWNLOAD the International Applicants Guide

Application Requirements

International students must contact the Admissions Office prior to applying.

International students from other countries must submit:

Online Application
English Proficiency Exam (see below)
2 Previous Years Transcripts
Teacher Recommendation (one required; must be completed by a current academic teacher)
Disciplinary Report
Virtual Interview with the Admissions Team
Copy of Passport
Copy of Visa

*Students who require an I-20 for visa purposes should contact the Admissions Team for more information.

Application deadline is May 1, 2026.

English Proficiency

Bishop O'Connell does not offer any ESL courses and students are expected to be proficient in English when they begin school. International students must submit an English Proficiency score. We will accept scores from Duolingo, TOEFL, or IELTS. The minimum scores for acceptance are as follows:

TOEFL - minimum score of 85
IELTS - minimum score of 6
Duolingo - minimum score of 115

Tuition and Additional Financial Information

Students that require an I-20 for an F1 Visa are required to:

Pay the full annual international tuition rate prior to the student starting school.
Provide proof of financial evidence showing the family has sufficient funds to cover tuition, school fees, and living expenses for the duration of study per the U.S. Department of Homeland Security.
Provide proof of insurance for the student.
International students are not eligible for financial aid.

Guardian and Housing Information

Bishop O’Connell does not coordinate guardian or housing arrangements for international students. These arrangements must be in place at time of enrollment in order for the student to attend school.

Additional Notes

We do not accept students who have repeated or re-classified in high school.

Athletic Transfer Policy - Families of student-athletes should be aware of the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference's transfer policy. Read more...

If you have any questions, please contact the Office of Admissions at admissions@bishopoconnell.org or 703-237-1420.

Meet Our Graduates

Attending O'Connell has enabled me to grow in so many ways. Through the support of teachers, and the availability of diverse academic and extracurricular options, I was able to explore my many interests, and discern my potential plan for the future.

- Samantha S. '25
(University of Notre Dame)
Read more...

Inquire

Check Status

For more information,
contact the Office of Admissions:
admissions@bishopoconnell.org
703-237-1420