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Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School

6600 Little Falls Rd Arlington, VA 22213

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked VA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,153 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $16,535
  • Acceptance rate: 90%
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 10 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School Photo #1
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School Photo #2
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School Photo #3
School location map

Quick Facts (2026-27)

  • Top Ranked VA School
  • Grades: 9-12
  • Enrollment: 1,153 students
  • Yearly Tuition: $16,535
  • Acceptance rate: 90%
  • Average class size: 18 students
  • Application Deadline: Jan. 10 / rolling
  • Source: ✓Verified school update

School Rankings

Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for:

Category
Attribute
Student Body
Sports offered
School History

School Facts

Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
Students By Grade
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Muller Academic Services Program for students with documented learning disabilities
Year Founded
1957
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Awards
 Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 1994
Campus Size
20 acres
School Motto
To provide students an education rooted in the life of Christ.

Student Body

Total Students
1,153 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
33%
State avg.: 31%

Academic Profile

Total Classroom Teachers
101 teachers
Student-Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.:
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
81%
Average Class Size
18 students
Average SAT score
1220
(Out of 1600)
Classroom Dress Code
Casual
Fall/Spring Casual; Winter more formal with jacket
Number of AP Courses
28 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
Art HistoryArt/Drawing
BiologyCalculus AB
Calculus BCChemistry
Comparative Political SystemsComputer Science
English LanguageEnglish Literature
Environmental ScienceFrench Language
LatinMacroeconomics
MicroeconomicsModern European History
Music TheoryPhysics B
Physics C (E &M)Physics C (Mechanical)
PsychologySpanish Language
Spanish LiteratureStatistics
United States GovernmentUnited States History

Tuition & Financial Aid

Admission Deadline
Jan. 10 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
Tuition Notes
Tuition varies based on whether the student is Catholic
% on Financial Aid
30%
Acceptance Rate
90%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Michael Cresson
Admissions Associate
Kathryn Haas
Application URL

Sports

School Notes

  • Bishop O'Connell High School is a Catholic coeducational community located in Arlington, Virginia.
  • The spiritual atmosphere is enriched by the presence of the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary.
  • Our mission is to provide students an education rooted in the life of Christ and to foster the pursuit of excellence in the whole person.
  • We believe in the full development of the human person, including the spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical aspects of one's being.
  • Commitment to academic excellence is an integral part of our identity as a Catholic school.
  • We believe that students learn best when they are actively engaged in the learning process, and when each student has appropriate opportunities for success.
  • We believe that student self-esteem is enhanced by positive relationships and mutual respect among and between students and faculty; that students thrive in a supportive yet stimulating climate which affirms the dignity of all persons; and that we are called to educate students of diverse economic, cultural, religious, racial, and ethnic backgrounds.
  • A Catholic co-educational community since 1957
  • Small class sizes with teachers who care
  • Financial assistance available
  • Convenient location with bus transportation provided (walking distance from East Falls Church Metro)
  • 70 different Clubs that students participate in
  • Dual Enrollment Courses available through Marymount University
  • One of a kind Global Studies Program
  • Project Lead the Way Engineering Curriculum
  • Sample of notable school alumni/alumnae:
    • Dominic K., Duke University -
    • Samantha R., University of Notre Dame -
Source: Verified school update

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School cost?
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School's tuition is approximately $16,535 for private students.
What schools are Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School often compared to?
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School is often viewed alongside schools like Bishop Ireton High School by visitors of our site.
What is the acceptance rate of Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School?
The acceptance rate of Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School is 90%, which is higher than the national average of 82%.
Who are famous alumni from Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School?
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School famous alumni include: Dominic K., Duke University and Samantha R., University of Notre Dame.
Does Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School offer a summer program?
Yes, Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School offers a summer program. Visit their for more information.
What sports does Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School offer?
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School offers 21 interscholastic sports: Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Crew, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Ice Hockey, Lacrosse, Sailing, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Winter Track and Wrestling. Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for most sports offered.
What is Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School's ranking?
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Virginia for: Highest percentage of faculty with advanced degrees, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Oldest founding date.
When is the application deadline for Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School?
The application deadline for Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School is Jan. 10 / rolling (applications are due on Jan. 10 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
In what neighborhood is Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School located?
Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School is located in the East Falls Church neighborhood of Arlington, VA.

School Reviews

  5.00 out of 5  (3 reviews)
5  
I have 1 DJO grad and a current 11th grader. We could not be any happier with DJO. They have received an awesome education that has and will prepare them for college while making many great friends. A very all-around balance school!
- Posted by
5  
Great school. The instructors encourage open discussions and idea sharing amongst students. It is definitely not a stagnant environment.
- Posted by
5  
Great Academic Program Outstanding Teachers Excellent Coaches
- Posted by

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Did You Know?

The average private school tuition in Arlington, VA is $16,100 for elementary schools (read more about average private school tuition across the country).
The average acceptance rate in Arlington, VA is 87% (read more about average acceptance rates across the country).

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