Business Details
50+ Years
experience
National Blue Ribbon High School in Washington, DC
Bishop McNamara High School High School has been a cornerstone of academic excellence in the Washington, DC area for over six decades. Our institution is dedicated to nurturing students' intellectual, spiritual, and personal growth through a rigorous college-preparatory curriculum. With 230+ college-preparatory courses and specialized programs in STEM, fine arts, and theology, we prepare students for success in higher education and beyond. Our 1:1 educational device program and partnerships with world-class organizations ensure students gain hands-on experience in innovation and technology. The school's commitment to holistic development is reflected in its 11:1 student-faculty ratio, with 64% of faculty holding advanced degrees. As a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, we take pride in our 100% college admission rate and the $31.2 million in scholarships earned by the Class of 2025.Our faith-based education emphasizes service, with students completing over 29,000 service hours annually. The arts program stands as one of the most comprehensive in the region, with 80%+ student participation across 46 STEM courses and 8 STEM-focused clubs. Our graduates emerge as leaders equipped with critical thinking skills, ethical grounding, and a passion for making a positive impact in the world.
Services
STEM Education
Fine Arts Programs
College Preparation
Faith & Service
Athletics
AP Courses
Service Learning
Language Programs
Innovation Labs
College Counseling
Details
- Year established: 1964
Highlights and features
- We offer 230+ college-preparatory courses with 18 Advanced Placement options
- Our 1:1 educational device program enhances STEM learning experiences
- We maintain a 11:1 student-faculty ratio with 64% advanced degree holders
- Our students earned $31.2 million in scholarships for the Class of 2025
- We combine faith-based education with 29,000+ annual service learning hours
Associations and certifications
- National Blue Ribbon School
What people say
Supportive community
Academic excellence
Transformative experience
College preparation
Faith development
Services
STEM Education
Our STEM program offers 46 courses and 8 specialized clubs with corporate partnerships for hands-on learning. Students gain practical experience in technology, engineering, and multimedia through our 1:1 device program and innovation labs. The curriculum prepares students for college-level STEM fields while fostering creative problem-solving skills.
Fine Arts
We provide one of Washington DC's most comprehensive fine arts programs with 80%+ student participation. Courses span visual arts, performing arts, and music with state-of-the-art facilities. Our F.A.D.E. program offers specialized arts diplomas while developing creative expression and technical proficiency in students.
College Preparation
Our college-preparatory curriculum includes 230+ courses and 18 AP options with 100% college admission success. Personalized counseling guides students through 2,129 college applications annually. The program emphasizes critical thinking, writing skills, and academic excellence for higher education readiness.
Faith & Service
Rooted in Catholic values, our theology program develops ethical leaders through service learning. Students complete 29,000+ annual service hours while exploring faith traditions. The curriculum integrates moral reasoning with practical applications for social justice and community impact.
Athletics
Our 22 varsity teams compete in WCAC with emphasis on teamwork and character development. The program builds leadership skills through interscholastic competition while maintaining academic excellence. Student-athletes learn discipline, resilience, and sportsmanship in a supportive environment.
People
Emily Koenick
English Department Chair
With extensive experience in education, Emily Koenick leads our English department in developing critical thinking and literary analysis skills. She emphasizes writing excellence and college readiness through innovative curriculum design and personalized instruction.
Ronnette R. Meyers
Board Chair
As Board Chair and parent of an alum, Ronnette R. Meyers provides strategic leadership while maintaining our educational mission. She champions community engagement and ensures resources support student success across academic and extracurricular programs.
Paul O'Brien
Theology Department
Paul O'Brien guides our faith-based curriculum, connecting theological principles with real-world applications. He fosters spiritual growth while encouraging students' social justice initiatives and service learning projects throughout the community.
Brittingham Barnett
Student
Class of 2025 student Brittingham Barnett exemplifies academic excellence and leadership. As a National Merit Scholar, they demonstrate the school's success in developing critical thinking skills and ethical decision-making capabilities.
Kennedy Ben
Student
Kennedy Ben, Class of 2025, represents our commitment to holistic development. As a student leader, they balance academic achievement with artistic expression and faith formation, embodying our educational philosophy.
Questions
What makes Bishop McNamara's STEM program unique?
Our STEM program features 46 courses, 8 specialized clubs, and corporate partnerships for hands-on learning experiences in technology and innovation labs.
How does the school support college preparation?
We offer 230+ college-prep courses, 18 AP options, and personalized counseling guiding 2,129 college applications annually with 100% admission success.
What fine arts opportunities are available?
We provide one of DC's most comprehensive arts programs with 80%+ student participation across visual, performing, and music disciplines.
How does the school integrate faith into education?
Our theology program combines moral reasoning with service learning, completing 29,000+ annual service hours while exploring Catholic traditions.
What athletic opportunities exist for students?
22 varsity teams compete in WCAC, emphasizing character development through teamwork, discipline, and sportsmanship in a supportive environment.
How does the school measure academic success?
We track success through $31.2M in scholarships earned by Class of 2025 and 78% of seniors enrolled in honors/AP courses.
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