“All of you I know have dreams dreams of college of success of love and happiness dreams of the future.” These words once spoken at Bishop O’Connell High School echo through its halls even today. Bishop O’Connell High School stands as a beacon of Catholic education in Arlington Virginia. It has a rich history and a strong commitment to its students.
Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School also known as DJO opened its doors in 1957. Six local parishes founded it to serve the growing Catholic community. The school was named after Bishop Denis J. O’Connell. He was the Bishop of Richmond from 1912 to 1926.
Originally a co-institutional school Bishop O’Connell welcomed 360 ninth-graders. Brothers of Christian Schools and Sisters Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary guided their education. Since then Bishop O’Connell has graduated over 18000 men and women. Today it serves students from over 80 schools in the D.C. area.
Bishop O’Connell High School holds high expectations for everyone. Its academic program is designed to prepare students for college. The Muller Academic Services Program supports students with learning disabilities. Advanced Placement and Honors courses are available. Dual credit and dual enrollment opportunities are offered through Marymount University. The Global Studies Certificate Program provides learning experiences focused on world issues. Bishop O’Connell also offers services for students with intellectual disabilities.
Bishop O’Connell participates in the Washington Catholic Athletic Conference. Its primary athletic rival has been Paul VI Catholic High School. Bishop Ireton High School and Gonzaga High School are also rivals. The Girls’ Varsity Soccer team won the National Championship in 2004.
With over 100 student-organized clubs Bishop O’Connell offers a wide range of activities. These clubs focus on academics service and common interests.
Charitable events are a significant part of Bishop O’Connell’s identity. The Superdance is an annual 12-hour dance-a-thon. It raises money for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. Students started the Superdance in 1976. They wanted to find a cure for cystic fibrosis a disease that claimed the life of a student named Brenda O’Donnell. As of 2018 O’Connell students have raised over $4.3 million for the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation.
The Hearty Soup Drive is another annual event. Students collect cans of hearty soup for the local Catholic Charities food bank. The school collects approximately 10000 cans of soup each year. The cans are displayed on the football field and the student body prays a Living Rosary.
Bishop O’Connell boasts a distinguished list of alumni. They have excelled in various fields including music politics sports and entertainment.
Bishop O’Connell’s mission is to provide an education rooted in the life of Christ. It fosters the pursuit of excellence in the whole person. The school’s philosophy emphasizes the development of the spiritual intellectual social emotional and physical aspects of each student. Bishop O’Connell strives to create a supportive and inclusive community. It welcomes students of diverse backgrounds and learning needs. Bishop O’Connell High School continues to uphold its mission and vision. It provides a transformative education for young people preparing them for college and beyond.