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National Blue Ribbon School for 2024

Welcome to Bishop McNamara

Welcome to the Magic of Bishop McNamara!

Alumni Graduates of Bishop McNamara Celebrating 50 Years at Graduation

✟ BEING FAMILY

We continue to enjoy our alumni family years after their graduation.

Excellence in Education

Excellence in Education

Excellence is made possible by a dedicated faculty, an extensive catalog of courses including STEM, and a passionate mission to educate students' hearts and minds. Go to Academics>

LRSIC Tech Innovation Lab

STEM & INNOVATION

BMHS has developed unique partnerships with world-class organizations to enhance the student's STEM & Innovation Learning Experience. Go to STEM>

FINE ARTS

Bishop McNamara Fine Arts Department offers one of the most extensive arts educations in the Washington, DC area. Go to Fine Arts>

OUR VISION

Bishop McNamara 

Empowered leaders ✟ Inspired by the Gospel ✟ Transforming the world

For more than six decades, Bishop McNamara High School has educated youth in the Washington, DC area. With a legacy of over 15,000 alumni, we nurture the unique, God-given talents of every student who walks through our doors.

As a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, we challenge our community to innovate, lead, and live a life deeply rooted in Christ. Our graduates leave equipped with the knowledge, creativity, and compassion to transform our world.

 

Academic Excellence

Student at Graduation 2025

A 2024 National Blue Ribbon award-winning school that values academic excellence for all students, committed to a rigorous, diverse, and globally sensitive college-preparatory education for our students

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STEM & Innovation

Innovation Lab

Our STEM provides hands-on experiences & unique corporate partnerships in science, technology, engineering & multimedia.

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$33,180,614 in Scholarships

Zora Williams earned a full ride to UMD

Class of 2026 has earned over $33 million & still counting in college scholarships!

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Extensive Fine Arts Program

String Ensemble 2025

We offer one of the most extensive arts education in the Washington, DC area.

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Faith & Service

Liturgy for opening of school

Making God known, loved, and served.

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TESTIMONIALS

Our Voices

"Bishop McNamara gave me the space to explore many different extracurriculars, including orchestra, theater, and lacrosse. By balancing the rigors of the lacrosse field with the creative demands of the stage, I learned the importance of educating both my mind and my heart, a value central to the Holy Cross tradition at Mac.” This fall, Faith will attend Drexel University, where she plans to major in Biomedical Engineering.

Faith Clark, Class of 2026

Student

"As a graduate of the School, it's been really special to come back and be part of the same community that played an important role in shaping who I am. Teaching Computer Science has been incredibly rewarding, especially because I get to work with students every day and watch them grow more confident in their programming abilities. Seeing something that may start as intimidating turn into a genuine interest or even a passion has been one of the most enjoyable parts of my job. It's this environment that has kept me here for the past 10 years!"

Matt Walther Class of 2001

Alumni, faculty

“Over the past four years, Bishop McNamara has helped me grow both academically and personally. It strengthened my math skills and supported my overall learning, helping me become a better student. Through activities like basketball, I’ve also grown as a person and developed into a stronger, more confident version of myself. My experience here has been well-rounded, preparing me for adulthood and helping me understand the importance of responsibility, growth, and staying focused on what truly matters."

Qayden Samuels, Class of 2026

Student

“Bishop McNamara High School has prepared me for this next step by challenging me academically and strengthening my faith, while surrounding me with a supportive community that pushed me to grow. As a student-athlete, I’ve learned the importance of maintaining strong grades while balancing a demanding schedule, building my discipline and time management skills, and giving me the confidence to take on my next chapter.” Sophia earned more than $531,000 in scholarships overall!

Sophia Delarosa, Class of 2026

Student

“My coaches & teachers always believed in me, pushed me to do my best, & to fight through adversity. I’m very thankful for the McNamara community accepting me with open arms and hands for my last year in high school.”

Kai will attend American University on a full scholarship, where she plans to major in Business and Entertainment.

 

Kai Powell, Class of 2026

Student

“I chose McNamara in the beginning because a lot of my friends from middle school were going there. What made me stay was the family environment. I loved the teachers, my friends, and the atmosphere. I had no negativity about this school — I loved it from day one." 

Nicole Yeargin, Class of 2016

alumni, olympic medalist

“I chose Bishop McNamara because of its warm and welcoming community, where both students and staff embody kindness and familial spirit. Additionally, the school offers a robust academic program and excellent sport opportunities, making it an ideal environment for personal and educational growth.”

Phoebe Goodwin, Class of 2027

STUDENT

“The growth and changes that happen in high school are essentially the same for a teenager. What is different, however, is the environment in which the teenager experiences high school, and that's where McNamara is different — here you are cared for and educated in a way that is not similar to other high schools. When you fall, we catch you. When you want to succeed, we propel you. The word that best describes our vibe is simply, love.”

Emily Koenick

Faculty

"During my time at McNamara as a parent of an alum, a member of the board, and now as Board Chair, I have witnessed firsthand just how extraordinary this school truly is. The strength, spirit, and warmth of this community are unmatched, and I have seen time and time again how Bishop McNamara creates opportunities for our students to thrive."

Mrs. Ronnette R. Meyers

Alumni Parent, Chair BOard of Directors

McNAMARA AT A GLANCE

Our Facts

100%

college Acceptance

Over 33M

in college scholarships earned

2024

National blue ribbon school - academic excellence

200

Feeder Schools from 13 Counties

46 + 8

46 Stem Courses + 8 stem focused clubs offered

29,000+

Student holy cross service Hours

11:1

Student/Faculty ratio

230+

college-preparatory courses

64%

Faculty held Advanced Degrees

75%

students participating in the arts

22

varsity sports competing in WCAC

F.A.D.E.

FINE ARTS DIPLOMA ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM

20

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

78%

11th & 12th graders enrolled in Honors or AP classes

16

Average years faculty teaching experience

5

modern & classical languages

23

Advanced Placement Courses
stem, innovation programs & stem Partnerships

51

Honors courses

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

Our College Acceptances

Harvard University logo
US Coast Guard Academy
Howard University
Duke University
University of Maryland
Mount St. Mary's University
Wake Forest University
Carnegie Mellon University
North Carolina A & T State University
University of Notre Dame
UMBC
U.S. Air Force Academy
Towson University
University of North Carolina
USC logo
University of Rochester
George Washington University
Xavier University of Louisiana
Columbia University
Coastal Carolina University
Princeton University
Morgan State University
Ohio State University
Stetson University
Temple University
Purdue University
Tulane University of Louisiana
Vanderbilt University
Fordham University
Culinary Institute of America
Salisbury University
Rochester Institute of Technology
Tuskegee University
Seton Hall University
Clemson University
Virginia Tech