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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>

Alumni gather for the Hall of Fame and the Homecoming festivities

✟ BEING FAMILY

We continue to enjoy our alumni family years after graduation.

LRSIC

Welcome to Bishop McNamara

Our NEW La Reine Science & Innovation Center

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

As a National Blue Ribbon School with 60 years of educating youth in the Washington, DC area and a legacy of over 14,000 alumni, we demonstrate our belief in the unique, God-given talents of every young person who walks through our doors. We challenge our students to be innovative, creative, and caring individuals as we focus on academic excellence, leadership development, and a passion for a life rooted in Christ. Bishop McNamara strives to ensure that our graduates leave our school equipped with the knowledge and a zest for life to make our world a better place.

 

Academic Excellence

Girl Student working on her computer

Bishop McNamara, with its 2024 National Blue Ribbon award-winning team of dedicated faculty,  values academic excellence for all students and is committed to providing 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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Over $30 Million in Scholarships

Graduation 2023

Class of 2024 earned over $30.5M in scholarships so far!

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Extensive Fine Arts Program

String Ensemble at Grand Opening event

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

“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." And about her Track & Field coach she says, "Sonny Hicks '11 was amazing. He allowed me to have fun with the sport, and that's something I carry with me today."

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

“Bishop McNamara High School has prepared me for college and beyond in multiple ways. I have been provided with teachers, counselors, mentors, study skills,  life skills, and resources to help me become a better version of myself. Coming into McNamara my freshman year I was shy, a person who was nervous to interact with the others. Through the help of the McNamara family I have become prepared to interact with other outside of the school in a confident manner.”

Brianna Reynolds, Class of 2024

alumni, alabama state university student

"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. This recognition as a National Blue Ribbon School is yet another testament to the excellence that runs through every aspect of our institution."

Mrs. Ronnette R. Meyers

Alumni Parent, Chair BOard of Directors

“I still remember when I completed my shadow visit at Bishop McNamara during the 8th grade. I felt welcomed by everyone - students, faculty, and staff.  I could immediately see myself doing great things here and I knew I would get a great education that would prepare me for the world at large.”
 

Kennedy Ben, Class of 2025

student

“BMHS prepared me for college since my freshman year when I had to learn how to be more organized to keep up with my assignments. For four years, I  had to complete homework assignments for every class, which required me to learn to balance my schedule and commitments.”

Kow Simpson, Class of 2022

alumni, harvard University 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, English Department Chair

“I love how our students truly develop a thirst for justice. Our kids often become very active in causes that promote a greater society. In a world torn apart in so many ways, our kids truly become active, bringers of hope!”

Mr. Paul O'Brien

faculty, theology department

McNAMARA AT A GLANCE

Our Facts

100%

college acceptance rate

30.5 MM

c/o 2024 scholarships & financial aid

2024

National blue ribbon school

46 + 8

46 Stem Courses + 8 stem focused clubs offered

28,000+

holy cross service Hours for c/o 2024

11:1

Student/Faculty ratio

250

college-preparatory courses

64%

Faculty held Advanced Degrees

80%+

students participating in the arts

22

varsity sports competing in WCAC

F.A.D.E.

FINE ARTS DIPLOMA ENDORSEMENT PROGRAM

19

AVERAGE CLASS SIZE

78%

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

16

Average years teaching experience

5

modern & classical languages

1:1

educational device program

18

Advanced Placement Courses

2,129

college applications for c/o 2024 for 338 colleges in 41 states
stem, innovation programs & stem Partnerships

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