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Welcome to Bishop McNamara

Welcome to the Magic of McNamara!

Ready to see it for yourself? Schedule a visit and experience the Mac difference. → Go to Visit 

Faith, Family and Excellence for Every Student

100% College-Bound

100% college acceptance, year after year. $33.5 Million in Scholarships earned. See where our graduates are headed. → Go to Happy List

Students work at computer stations in a modern classroom featuring a blue accent wall with a world map.

We're Building Your Future 

46 STEM courses, 8 STEM-focused clubs, and real mentorships with industry partners — preparing students for careers, not just classes.→ Go to STEM 

Four students in school uniforms pose together in a modern, bright indoor space with glass walls and white architecture.

Where Your Child Will Thrive

With an 11:1 student-faculty ratio, your child isn't just enrolled; they're known, supported, and set up to succeed.→ Go to Admissions

A group of people stand together holding a maroon banner celebrating 50 years of alumni from Bishop McNamara and La Reine High Schools in front of a marble wall and wooden doors.

Alumni - A Legacy 15,000+ Strong

From one graduating class to the next, our Mustang family keeps growing. → Go to Alumni

OUR VISION

Bishop McNamara 

Empowered Leaders ✟ Inspired by the Gospel ✟ Transforming the World

For more than six decades, Bishop McNamara has educated the Washington, DC area's next generation of leaders,
now a family of alumni 15,000+ strong.

As a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School, we challenge every student to innovate, lead, and live a life rooted in Christ,
graduating hearts ready to serve and minds ready to succeed.

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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$33.6 Million in Scholarships

Zora Williams earned a full ride to UMD

Class of 2026 earned $33.6 million in college scholarships!

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Extensive Fine Arts Program

String Ensemble 2025

Offering one of the most extensive & distinguished fine arts education programs 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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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.” Faith is attending Drexel University,  majoring in Biomedical Engineering.

Faith Clark, Class of 2026

Alumni

"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 is attending the University of Alabama on a full scholarship.

Qayden Samuels, Class of 2026

Alumni

“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! She is attending The Catholic University of America as a Nursing major.

Sophia Delarosa, Class of 2026

Alumni

“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 is attending American University on a full scholarship, majoring in Business and Entertainment.

Kai Powell, Class of 2026

Alumni

“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

100%

College Acceptance

33.6M

in College Scholarships earned

80th

percentile nationally in Math & Reading for 2025-2026.

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

190+

College-Preparatory Courses

60%

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 AP Classes

16

Average Years of Faculty Teaching Experience

4

Modern & Classical Languages

23

Advanced Placement Courses

4

STEM Partnerships with Industry Leaders

51

Honors Courses

COLLEGES & UNIVERSITIES

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