FAQs

Bishop McNamara High School is a Catholic school sponsored by The Brothers of Holy Cross.  The school provides a Catholic faith-based education rooted in the Holy Cross tradition. As a Holy Cross school, Bishop McNamara High School:

• Educates hearts and minds in a dynamic, inclusive Catholic school community.
• Celebrates the sanctity and dignity of life.
• Cultivates the mind, body, and spirit.
• Values diversity as a strength and humility as a virtue.
• Nurtures a spirit of charity in Christian community.
• Inspires life-long learning, personal growth and faith development.
• Advances a vision of empowered leaders, inspired by the Gospel, transforming the world.

For more information see Holy Cross at Bishop McNamara High School.

Our selection evaluation process includes:

• Academic achievement in grades 7 and 8
• Total academic progress for transfer students
• Teacher and administrative recommendations
• Entrance examination, the Catholic High School Placement Test (HSPT)
• Standardized testing
• Student essay

For more information, see Application Process.

A small number of students are accepted for grades 10 and 11 if space becomes available. We consider a limited number of transfer students for mid-year enrollment, based on space. For more information, see Application Process/Transfer Student.

Current costs and financial information can be obtained by clicking Financial Information.

Yes, both are available at Bishop McNamara.

• Archdiocesan Financial Aid is distributed on the basis of family need.
• Financial Aid is also available through the BMHS Tuition Grant Program.
• The Moreau Scholarship is a four-year full tuition scholarship based on academic achievement and a desire to attend Bishop McNamara High School.
• Moreau Merit and Presidential Scholarships are also awarded on the results of this scholarship examination, the written essay, and records provided by the student's grade school.
• Fine Arts Scholarships in the areas of Music (Choir, Band & Orchestra), Dance (Ballet, Tap, Lyrical, Jazz/Hip Hop, and African Dance), Theatre and Visual Arts/Drawing are awarded in incoming freshmen based upon audition results.
• For additional information, go to Scholarships or Financial Information.

Students come from all over the Washington Metropolitan area. Bus transportation is available from several areas through a private firm for a monthly fee. Many parents and older students drive to the school. Car pools to and from Bishop McNamara High School are encouraged. Each year a list is maintained of those expressing an interest in car-pooling. There is a Metro bus stop near the school entrance. Info on Metro and bus schedules can be obtained at the Metro Website. For more information, go to Transportation.

Over the last fifteen years, 98-100% of Bishop McNamara graduates have been accepted at colleges and universities all over the country and around the world. For a list of colleges our students attend go to Colleges and Universities.

Two Teacher Evaluation Forms are required for applications of students applying from non-Catholic elementary schools or for transfer students. Recommendations for students from Catholic Elementary Schools are automatically submitted. You may download the evaluation forms during the Apply Online process or go to Admissions Forms to print additional copies.