Bishop Denis J. Oconnell High School

Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School describes an education rooted in the life and Gospel of Christ that develops the “whole person” (spiritual, intellectual, social, emotional, and physical) within a compassionate, supportive Catholic community. They emphasize active student engagement, quality academic instruction that builds reason and the search for truth, and adapting instruction to individual student needs. Learning is framed as formation for faith and service—helping students recognize themselves as redeemed and respond through knowledge, love, and service to others.

Bishop Denis J. O’Connell High School uses an online application (with a $55 fee) and supporting-document checklist that families can track in the admissions portal. For 9th grade (Class of 2030 / 2026–2027 entry), applicants submit a birth certificate, 7th and 8th grade transcripts, one current academic teacher recommendation, a discipline form, and HSPT scores (DC-area 8th graders applying to 9th grade must take the HSPT; there is no stated minimum score and it is only one factor). Key dates shown for 2026–2027 include HSPT test dates on November 15, 2025 and December 6, 2025 (snow date December 13, 2025), the 9th-grade application deadline on December 15, 2025, admissions decisions on February 13, 2026, and the enrollment deadline on March 6, 2026 (financial aid opens November 1, 2025 and is due January 12, 2026). Transfer admissions decisions are described as rolling (and transfer students are not required to take the HSPT), while international applicants must contact the Admissions Office before applying and provide additional items such as an English-proficiency score and a virtual interview, with an international deadline of May 1, 2026. The site states applications are accepted only until each grade reaches capacity but does not publish a waitlist process or any explicit admissions priority/preference categories on the public admissions pages, so families are directed to contact Admissions for those details.