BISHOP McNAMARA HIGH SCHOOL is a Catholic, independent, college-preparatory high school educating hearts and minds rooted in the Holy Cross tradition.
We have 60 years of educating youth in the Washington, DC area and a legacy of over 15,000 alumni who demonstrate every day 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.
Quick Stats (2024-25)
- Top Ranked MD School
- Grades: 9-12
- Enrollment: 894 students
- Yearly Tuition: $21,215
- Acceptance rate: 40%
- Average class size: 18 students
- Application Deadline: Dec. 13 / rolling
- Source: Verified school update
Top Rankings
Bishop McNamara High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for:
Category
Attribute
Acceptance Rate
Student Body
AP Courses
Sports offered
Extracurriculars
School Overview
Religious Affiliation
Grades Offered
Grades 9-12
ADD/ADHD Support
Yes
Learning Difference Programs
Yes
Learning Programs Supported
Diagnosed Learning Differences (St Joseph Program), Developmental Delays (St Andre Program)
Year Founded
1964
Summer School Offered
Yes
Summer Program Details
School Calendar
Awards
Blue Ribbon School - Selected in 2024
Student Body
Total Students
894 students
Student Body Type
Co-ed
% Students of Color
95%
State avg.: 37%
Students by Grade
Academics and Faculty
Total Classroom Teachers
79 teachers
Student : Teacher Ratio
11:1
National avg.: 13:1
% Faculty w/Advanced Degree
64%
Average Class Size
18 students
Number of AP Courses
20 courses
List of Courses Offered
Advanced Courses
AP African American Studies, AP Biology, AP Calculus AB, AP Calculus BC, AP Chemistry, AP Computer Science A, AP Computer Science Principles, AP Drawing, AP English Language & Composition, AP English Literature & Composition, AP Environmental Science, AP French Language & Culture, AP Latin, AP Physics 1: Algebra-Based, AP Physics C: Mechanics, AP Psychology, AP Spanish Language & Culture, AP Statistics, AP Studio Art 2-D Design, AP US History
Matriculation DataMatric. Data
Classroom Dress Code
Formal
khaki pants, blazers, khaki skirts
Tuition and Acceptance Rate
Admission Deadline
Dec. 13 / rolling
Yearly Tuition Cost
$21,215
Tuition Notes
Tuition 10-month plans offered.
Summer Program Cost
$400
Summer Program Cost Notes
$400 per course
Acceptance Rate
40%
National avg.: 85%
Admissions Director
Rashad Wilkerson
Admissions Associate
Kendall Isadore
Sports
Total Sports Offered
20 sports
Sports
Extracurriculars
Total ExtracurricularsTotal Extra-curric.
33 extracurriculars
ExtracurricularsExtra-curric.
Club or Organization:
Black Cultural Alliance, Bowling Club, Chess Club, Cooking Club, England Exchange, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Filipino American Cultural Enlightenment, Fitness Club, Foreign Language Honor Societies, Frontiers of Justice, Government Internship Program, McNamara Yearbook Club, Mock Trial, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, National Honor Society, Photography Club, Poetic Justice, Project Earth, Spain Exchange, Speech and Debate Club, Step Team, Teens in Action, The Stampede (school newspaper), Vita Semper (Pro-life), Webmasters Club, Yoga Club, Youth for Christ
Arts and Music Programs:
Artisans Guild, Intramural Basketball, Shakespeare Festival, Tech Crew, The Inkwell (student art &creative writing), Tri-M Music Honor Society
Black Cultural Alliance, Bowling Club, Chess Club, Cooking Club, England Exchange, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, Filipino American Cultural Enlightenment, Fitness Club, Foreign Language Honor Societies, Frontiers of Justice, Government Internship Program, McNamara Yearbook Club, Mock Trial, Mu Alpha Theta Mathematics Honor Society, National Honor Society, Photography Club, Poetic Justice, Project Earth, Spain Exchange, Speech and Debate Club, Step Team, Teens in Action, The Stampede (school newspaper), Vita Semper (Pro-life), Webmasters Club, Yoga Club, Youth for Christ
Arts and Music Programs:
Artisans Guild, Intramural Basketball, Shakespeare Festival, Tech Crew, The Inkwell (student art &creative writing), Tri-M Music Honor Society
School Notes
Bishop McNamara High School's vision is to empower leaders,
inspired by the Gospel, transforming the world.
Bishop McNamara: Providing a world-class schoolexperience for all our students
Bishop McNamara: Providing a world-class schoolexperience for all our students
Source: Verified school update
Frequently Asked Questions
How much does Bishop McNamara High School cost?
Bishop McNamara High School's tuition is approximately $21,215 for private students and $400 for summer students.
What is the acceptance rate of Bishop McNamara High School?
The acceptance rate of Bishop McNamara High School is 40%, which is lower than the national average of 81%. Bishop McNamara High School's acceptance rate is ranked among the top private schools in Maryland with low acceptance rates.
Does Bishop McNamara High School offer a summer program?
Yes, Bishop McNamara High School offers a summer program. Visit their summer school page for more information.
What sports does Bishop McNamara High School offer?
Bishop McNamara High School offers 20 interscholastic sports: Archery, Baseball, Basketball, Cheering, Cross Country, Dance, Diving, Field Hockey, Football, Golf, Lacrosse, Soccer, Softball, Swimming, Tennis, Track and Field, Volleyball, Weightlifting, Winter Track and Wrestling. Bishop McNamara High School is ranked as one of the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for most sports offered.
What is Bishop McNamara High School's ranking?
Bishop McNamara High School ranks among the top 20% of private schools in Maryland for: Lowest average acceptance rates, Highest percentage of students of color, Largest student body, Most AP courses offered, Most sports offered and Most extracurriculars offered.
When is the application deadline for Bishop McNamara High School?
The application deadline for Bishop McNamara High School is Dec. 13 / rolling (applications are due on Dec. 13 but additional applications are reviewed year-round as space permits ).
Related Schools
Show me:
People that viewed Bishop McNamara High School also viewed these schools: Elizabeth Seton High School, Dematha Catholic High School, Rock Creek Christian Academy, Grace Brethren Christian School and St. Vincent Pallotti High School.
The nearest high school, elementary school and preschool to Bishop McNamara High School is From The Heart Christian School (1.8 miles away)
Show me:
Show me:
School
Location
Miles
Grades
Students
Grades: 9-12 | 540 students 6.6 miles 5715 Emerson Street
Bladensburg, MD 20710
(301) 864-4532
Bladensburg, MD 20710
(301) 864-4532
6.6
9-12
540
Grades: 9-12 | 807 students 7.9 miles 4313 Madison St
Hyattsville, MD 20781
(240) 764-2202
Hyattsville, MD 20781
(240) 764-2202
7.9
9-12
807
Grades: PK-7 4.8 miles 6707 Woodyard Road
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
(301) 599-9600
Upper Marlboro, MD 20772
(301) 599-9600
4.8
PK-7
n/a
Grades: K-12 | 393 students 6.6 miles 6501 Surratts Road
Clinton, MD 20735
(301) 868-1600
Clinton, MD 20735
(301) 868-1600
6.6
K-12
393
Grades: 9-12 | 410 students 17.8 miles 113 St Mary's Place
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 725-3228
Laurel, MD 20707
(301) 725-3228
17.8
9-12
410
School Reviews
5 5/20/2016
Bishop McNamara is a place where young adults from all walks of life can be themselves. When we look at the halls of McNamara we see 100% diversity. This is from color to size, from wealthy families to poor, from solid homes to broken ones, from young adults with high self-esteem to those broken souls in need of repair. It is that 100% diversity which makes this school tick in a different way from any other school we have been involved with. From the quirky to the future quantum physicist everyone finds a home in this school.
We witness firsthand the love that binds the faculty, students and parents daily. The way a student who will never play a sport but loves them is not left out. That child is woven into an intricate framework as a leader by being a statistician, manager, summer basketball camp commissioner or the president of the spirit club who supports athletics. Niches are not found for young adults here, they are created by the believers in this education of life by faculty and staff. This goes for all aspects of the school, academics, fine arts and spiritual formation. BMHS is a place for your family to find a purpose to serve and call home.
Endorse Bishop McNamara High School. Endorsements should be a few sentences in length. Please include any comments on:
- Quality of academic programs, teachers, and facilities
- Availability of music, art, sports and other extracurricular activities
- Academic or athletic awards
Recent Articles
Early Childhood Education Approaches: A Guide for Parents of 1 and 2 Year Olds
In this article we explore three popular approaches to early childhood education: Montessori, Reggio Emilia, and Waldorf. It provides parents of toddlers with essential information about each method, helping them make informed decisions about their child's early education.
Making the Right Choice: A Parent's Guide to Private School Selection
We explore the reasons to consider private school education, compares boarding and day school options, and outlines essential factors in choosing the right school. It provides parents with valuable insights to make informed decisions about their child's education, drawing from real-world scenarios and expert advice.
Navigating Private School Finances: A Parent's Guide
This comprehensive guide explores the intricacies of private school tuition and financing options. Divided into three chapters, it covers understanding private school tuition, various payment methods, and seven specific options for managing educational expenses. The article aims to provide parents and guardians with valuable insights and practical strategies to make private education more accessible and affordable.
