Bishop O’Connell High School has been recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society as a 2014 School of Excellence. The society’s Catholic Education Honor Roll has a ten-year tradition celebrating quality Catholic education throughout the United States. Schools of Excellence are marked by the integration of Catholic identity throughout all aspects of their programs and excellence in academics.
The award comes as Bishop O’Connell completes a three-year facilities renovation project that resulted in nine new science classrooms—including a Biosafety Level-2 (BSL-2) Laboratory and equipment and materials for the Project Lead the Way engineering curriculum. This summer’s renovations also included an expanded space for academic support services.
The school offers Advanced Placement (AP) courses, covering 26 subject areas, and in 2014, 125 students were named AP scholars by College Board. The class of 2014 received more than $18.5 million in college scholarships and 62 members participated in dual credit courses that resulted in college credits from Marymount University. Another 22 members received a certificate at graduation indicating the equivalent of a ninth semester of study in the school’s Global Studies Program.
The curriculum at Bishop O’Connell includes four years of theology study for all students, and the student life is enriched by the presence of a full-time chaplain, as well as a community of Sisters, Servants of the Immaculate Heart of Mary on staff and in residence.
“We strive for excellence in all we do at Bishop O'Connell and the foundation of our efforts is our Catholic identity,” said Head of School Joseph E. Vorbach. “We are honored to be recognized by the Cardinal Newman Society as a School of Excellence. This award speaks to the dedication of our faculty and staff and the commitment of our entire school community.”
This year, Bishop O’Connell was one of 71 schools nation-wide who received the honor of being named as a School of Excellence. This is less than five percent of the Catholic high schools in the United States.
“Since competition began in 2004, the Honor Roll has been a helpful tool for administrators, families and benefactors in recognizing the quality of a Catholic high school education,” said Patrick J. Reilly, President of The Cardinal Newman Society. “The Honor Roll schools are a reminder that Catholic education is getting better every day—not only academically, but in the renewal of Catholic identity—and we are delighted to see the increased level of competition among the schools that participated in the program this year.”
Read more about the Cardinal Newman Society and the Catholic Education Honor Roll.