Frequently Asked Questions

1. Bishop McNamara is a Catholic School in the Holy Cross Tradition. What does this mean?
2. What do you look for when admitting students to Bishop McNamara?
3. Do you accept transfer students?
4. How much does it cost to attend BMHS?
5. Is Financial Aid or Merit Aid available at BMHS?
6. How do students travel to BMHS each day?
7. Where do Bishop McNamara graduates attend college?
8. How many letters of recommendation are needed?

Bishop McNamara is a Catholic School in the Holy Cross Tradition. What does this mean?

Bishop McNamara is a Catholic school sponsored by The Brothers of Holy Cross. BMHS provides a faith-based education. As a Holy Cross School Community, BMHS:

• Educates in the Faith by instilling a life mission consistent with Gospel values.
• 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 community. Inspires life-long learning, personal growth and faith development.
• Bishop McNamara students individually and collectively carry on the Bishop McNamara mission by making a positive difference in their world

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What do you look for when admitting students to Bishop McNamara?

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

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Do you accept transfer students?

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.

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How much does it cost to attend BMHS?

Current costs and financial information can be obtained by clicking here for a link to our updapted page on this site.

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Is Financial Aid or Merit Aid available at BMHS?

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.
• The Band Boosters' Award performance scholarships are offered to a limited number of incoming freshmen for the academic year
• Fine Arts Scholarships in the areas of Choir, Dance and Drama are awarded in incoming freshmen based upon audition results.
• A Visual Arts Scholarship is awarded to an incoming ninth grader based upon evaluation of portfolio submission.

 Click here for details on Grants and Aid.

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How do students travel to BMHS each day?

Students come from all over the Washington Metropolitan area. Bus transportation is available from several areas through a private firm for an 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 http://www.wmata.com/

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Where do Bishop McNamara graduates attend college?

Over the last five years, 98-100% of Bishop McNamara graduates have been accepted at colleges and universities all over the country.

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How many letters of recommendation are needed?

Two letters of recommendation are requested for applications of students applying from non-Catholic elementary schools or for transfer students. Recommendations for students from Catholic Elementary Schools are automatically submitted.

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